The White Queen

A Novel

By: Philippa Gregory

Narrated by: Bianca Amato

Length: 6 hrs

Publisher's summary

BROTHER TURNS ON BROTHER to win the ultimate prize, the throne of England, in this dazzling account of the wars of the Plantagenets. They are the claimants and kings who ruled England before the Tudors, and now Philippa Gregory brings them to life through the dramatic and intimate stories of the secret players: the indomitable women, starting with Elizabeth Woodville, the White Queen.

The White Queen tells the story of a woman of extraordinary beauty and ambition who, catching the eye of the newly crowned boy king, marries him in secret and ascends to royalty. While Elizabeth rises to the demands of her exalted position and fights for the success of her family, her two sons become central figures in a mystery that has confounded historians for centuries: the missing princes in the Tower of London whose fate is still unknown. From her uniquely qualified perspective, Philippa Gregory explores this most famous unsolved mystery of English history, informed by impeccable research and framed by her inimitable storytelling skills.

With The White Queen, Philippa Gregory brings the artistry and intellect of a master writer and storyteller to a new era in history and begins what is sure to be another best-selling classic series from this beloved author.

©2009 Philippa Gregory Limited (P)2009 Simon & Schuster

Book vs. T.V. series

The book was almost identical to the television series. However it was missing some of the drama. You did not get a sense of how it was for women in that era. The book was good but I would have liked a little more to draw me in.

Wonderful Story

The best so far. Love PG'S story and narration was wonderful!!! I would highly suggest.

Fiction with Bonuses

The White Queen reminds me of a fairy-tail because of the alleged magic use. I read The Red Queen first so I found it quite fascinating when the stories and scenes intersected.

In response to the book's historical usefulness, I agree with Catherine's "Be Fair" comment. I do not speak for all Americans but, for many, keeping track of Britain's history consisted mostly of studying for school tests in the distant past.

To draw a parallel, when the television series The Tudors debuted, the critics repeated how the history was "bastardized" and "Americanized." Maybe this is true; however, I found the subject fascinating enough to look up the history (and stumble across a review all but equating "bastardized" and "Americanized").

I am still intrigued by Britain's history. I am not expert enough to read the books wished for by other commentators that are full of historical facts, as I do understand all of Gregory's references; however, I am interested and am exploring. I appreciate learning about Britain's history while listening to an intriguing work of fiction.

if you watched the show, no need to listen

I've seen the show and was hoping for more detail on the book. IT IS EXACTLY what the show is. No need to waste a credit if you've watched the show. I would have returned it, but I've been in a funk & returned too many!

LOVED THE SHOW...so if you haven't watched definitely listen!!

Not the full book?!

Not sure what is left out, but this seems to be abridged and based on the Starz tv show. Very disappointed. Should be a disclaimer stating it’s abridged. I want full books!

Enjoyable

I found this listen to be an enjoyable introduction to the history of the war of the roses. I couldn't resist looking up the history and family tree online after finishing the book.

Excellent

Written and ready extremely well. The characters were portrayed well and the subtle differences in the voices of each character were easy to distinguish which made picturing the dialogue and scenes easy in my mind!

Didn't realise it was abridged for audio

loving this series, disappointed to find out at the end that it was abridged for audio.

I love some historical fiction

The war of the roses is a very interesting and significant period of English royal history. Both Margaret Beaufort and Elizabeth Woodville are key in this historic period, and following the latter in this book is an interesting perspective.

The perspective of the white queen and the choices she is faced with making is impeccably translated and managed to transfix me.

I love how this lady narates simply wonderful

These stories by phillipa are amazing they show the womans side of the story and the narrator is simply amazing i listen while im working but also can gall asleep listening