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The Queen’s Fool
- Narrated by: Yolanda Kettle
- Length: 21 hrs and 11 mins
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The Queen’s Fool
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Summary
1553. Hannah Green, the young daughter of a Jewish bookseller, is forced out of Spain by the Inquisition, and becomes an unlikely player at the fractious Tudor Court.
Her gifts of foresight mean that she is given as a Holy Fool to the newly crowned Mary I. But as Mary’s grip on the throne loosens, threatened by the ambitions of her sister, Elizabeth, Hannah is trapped in the deadly rivalry between the daughters of Henry VIII.
As a secret Jew and unwitting spy in the struggle between a Catholic queen and a Protestant princess, Hannah must hide her own identity. And as a girl watching a passionate queen and her cold-hearted sister, Hannah must learn how to be a woman.
With an exclusive afterword written and read by Philippa Gregory, exploring the inspiration behind Hannah Green’s story.
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Critic reviews
‘Gregory's research is impeccable which makes her imaginative fiction all the more convincing’ Daily Mail
‘Gregory is great at conjuring a Tudor film-set of gorgeous gowns and golden-lattered dining. She invokes some swoonsome images…while the politics are personal enough to remain pertinent’ Daily Telegraph
‘Subtle and exciting’ Daily Express
‘Written from instinct, not out of calculation, and it shows’
Peter Ackroyd, The Times
‘For sheer pace and percussive drama it will take a lot of beating’ Sunday Times
What listeners say about The Queen’s Fool
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mrs Harriet Watson
- 03-02-19
Her best book yet.
I was sceptical to start this book as I thought it seemed like she was scraping the barrel of Tudor history for the sake of another book.
However, I was proven wrong and actually found this to be the best book out of all them. I think I actually shed a tear! Loved every minute of it and was sad when it came to an end.
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9 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mr. S. J. Stacey
- 14-07-22
Gripping and hugely enjoyable
I'm a huge fan of historical fiction and the Tudor period is a notorious part of our history. Phillipa Gregory is a known author of the period and her books are well read and well liked. The Queens Fool was my first introduction to her books and I could not put it down. Facing danger for who she is makes Hannah's character as a Holy Fool a real page turner and I loved it. The love of 2 queen's makes her life a dangerous and yet rewarding life and history flows out of the pages. fantastic!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 11-07-23
Loved this story!
Thoroughly enjoyed every element of this story. The performance made characters so distinguishable and kept you engaged with them throughout. Can’t wait to read the next one!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Michelle Dixon
- 08-11-20
Different!
This is probably a very good book like so many of Philippa Gregory's books are.
I read this title from the library on CD's, and I simply loved it. It could even of been
Philippa Gregory that wrote it , it was years ago. Unfortunately, this one was completely different, I was so disappointed because I wanted to read it again because it was so good. I loved the narration also., but although the narrator is
the same person, she has grown up and sounds very different. I can only give stars for the one I read year's ago.
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4 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- CAROL KILLA
- 29-12-18
Gregory at her best
loved this book, gave an insight into the relationship between Mary and Elizabeth, and the seige of calais
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- AJFenton
- 13-11-23
Intriguing
I’ve been listening to Philippa Gregory novels for the past 6 months and I think I’ve enjoyed this most. It feels like there’s a real story here and that the novel moves beyond either simple romance or historical story-telling. Here is a story about race and gender, power and exclusion. I’ve needed to listen to the story, looking for a happy ending and invested in the characters. I believed in Hannah Green, her stubborn foolish choices her ( misplaced) loyalties and outspoken honesty. I particularly enjoyed her learning to be a woman although I’d have preferred her to have been allowed to keep her breeches.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Musical Anorak
- 23-10-19
A Book That Really Surprised Me
Narration Performance: 5 Stars; Storyline: 4 Stars
This book has taken me on quite a journey! Although very well written, the slow pace of the plot in the opening chapters, failed to keep me engaged. Only after Queen Mary's Accession to the Throne, did I begin to re-engage with the book. The section based in Calais was really interesting, and took the book in an entirely new and refreshing direction. Actress Yolanda Kettle is also a fantastic & talented narrator of the text. Overall, a book that really surprised me
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- G
- 31-07-20
Excellent story
I read a lot of Phillips Gregory many years ago and loved her books then but listening to her story brought it to life even more. She researches so well into her books and I loved her character Hannah Green for being a Holy Fool and Jewish - quite a different perspective on the persecuted religions of the day. I’ve always found the Tudors fascinating and can thoroughly recommend this book.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Liz Hughes
- 21-05-23
Superb story, excellent narration
I love this book. Such well drawn characters. My favourite Philippa Gregory book and I have read many. Highly recommended.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Kindle Customer
- 09-06-23
Amazing book 💕
This is the first book I’ve listened to by Philippa Gregory and it was fantastic. Just downloaded “The Virgin’s lover”
Thank you x
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1 person found this helpful