The Red Queen

By: Philippa Gregory

Narrated by: Emily Watson, Gareth Armstrong

Length: 12 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

The second book in Philippa's stunning new trilogy, The Cousins War, brings to life the story of Margaret Beaufort, a shadowy and mysterious character in the first book of the series - The White Queen - but who now takes centre stage in the bitter struggle of The War of the Roses.

The Red Queen tells the story of the child-bride of Edmund Tudor, who, although widowed in her early teens, uses her determination of character and wily plotting to infiltrate the house of York under the guise of loyal friend and servant, undermine the support for Richard III and ultimately ensure that her only son, Henry Tudor, triumphs as King of England. Through collaboration with the dowager Queen Elizabeth Woodville, Margaret agrees a betrothal between Henry and Elizabeth's daughter, thereby uniting the families and resolving the Cousins War once and for all by founding of the Tudor dynasty.

©2010 Philippa Gregory (P)2010 Simon & Schuster

very interesting

the series makes you think about how people lived in the past
i didn't like the main character this time and i don't agree whit the writer about what happened but it's interesting to read her opinion

Good narration but dreadful accents

The book was the usual absorbing Philippa Gregory historical 'faction', and on the whole was excellently narrated but the lead narrator's attempt at a Welsh accent sounded comically Indian and her child Henry's voice was annoyingly squeaky. It was a horrible note in an absorbing story and if narrators cannot create and sustain a plausible accent, they should just use their own voice. Especially when they have a pleasant one, as this narrator does.

Another fab book from Philippa Gregory!

What did you love best about The Red Queen?

For Gregory fans, this was a new departure: a less loveable main character and a harder historical period to relate to. I enjoyed getting a new perspective on an era that, as a History teacher, I still find confusing. The author really brings to life the difficult position women were in at that time and the amazing strength the Red Queen had, in order to achieve what she did.

Would you recommend The Red Queen to your friends? Why or why not?

Would definitely recommend to friends - well written and read, exciting, interesting and truly amazing, knowing that most of it actually happened.

Which scene was your favorite?

In the early parts of the book, the true horror of what her marriage as a child-bride to a much older man must have been like are amazingly effective and haunt you for the rest of the book. Not exactly a favourite scene but a memorable few chapters that make you glad to be living in the 21st century!

Not what I was expecting

After listening to the First book in this trilogy I expected the characters to be at least more interwoven but that doesn’t happen. This is more of a stand alone book with reference to the other books’ characters and their relationship.
Also I found the book pretty boring I. Parts in the detail it went into with the battles and main characters thoughts and feelings. I also did not like the main character and found her irritating!