The Queen's Fool

There are books out there whose narration breathes life into a book and in this case this most definitely was the case. Anyone familiar with Phillipa Gregory works knows what she is capable of regarding her writing and despite my initial reservations I must say I am glad to say she did not disappoint me.

I have yet to find a Phillipa Gregory book that has not been narrated well. This has, thus far, been my 5th Phillipa Gregory title (I listened “Boelyn Inheritance” twice both the Abridged and Unabridged) and my second experience with Bianca Amato. Bianca weaved the story so exceptionally well that it is easy to get somewhat lost in her words. She has a voice that in and of itself tells a story, she gave life to the characters with specific focus on Hanah, Mary Tudor and Elizabeth Tudor specifically. Exceptional Narration! Utter perfection if you ask me, probably one of the best narrations I have listened to!

Phillipa Gregory... I was reminded once more why I am a big fan of her writings. This is the fourth of the Tudor books and picks up quite well from where 'Boelyn Inheritance' left off. The book chronicles the closing years of Edward VI, the rise and fall of Mary and the ascension of Elizabeth seen through the eyes of Hanah the Fool. The writing was, as usual, immaculate if you ask me. Just the way that she crafts words is something that anyone who likes literature would appreciate it. I like the route that Phillipa Gregory chose to tell this story. I must say I was a bit disappointed at the way Hanah allowed herself to be manipulated throughout the book but was pleased with the ultimate decision that she made in the end and the way she matured throughout the entire portion of the book itself. You actually get a very interesting view of Queen Mary and of Queen Elizabeth, their relationship being a very pivotal feature throughout the entire book. Even though you do inevitably know the outcome of the story at least where Elizabeth and Mary is concerned, the view point is so unique and the story itself woven so well it is still very easy to get engrossed in the book. Very well put together story as I would expect from Phillipa Gregory.

Yes, but I'm retired and have time to spend listening while I do the things I do. Gregory's tales usually captivate me and take me back into the time and era, this story just fell short. Perhaps I just know too much about the actual lives of Catherine, Elizabeth and Dudley; but I just could not buy into this one.

No

She's just good!

so so

see above.

I loved the storyline of this novel. It captured the feeling of the times and breathed life into historical characters in a believable way. Loved it!

I found myself completely engrossed in this story. So much so, I listened to it every moment possible, and had it finished in 3 days. Hannah's character was captivating. I admired her personal growth, and her ability to stay true to herself in spite of the conflicting loyalties for the rival houses. I was biting my nails with worry for her safety right up to the very end of the story.

This is a good book and I read it out of order and "read" the Virgin Queen first, but overall haven enjoyed it.

This is another interesting, well told historical novel by the excellent author, Philippa Gregory. Good story, wonderful narration.

The main character shows a independence and character.

This was a very unique way of blending fiction with history, it is a splendid story of love and adventure,

I am really enjoying this story. I'm not yet finished but I'm loving it so far

I can't understand why this book was two credits, and I feel them utterly wasted on this book. I usually enjoy Gregory's books for the way she brings a realism to such black-and-white historical events, but wow, was this was a let-down. It's the worst "love" story I've ever read, and I was disappointed the love story was so intrusive to the historical events unfolding.

If you pick up this book expecting a lot of insight into Mary and Elizabeth's socio-political affairs, this is the wrong book for you. Hannah, our leading lady, spends most of her time with Mary so you'll get the clearest run-down her actions, but Elizabeth's doings are usually from afar, and there is never any real explanation as to how and what Elizabeth and Dudley and Dee are accomplishing behind the queen's back, even though Hannah is playing spy and errand-runner for them. There's never explanation as to how and why Hannah was arrested. There's no real explanation as to why France and England were fighting this time, or what Mary's consort had to do with it.

Every aspect of Hannah feels like a forced plot device. She dresses like a boy, but everyone knows she's a girl. There's no pattern to Hannah's cleverness and gullibility, other than that it's convenient at the time for the author to have her be one or the other. She's extremely lackluster about her Jewish heritage, and yet she clings to it (which is it, Gregory, decide!) Both Mary and Elizabeth know her as and use her as a spy, and yet continue to favor her, even though she's a nobody with nothing to offer their causes. Her visions are predictable and obvious, yet she's constantly confused (to the point that it's kind of cheap and cheezy...her visions are not as mystical and eerie and poignant as say, Jacquetta's power in Lady of the Rivers). Hannah adopts the bastard son of her cheating husband without any real reason or desire, and suddenly turns into mama-bear. None of Hannah's qualities or actions feel at all natural.

Hannah was generally weak-kneed and wishy-washy, but it seemed that she was being built up to be a strong character in time. But as soon as I thought she had finally come into her own, she did this odd about-face and seemed to become everything that she had said she would not. It was so disheartening, because there wasn't even a plausible reason for her to fail this way, it just seemed to be what the author wanted to do next, no matter that she had built her characters to behave another way.

tldr:
1. Don't read this if you're looking for a feel-good 'girl-power' story.
2. Don't read this if you're interested in the socio-political affairs and shift of power between Mary and Elizabeth, or anyone at all.

Daniel was a surprising character that I was truly pulling for!

I am afraid to say anything! The book was a very nice perspective of the two queens from a point of view which i found unusual and enduring. I did have many moments however, which the story was just to outside of what I believe could have happened at that dangerous time. It was quite liberal with historical boundaries. This is not a complaint! I truly enjoyed the story.