Katherine of Aragon, the True Queen

A Novel

By: Alison Weir

Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

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

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.

A woman that could not be broken

Would you consider the audio edition of Katherine of Aragon, the True Queen to be better than the print version?

Yes I do. I was able to project my life through her eyes

What other book might you compare Katherine of Aragon, the True Queen to and why?

I would compare her to Joan of arc

What about Rosalyn Landor’s performance did you like?

Her voice is so smooth to listento

If you could take any character from Katherine of Aragon, the True Queen out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Henry her husband because he seems to be so exciting

Any additional comments?

Purchase this book

so enthralling and interesting

I love this time in history to start with. Alison makes me feel at home with her characters.
yours,
Roberta Weir

good, enjoyable

I knew the story going into it. it was nice to hear it from Katherine's perspective. I have to say I got annoyed with her constant pining for her husband (though I'm sure it is accurate for the time). another solid book from Weir, I can't wait until she writes about the rest of the wives.

Great historical story

Allison Weir makes you feel as if you were in Henry VIII's court experiencing his glorious and world changing reign.