The Queen's Fool

A Novel

By: Philippa Gregory

Narrated by: Yolanda Kettle

#1 New York Times bestselling author and “queen of royal fiction” (USA TODAY) Philippa Gregory weaves a spellbinding tale of a young woman with the ability to see the future in an era when destiny was anything but clear.

Winter, 1553. Pursued by the Inquisition, Hannah Green, a fourteen-year-old Jewish girl, is forced to flee with her father from their home in Spain. But Hannah is no ordinary refugee; she has the gift of “Sight,” the ability to foresee the future, priceless in the troubled times of the Tudor court. Hannah is adopted by the glamorous Robert Dudley, the charismatic son of King Edward’s protector, who brings her to court as a “holy fool” for Queen Mary and, ultimately, Queen Elizabeth. Hired as a fool but working as a spy; promised in wedlock but in love with her master; endangered by the laws against heresy, treason, and witchcraft, Hannah must choose between the safe life of a commoner and the dangerous intrigues of the royal family that are inextricably bound up with her own yearnings and desires.

Teeming with vibrant period detail and peopled by characters seamlessly woven into the sweeping tapestry of history, The Queen’s Fool is a rich and emotionally resonant gem from a masterful storyteller.

Fascinating story, exquisite narration

I loved this book for so many reasons. I loved the interweaving of quasi-magical powers with Jewish history and culture with the Spanish Inquisition with royal political turmoil with family drama. The narrator was absolutely superb, capturing Spanish, English, Scottish, and French accents beautifully. You know it’s a good book when you are sad the story has to be over.

the queen has died

loved the story, the reader but the sound kept dropping out. otherwise 5 stars. too bad

The Queen’s Fool

Great book. Well written and read. Gave a good depiction of living in those times

a different perspective that is refreshing

not told from royalty perspective but of a courtier. lots of anxiety and emotion. Hannah is so relatable to today's modern women.

Follow the Fool to Many Truths!

Follow the Queens Fool to many of life's truths. You'll step into a time that once was where women were subservient and expects to do as told no matter what. The fool rises above and strives for more. follow her journey from princess to the other and her Master Lord. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Intriguing and multifaceted

I loved how PG weaved this story around the central (though fictitious) character of Hannah, to show so many major historical figures in Robert Dudley, Mary Tudor, Elizabeth I, and more. And placing her in circumstances for her to witness such important historical events. I appreciated the way this character still carries the spiritual "sight" which recalls the spirituality that was so prominent in the Woodville/York ladies, despite her lack of relation to them. It was a well-woven tapistry of such a tumultuous time and the performance was just lovely!

Great

Great book and great listen I highly recommend this and all of her books and stories!

Nuanced characters and original story

I appreciated how the characters, such as Queen Mary, had lots of layers. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

Wonderously Good!

Hannah is like a modern girl, living in the past! Couldn't stop listening! So good!

Great book

Unfortunately I have started in the middle of a series and now I have to go back and read more. The good news is there are plenty of Philippa Gregory books to read. I think I shall enjoy them all