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)

Excellent story.

History comes to life. It makes you go look up the details and learn more.

Philippa Gregory has done it once again!

loved every minute! I was there but I still dislike Margaret Rigina! ready for the next tudor novel!

fantastic!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

i feel the need to write a review for this because it has mostly negative feedback. i am not a religious person, in saying so, i understood that the religion in this book was based around the character's obsession with it. i thought it added to her persona and therefore it works. it did not bother me at all.

Who was your favorite character and why?

jasper tudor

Which scene was your favorite?

jasper and margaret's embrace in whales prior to his exile.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

it did not. i did enjoy the psychological aspect of it.

Any additional comments?

great book if given a chance.

Self-deluded and self-centered heroine

Would you try another book from Philippa Gregory and/or Bianca Amato?

Yes, as I have read many of Philippa Gregory's books and enjoyed them.

If you’ve listened to books by Philippa Gregory before, how does this one compare?

Very well written book and historically quite accurate.
It was, however, very difficult to remain invested in a main character who was so difficult to respect or to empathize with. She was impossible for me to like, although perhaps her personality was just not sympathetic to me.

Was The Red Queen worth the listening time?

Yes. As I am very interested in that period of history, this was the second time that I listened to this book. It is of particular interest when combined with the other two books of this series: The White Queen, and The Lady of the Rivers. This series is unique in representing this period of English history from a woman's point of view.

Always Right

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

I hesitated over this book for a long time because of the bad reviews but I wanted to get the full War of the Roses experience so I gave this book a shot. I am so glad I did. Margaret is a hoot. Of course she doesn't know it having absolutely no sense of humor or self-awareness but that is what makes her so funny. I found her quite amusing and I think the author must have really enjoyed writing about her. She is convinced from the time of her loveless childhood that she is another Joan of Arc even making decisions based on what she thinks Joan would do. Unfortunately being a female aristocrat she can't do much. She prides herself on her piety while exhibiting few Christian virtues. She is totally convinced that she is "special to God" so that she and God are always on the same page. I think a lot of people have misjudged this book and dislike it because they dislike Margaret. Of course we dislike Margaret! Who could like her? But this is an interesting psychological novel. She is so sure she is one way while we see her another. I wouldn't call her sociopath but she is really the center of her universe. I enjoyed the book a lot because of this interesting and unconsciously humorous character.

Which scene was your favorite?

There was one scene where her second husband Henry questions her belief that her wishes are God wishes because of course she is right. She get confused and her confidence is temporary shaken just a little which makes her very cross.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

12 hours is a long sitting. I listed to 8 hours the first day.

Any additional comments?

This is a great book in a great series. Who would have thought the War of the Roses could be so interesting.

There was entirely too much whining in this book!

If Philippa would have left out all the main character's whining this would have been a much better book.

Good not great

Most of events are the same events that were told in white queen just from different view

ditto...the other bad reviews

I love Philippa Gregory, but listening to this was painful. Read the book instead so that you can skim over the repetitive whining of the main character.

The Red Queen

Very well done.

Both the story and narration are engaging and fun to listen to.

I definitely recommend this audible book.

Love It!!

I always adore Philippa Gregory's historical fiction novels. They're a delight to read (or listen) through, as long as you remember that they are, in fact, fiction. As always, another great read!!