The Red Queen

A Novel

By: Philippa Gregory

Narrated by: Bianca Amato

Length: 12 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

Heiress to the red rose of Lancaster, Margaret Beaufort never surrenders her belief that her house is the true ruler of England and that she has a great destiny before her. Her ambitions are disappointed when her sainted cousin, Henry VI, fails to recognize her as a kindred spirit, and she is even more dismayed when he sinks into madness. Her mother mocks her plans, revealing that Margaret will always be burdened with the reputation of her father, one of the most famously incompetent English commanders in France. But worst of all for Margaret is when she discovers that her mother is sending her to a loveless marriage in remote Wales.

Listen to An interview with Bianca Amato, narrator of The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory.

©2010 Philippa Gregory Limited. All rights reserved. (P)2010 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"Nobody does the Tudors better than Gregory ( The Other Boleyn Girl), so it should come as no surprise that her latest—the War of the Roses as seen through the eyes of Henry VII's mother —is confident, colorful, convincing, and full of conflict, betrayal, and political maneuvering....[L]ike Margaret Beaufort, Gregory puts her many imitators to shame by dint of unequalled energy, focus, and unwavering execution." ( Publishers Weekly)

GREAT STORY AGAIN

I am just totally addicted to these old English story's about the Kings & Queens. The story line of one family members fighting another family member to gain control of the country. The desire for power can drive a person to do terrible things. Great story with draws you into the book as if you are living within these times. WONDERFUL story.

First time with Gregory I wasn't sure!

What did you like best about The Red Queen? What did you like least?

The main characters unbelievable faith ,every turn was a sign including the eclipse of the sun was a sign from Her God that Henry would become the King.I wanted to shake her at times but she is very reminiscent of late night TV of the arrogance of the Born Again Christains have today,it seems they never went away.

What other book might you compare The Red Queen to and why?

I do t know as this is my first historical drama novel

Which scene was your favorite?

When she met Henry Tudor after hearing about Richards death and her companion congratulated her and she rebuked her and told her to call her Margaret Regina I have just finished the Kingmakers dtr so I may have got that wrong one was in the church and one was on the battle field after Richards defeat.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Absolutely it would be good.if they had more of Henry assuming his role and what happened to Margaret and to him.i believe she died soon after he became king.It would be interesting to find out what happened to the White Queen and her elizabeth did marry Henry Vii just as she dreamed,.

Any additional comments?

I know phillipa Gregory can do what she wants with her novels but I was really surprised how many small and big facts were different in all three books that went into making the white queen Mini series.if I had the chance of a redo I would especially make amends with the actual facts.Just my simple and honest opinion.

My least favorite

My least favorite of this series. The main character is the least likable or interesting of the series so far which may be the main issue.

Disappointing

I’ve enjoyed several of her other books
From this genre, but this one was dreary—I stuck with it until the end
Thinking it would get better. It is a depressing story—wish I had skipped it.

Red Queen

Great podcast thoroughly enjoyed it.
Learned more about Richard the third
Learned more about Henry the seventh

Pretty good read

Where does The Red Queen rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

top 10

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

She was a wee bit insane.

What about Bianca Amato’s performance did you like?

calming voice

Who was the most memorable character of The Red Queen and why?

Her second husband. Poor man, she was pushy

Any additional comments?

I think the White Queen was a better story but without the Red Queen it would lose its Rival.

Drama Queen

The second in the series and my first thought is these women were not Red or White Queens but drama queens. Both women focus on their plight in life never realizing they are better off than most of the women of their time. That is not to agree things were nasty and rough but the dwelling on their hardships bogs the story. The Red Queen is sure she is serving God, even when husband #3 comments,"it is interesting God always wants the same thing you want.' The White Queen is the mother of Henry Tutor so the outcome of the story is not the question. The backbiting process of achieveing the historical result is the story. This is not one of those books where a reader can eagerly read the last chapter. Another interesting twist is parts of this listen echo the events from The White Queen only from the other woman's point of view. Philippa Gregory has dovetailed these 2 books and at the same time each could stand alone. Great writing!

I love Phillipa Gregory

It's looking like a great series. Very well written
I'm looking forward to the others
Great book. The red queen seemed very self righteous and falsely humble. I wonder how close that is to the way she really was

Really enjoyed this!

Philippa Gregory weaves an intricate, thoughtful and masterful canvas that vividly transports the reader back to the time of England's York/Tudor rivalries for the throne. She develops in great detail the aspirations, fears, and machinations of all the players on each side of the games of deceit, passion and power. Readers can easily imagine themselves right in the very midst of the action, the plotting, and the pageantry. I thoroughly enjoyed both the book AND the artful, clear and expressive narration!!

amazing!

Phillipa.Gregory writes beautiful scenes and I could listen to narrator every day! On to her next book!