Boudicca: Britain's Queen of the Iceni

By: Laurel A. Rockefeller

Narrated by: Richard Mann

Length: 50 mins

Publisher's Summary

Why is The Morrigan's raven crying? Only Britons with hearts for true liberty know!

In 43 CE Roman conquest of Britannia seems all but certain - until a chance meeting between King Prasutagus of the Iceni and a runaway slave of royal decent from the Aedui tribe in Gaul changes the fate of the British islands forever.

Rise up for liberty with the true story of Boudicca: Britain's Queen of the Iceni and discover one of the most inspiring stories in history!

Based on the accounts of Roman historian Tacitus and supplemented with archaeology presented by the BBC.

For children, teens, and adults.

©2014 Laurel A. Rockefeller (P)2014 Laurel A. Rockefeller

BOUDICCA: Beautiful, Dramatic, a Must Listen

I feel that "Boudicca: Britain's Queen of the Iceni" was an important book and a wonderful listen. She was a real living woman in history. She had ran away from the Aedui tribe where she had royal heritage and by chance met King Prasutagus. They married and had two daughters. Prasutagus wants to ally with the Romans for their weapons and power. Queen Boudicca doesn't want this.

The ending is quite dramatic but important. She and her daughters drink mead and this becomes their demise however, within the epilogue is an exactly perfect explanation.

This story is an absolute gem. For being a short listen, it's very well-written and wonderfully narrated. Laurel A. Rockefeller knows her history and is an excellent writer. I loved this book and look forward to more from The "Legendary Women of World History."

I thought Richard Mann was the perfect narrator for this piece. He has exact voice inflections and he fits in with the period. I can't imagine anyone else narrating this. He's a natural.

Audiobook received in exchange for an honest review.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

A perfectly lovely read!

Where does Boudicca: Britain's Queen of the Iceni rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I would rate it just as high as the longer books that I have listened to.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I love strong female characters like Boudicca. I think that our children should be exposed to more influential females from history. I like that she had her own personality that made sense with the story that was being told.

What about Richard Mann’s performance did you like?

I like his voice, which is very soothing, almost hypnotic. He pronounces the names well and the listening flows smoothly.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

One woman stands up to defend her people and their way of life.

Any additional comments?

I was amazed at the ability of the author to get you invested in the characters and interested in the storyline in such a short amount of time. I will be giveing this book to my nieces to listen to. They love a strong heroine.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Excellent retelling of the inspiring truth

A woman, a queen, a warrior; Boudicca is the stuff of legends, but is real history. This telling of her struggles, joys, and heartbreak are inspiration to us all, and is clearly presented without undue drama but with the kind of personalization often lacking in military renditions. Worth reading and sharing.
RM is an excellent audio performer, but I, personally, would have wished for a woman to audio the presentation.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

A history lesson with a sad ending...

Boudicca, A story in history of how a slave marries a king and attempts to take her people to freedom, via a battle of death. This is a short novella. This story is well written. What I liked about this history lesson is it is told like an actual story, with different voices.

The author, Laurel A Rockefeller did a good job on this short story. I found it to be quite entertaining. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. The narrator, Richard Mann did a good job on the narrations too! He delivered this story to us flawlessly and pronounced names I could never pronounce!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Consider it a gateway drug to HF

Set in the 1st century ancient Britannia, Rome is still attempting to expand their empire. This short, creative non-fiction historical account follows King Prasutagus of the Iceni and runaway Gaulish slave Boudicca.

The author does a good job of making these characters accessible to the reader by showing the story through their eyes. Events do move rather quickly as decades of their lives are covered in a mere 50 minutes. Luckily, I was able to connect with the characters quickly because of the first person point of view.

I found this an interesting, quick overview of Boudicca’s life during Roman conquest. The listener gets the clear idea of the culture clash between Romans and the various Britannic tribes. For instance, most, or perhaps all, of the Brittanic tribes held women as equal to men in most areas of life whereas the Romans felt a woman’s place was in the home or as a slave. The timeline had to move swiftly for most of Boudicca’s life to be covered in such a short amount of story time. I think this book would be of interest to those just getting into the historical fiction genre or for folks wanting a short recounting of Boudicca’s life and deeds. If you are looking for a history (not fiction) or a more in-depth historical fiction, this may not be for you. The author doesn’t steer clear of the harsher side of Boudicca’s life: slavery, battles, rape, etc. are included in this historical fiction, though the author does not go into graphic detail.

The book left me wanting more. Often drama was used, and perhaps over used, to get the poignant parts of Boudicca’s life across to the listener. I think this work would have been a little better if even 2 hours were given in which to tell Boudicca’s tale. For instance, the ending was pretty dramatic (if historically accurate) but I didn’t really understand Boudicca’s choice at the end as she fought her whole life to stay alive and free. Also, I wanted to know how her kinsman, loyal followers, etc. reacted on a personal level to her final choice.

The Narration: Richard Mann has a very nice voice. He put it to good use for the male characters. However, since much of the story is told through Boudicca’s eyes, I wonder why a female narrator wasn’t used. Mann had a distinct voice for Boudicca, though it could have used a touch more femininity to it.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Chilling!

What made the experience of listening to Boudicca: Britain's Queen of the Iceni the most enjoyable?

The story was incredible: rich in history, and well-told. The narrator's voice was expressive and wonderfully Brittish.

What other book might you compare Boudicca: Britain's Queen of the Iceni to and why?

I've got no comparison to this. It's simply outstanding, and in a class of it's own.

Which character – as performed by Richard Mann – was your favorite?

Gaius, the governor. Superbly creepy and believably gutteral.

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

The very end of the book made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. Hence the headline for this review...chilling!

Any additional comments?

I listened to this with my 11 yr old son, who is coincidentally just starting a section on Saxons in History. He had the same reactions as I did. I had to pause it a few times so he could rant about injustice, or utter war cries!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Powerful story!

Would you consider the audio edition of Boudicca: Britain's Queen of the Iceni to be better than the print version?

I have not read the print version of this story, so I cannot compare the audio edition to the print. Although I enjoyed the audiobook, I kept wishing I had the print version, as well, so I could better follow the story--especially when it wandered into politics and territories.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Boudicca: Britain's Queen of the Iceni?

I particularly enjoyed the exchanges between Boudicca and Prasutagus at their first meeting, when he asks to court her. I'm a bit of a romantic and not as interested in politics, and I thought that inclusions was a good way to connect with listeners/readers such as myself.

What about Richard Mann’s performance did you like?

Richard Mann's voice is soothing and expressive. He was a great selection for narrator. I could listen to him read the phone book.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The whole story was very moving and tragic, but Prasutagus' death and then the ending with Boudicca and her children were powerful.

Any additional comments?

Prior to listening to this book, I wasn't familiar with the history of Boudicca. The author did a great job presenting the story, in all of its tragedy, accurately while being mindful of younger audiences. Some references to women being slaves in the bedchambers, a mention of "rape", and "whoring", so it may be best suited to older middle grade children.

A lot of reference was made to gods and goddesses and religions I'm not familiar with, as well as political stances and territories. I found myself struggling to keep some of those details straight, at times, and had to rewind the recording to listen again. Some of those details may not have been overload or unnecessary, but I realize this may be personal preference as this is not usually the genre I read.

Overall, strong story and I'm thankful to have been given a free copy in exchange for my honest review.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

A brief walk back in time

I was not sure what to expect from this book. When I saw its somewhat short length, I was initially concerned it would be too brief to become invested in the story and characters. I am happy to be wrong! Boudicca was well written and performed. The descriptions are detailed and facilitate vivid images in your mind as you follow the tale. It is not particularly graphic, in terms of violence or sexuality, but not purely triple filtered kid's stuff either. I found it to be enjoyable. The story is framed in a way that lets you float back in time with the storyteller easily. If you are looking for a super detailed period piece that captures every significant moment of the subject's life, this is not for you. If you are looking for a book that captures the highlights of the subject's life and shares them in an accessible and engaging way, this is well worth your time.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

History Brought To Life!

The story of Boudicca is told to a child keeping alive the tradition of the Iceni. She really lived and faced the Roman Legionaires. She was brave and lived when women were nothing more than a man’s property. Her courage is not forgotten and her people honor her still.
I loved the telling of Boudicca’s story; she was so alive and brave. What a great way to learn about the people in history. The audio book is short enough to be listened to in one sitting and is narrated by Richard Mann who does a remarkable job in the telling.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Engaging story

Reads like a chapter from a middle school level history book--or a story book that would accompany a history class. It's well-written. Gives just enough detail to be engaging and somewhat informative.

Enchanting tale - bringing history to life!

Would you listen to Boudicca: Britain's Queen of the Iceni again? Why?

I'd definitely listen again, both to this one and any others that are available to read or listen to. The story was told in a way that felt both succinct and complete.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Boudicca- the heroine of the piece.

What about Richard Mann’s performance did you like?

His voice is wonderfully warm and approachable. Some audiobooks can be narrated in rather a monotonous way, but Richard Mann brought the words to life.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

History, made into HERstory

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Moving...

What made the experience of listening to Boudicca: Britain's Queen of the Iceni the most enjoyable?

My favourite part of Boudicca was the narration. Mann's voice really makes the story come to life. I'm used to listening to stories with Kindles text-to-speech feature (which is very monotone), so listening to Mann narrate Boudicca was just magical. You can feel every emotion in the book; when a character fears - you feel it, when they're excited - you feel it. It's all down to the narration. I think if someone else told the story.. it just wouldn't have had the same affect on me. Like I said, the narration made the story come to life.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Boudicca of course! She's an extremely strong character, she's trustworthy, she'd do anything for her family and for her people. She's extremely fierce but with a soft streak for the people she loves. I found her character to be very balanced, I imagine her like a wild wolf or something - deadly and fierce to her enemies, but caring in the extreme to those she loved.

Have you listened to any of Richard Mann’s other performances? How does this one compare?

I haven't read any of his others yet, this was my very first audiobook! :) I feel like I made an excellent choice.

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

*cough* I did listen to it all in one sitting, ha ha. It was very enticing! As I said, Mann's narration made the story come to life so I just couldn't put it down. Rockefeller's writing is exceptional and I loved that with every chapter I listened to, I was gaining a lot of new knowledge about a very strong and memorable woman in British history.

Any additional comments?

This is the first book I've 'read' that I feel has actually done Boudicca justice. The way it's told makes it suitable for people of all ages (young kids to adults), and the amount of information woven into the story is amazing. I wouldn't be put of because it's only a short book, there's a lot packed in there and it's a very entertaining read!

Boudicca,bk 1

Any additional comments?

This is a YA version of the story of Boudicca,the Celtic Warrior woman who lead battles against Roman rule.She was a mother,a fighter and a fearful leader of her times. Narrated by Richard Mann,who gives this story the perfect voice,this audio version will be welcomed by girls and boys of all ages.
I was given a copy for an honest review from Audio Book Blast dot com.

Great tool for parents and educators alike

Where does Boudicca: Britain's Queen of the Iceni rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I listen to a lot of audiobooks, and this one ranks among the best narrated audiobooks I've heard; Richard Mann does an excellent job of clearly narrating the story and bringing it to life.

Any additional comments?

The story is written and researched well, and this book would be an excellent tool for parents and educators who wish to teach history in a way that children would enjoy more than just reading from a textbook.