Earthly Joys

Tradescant Novels, Book 1

By: Philippa Gregory

Narrated by: David Rintoul

Length: 17 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

Number one New York Times best-selling author and “queen of royal fiction” (USA Today) Philippa Gregory brings to life the passionate, turbulent times of 17th-century England as seen through the eyes of the country’s most famous royal gardener.

John Tradescant’s fame and skill as a gardener are unsurpassed in 17th-century England, but it is his clear-sighted honesty and loyalty that make him an invaluable servant. As an informal confidant of Sir Robert Cecil, adviser to King James I, he witnesses the making of history, from the Gunpowder Plot to the accession of King Charles I and the growing animosity between Parliament and court. 

Tradescant’s talents soon come to the attention of the most powerful man in the country, the irresistible Duke of Buckingham, the lover of King Charles I. Tradescant has always been faithful to his masters, but Buckingham is unlike any he has ever known: flamboyant, outrageously charming, and utterly reckless. Every certainty upon which Tradescant has based his life - his love of his wife and children, his passion for his work, his loyalty to his country - is shattered as he follows Buckingham to court, to war, and to the forbidden territories of human love. 

©2005 Philippa Gregory (P)2018 Simon & Schuster Audio

Sinful man

Not sure why the author had to create such contradiction in a man of this era. I usually read the.es books to avoid some of the modern garbage that are often depicted in books with too much sex and lies, this unfortunate depiction of one of the main characters made it so that I had to deal with this when I would rather have avoided it.

Not Gregory s best

Very disappointed with the caliber of this book. I’ve read all the author’s books and something went over the line of entertainment. The sexual content went past a brief glimpse to full obsession.

where's Philippa ?

not at all like Gregory's Tudor novels Boring! not recommendable at all. I usually can't put down her novels! This one has been difficult to get through

Worth the wait

I have been following Philippa Gregory’s novels for years. I have always wondered when she would write a book told through a male character. It has been an amazing read/listen. I was thrilled to hear the amazing detailed collection of stories about John Tradescant. I never heard of him and now can’t stop looking up all his plants, houses he worked on and the masters he served. It makes me beg for another miniseries to be done about his and his sons life. Please Ma’am, can I have more?

Enjoyed the series.

Really great build of the storyline over the two books. Also, enjoyed the gardening info.

A true story with some conjectures

If you love gardening, plants, triangle love stories and historical sequences, this will delight you.

A field of tulips

Earthly Joys is another wonderful Philippa Gregory novel that tells of the 15th century England.

Meh

I used to really enjoy Philippa Gregory's novels. Perhaps I have moved past her writing style but it was all I could do to keep listening. I'm very interested in history and learning but I didn't find myself caring much about the characters or what happened to them. The narrator was good.

I used to like her books

This one took FOREVER to get anywhere. Did not care for the storyline. Cannot say that I recommend it. Meh.

Entertaining

I enjoyed this trip through history. I love to garden and enjoyed the stories of prorogation.