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The Queen’s Fool cover art

The Queen’s Fool

By: Philippa Gregory
Narrated by: Yolanda Kettle
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Summary

*A stunning unabridged recording of one of Philippa Gregory’s bestselling novels of the Tudor court – available on audio download*

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.

©2003 Philippa Gregory (P)2018 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Critic reviews

Praise for Philppa Gregory: "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)

What listeners say about The Queen’s Fool

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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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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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Absolutely wonderful

I think this may just be my favourite Philippa Gregory story. Highly recommended. Downloading the next now

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So very real! Every word counted.

A fascinating read....it's difficult to find words to truly reflect how alive this book is.
Philipa Gregory illustrates a world where religions and political philosophies have brought people to a frighteningly negative state. In some ways even today there are places in the world where the lack of freedom of speech reflects the dark times of Mary's reign.
But also the insights into the more personal aspects of being human are beautifully illustrated.
One of those books where you want to read on forever.

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up to and maybe surpassing her usual standards!

whilst an historic novel, the quality of research is wonderful and you come away feeling you have broadened your understanding😍

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What an AMAZING BOOK !!!

Bravo Philippa Gregory for an AMAZING BOOK !!

Fascinating subject- the daughters of Henry VIII - and to have Mary so prominent throughout the book!

Where other authors alway portrait Mary as a monster, you have given her a human side !!

Beautifully presented by Yolanda Kettle

THANK YOU FOR A SPLENDID TIME LISTENING …

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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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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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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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The Queen's Fool

The character of Hannah provided the necessary depth to bring originality to this familiar historical story and her ability to empathise with and understand the other characters made it more human. The narrator did an excellent job of conveying characters and events.

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1 person found this helpful