Katherine of Aragon, the True Queen

A Novel

By: Alison Weir

Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

Length: 22 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

Best-selling author and acclaimed historian Alison Weir takes on what no fiction writer has done before: creating a dramatic six-book series in which each novel covers one of English King Henry VIII's wives. In this captivating opening volume, Weir brings to life the tumultuous tale of Katherine of Aragon, Henry's first, devoted, and "true" queen.

A princess of Spain, Catalina is only 16 years old when she sets foot on the shores of England. The youngest daughter of the powerful monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella, Catalina is a coveted prize for a royal marriage - and Arthur, Prince of Wales and heir to the English throne, has won her hand. But tragedy strikes, and Catalina, now Princess Katherine, is betrothed to the future Henry VIII. She must wait for his coming of age, an ordeal that tests her resolve, casts doubt on her trusted confidantes, and turns her into a virtual prisoner.

Katherine's patience is rewarded when she becomes queen of England. The affection between Katherine and Henry is genuine, but forces beyond her control threaten to rend her marriage, and indeed the nation, apart. Henry has fallen under the spell of Katherine's maid of honor, Anne Boleyn. Now Katherine must be prepared to fight, to the end if God wills it, for her faith, her legitimacy, and her heart.

©2016 Alison Weir (P)2016 Recorded Books

Good but dragged on at the end

I enjoyed this book even though I have read many other books about Katherine and Henry. My only complaint was the dragging on and on waiting for the Popes dispensation. Katherine was tedious and so was the story. I skipped a few chapters at the end and moved it along myself. Good read though. I always love Rosalyn as a narrator. She's the best!

Spellbinding!

What an incredible story! I was hooked from the very start! Beautifully written, beautifully performed. History completely came to life! I'm thrilled Alison has written so many historical novels. I'm compelled to read each one.

Excellent story, excellent narration!

What an enjoyable story! It peaked my curiosity for the events history for this time period. I also loved the personality & character of the Queen... what a good example and a fantastic heroine!

The narrator reads this with impressive skill. She used remarkable accents for various characters, including French, Spanish & English and also did a great job of changing her voice for various male characters.

Highly recommend!

amazing, immersive and breath taking

I loved this. If I wasn't listening I was thinking about Katherine and her troubles. beautifully done!

Fascinating

Hearing Catherine tell her story opened a whole new understanding of the sad life she led after Henry set her aside. Knowing the history is one level of understanding. The narrator does an excellent job of bringing Catherine to life.

interesting way to learn history

tragic and inspirational

I appreciated the presentation and the writing

of this woman's life and those around her

Cathlics are the good guys

Great read but took me six chapters to settle into. Narration was perfect. Highly Recommended.

Great story!

Very much enjoyed the book and the narrator! Recommend to anyone who’s interested in historical fiction

So detailed!

I love Alison's writing, but early on, gave up on this title. I finally decided to go back to it and I am glad I did.

The way she weaves the story with her historical knowledge,l, the conversations feel real and true, though we may never know.

Stellar, Stoic, & Stupendous

This covers a very similar timeframe and format to the Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory. This is a far more elegant explanation and description of events. I agreed entirely with the speculations of what could have happened. This was less gaudy than Gregory's attempt to describe a similar period.