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The White Queen cover art

The White Queen

By: Philippa Gregory
Narrated by: Emilia Fox, Sandra Duncan, Gareth Armstrong
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Summary

Internationally bestselling author Philippa Gregory brings the tumult and intrigue of The Wars of the Roses to vivid life through the women of the House of Lancaster and the House of York, beginning with the story of Elizabeth Woodville, the White Queen.

A woman who won the love of a king and ascended to royalty by virtue of her beauty, Elizabeth fought tenaciously for the success of her family -- her daughter who would one day unite the warring dynasties, and her two sons whose eventual fate has confounded historians for centuries: the Princes in the Tower. An active player in the power struggles that surrounded her, she made hard and courageous choices, always trying to protect those whom she loved. Informed by impeccable research and framed by her inimitable storytelling skills, Philippa Gregory gives an unforgettable voice to an extraordinary woman at the heart of a devastating conflict.

©2009 Philippa Gregory (P)2009 Simon & Schuster

What listeners say about The White Queen

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Frustrated about unabridged version not available

Apparently this is due to be broadcast as a TV adaptation this Spring (2013), so I was keen to listen before the programme comes out. The narration is good, and the story from the women's perspective is always engaging to me. The problem is the abridged version means you miss out on so much and the book is if finished too quickly. I am sure at least half the book is cut out. I would listen again if an unabridged version came out.

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33 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars

Not in the same league as Wolf Hall

I downloaded this as I had listened to Wolf Hall which had given me a taste for historical fiction. Having enjoyed the film production of The Other Boleyn Girl, I thought I would try a book by Philippa Gregory and The White Queen caught my eye. Unfortunately it was rather too Mills and Boons-ish for me, was too historically inaccurate and contained an annoying amount of witchcraft references. That said, I might have enjoyed it better if I hadn't just listened to Wolf Hall which rather blew it out of the water.

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12 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

A good book but I'd like more

A good story and Emilia Fox is a great narrator. I only wish we had the full unabridged version of this audiobook.

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Philippa Gregory does it again

I have a passion for historical novels and this one does not disappoint. Elizabeth Woodville is a fascinating woman who achieves greatness through her wits and beauty. Whether you like her or not you have to admire her. Beautifully read and I especially liked the way the war scenes were read by a man.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

History brought to life!

Having watched the television series years ago, I could easily picture the court of King Edward. if you haven't seen the tv series, you'll still feel as if you are in those times. the story is told from the view point of Elizabeth Woodville who becomes Queen of England. The narrator is excellent, very clear and without any annoying mannerisms. I will definitely download the rest of Philippa Gregory's series.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Fast paced

I read this book years ago and now listening to it I swear there is lots missing... feels like it’s moving very quickly...

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Didn't work so well in audio

I've read the novel and am revisiting this series. The book is brilliant and I'd definitely recommend. It was a shame it was abridged as some key bits were missed. Also Emilia Fox's reading of male characters in particular was very distracting and she did it in a really aggressive voice which often missed the point of the dialogue. I'd suggest reading this one instead.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

Sorry to say...but it's so boring.

Couldn't waste anymore precious time trying to finish this book. It was too much historical recount and nowhere near enough characterisation. Elizabeth Woodville's character was awfully one dimensional as were all the male characters.

The narration was not bad but I found the voice used for King Henry to be nauseatingly lecherous.

I really wanted to enjoy this as History is my thing but I would have found reading a history text book or wikipedia more entertaining.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

fantastic story

a good story but the music between chapters it a bit annoying.
but fantastic story

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

dull

If this book wasn’t for you, who do you think might enjoy it more?

Relative to the other books in the series this was disappointing. The narrator did the best they could with poor narrative

What will your next listen be?

I've moved onto the Red Queen which is a far more polished effort with well drawn out characters

Have you listened to any of the narrators’s other performances? How does this one compare?

the narrator is great

Any additional comments?

its a shame, the series has been enjoyable on long trips

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1 person found this helpful