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The Constant Princess
- Narrated by: Samantha Bond
- Length: 6 hrs and 20 mins
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The Constant Princess
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Summary
Splendid and sumptuous historical novel from the internationally bestselling author, Philippa Gregory, telling of the early life of Katherine of Aragon. We think of her as the barren wife of a notorious king; but behind this legacy lies a fascinating story.
Katherine of Aragon is born Catalina, the Spanish Infanta, to parents who are both rulers and warriors. Aged four, she is betrothed to Arthur, Prince of Wales, and is raised to be Queen of England. She is never in doubt that it is her destiny to rule that far-off, wet, cold land.
Her faith is tested when her prospective father-in-law greets her arrival in her new country with a great insult; Arthur seems little better than a boy; the food is strange and the customs coarse. Slowly she adapts to the first Tudor court, and life as Arthur’s wife grows ever more bearable. But when the studious young man dies, she is left to make her own future: how can she now be queen, and found a dynasty? Only by marrying Arthur’s young brother, the sunny but spoilt Henry. His father and grandmother are against it; her powerful parents prove little use. Yet Katherine is her mother’s daughter and her fighting spirit is strong. She will do anything to achieve her aim; even if it means telling the greatest lie, and holding to it.
Philippa Gregory proves yet again that behind the apparently familiar face of history lies an astonishing story: of women warriors influencing the future of Europe, of revered heroes making deep mistakes, and of an untold love story which changes the fate of a nation.
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Critic reviews
‘One of Gregory's great strengths as a novelist is her ability to take familiar historical figures and flesh them into living breathing human beings. The Constant Princess is a worthy successor to her previous novels about the Tudors.’ Daily Express
‘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.’ DailyTelegraph
‘The contemporary mistress of historical crime fiction is Philippa Gregory. Her novels are filled with strong, determined women who take their fate into their own hands…Gregory brings to life the sights, smells and textures of 16th-century England.’ Kate Mosse, Financial Times
What listeners say about The Constant Princess
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
- Carli
- 12-05-17
Another great story
loved it. shorter than some others i have spent credit on but very enjoyable
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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
- Nischi
- 16-09-16
would love to hear the whole version
glorious performance, love her novels and really would like to hear the whole story. very much enjoyed.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- nicola
- 18-01-15
I love philippa
The narrator was brilliant and I loved the book. I love all philippa gregory books.
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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
- Christine r.
- 25-09-22
A little bit of history explained
Loved it.
Sensitively written . History put into perspective.
Read beautifully, I especially liked the change of voice for the thoughts and prayers of Catherine of Aragon.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Alison
- 06-01-18
very good
good story, narration with Spanish accent excellent however used for Henry also so confusing occasionally.
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- chan
- 29-06-20
preferred the book
Thiis was abridged so misses quite a bit from the book. Would have preferred an unabridged version.
Enjoyed the second half more.
I would reccomened the book over the audiobook you will get much more from the story it's quite sad.
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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
- Brooksies
- 26-02-14
A constant joy!
What made the experience of listening to The Constant Princess the most enjoyable?
Samantha Bonds voice added something extra to this book. I already have a lot of physical copy's of Philippa Gregory's books but listening to it was even more enjoyable and relaxing.
What was one of the most memorable moments of The Constant Princess?
It was (as ever with the Philippa Gregory's books) nice to see the well knowns story of King Henry VIII trough the female eyes of Catlina.
Which scene did you most enjoy?
Difficult to say, it took me a while to write this review...
If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?
Catalina's story
Any additional comments?
Definitely also check out other Philippa Gregory's books and also look at Alison Weir Lancaster and York if you enjoy historic novels, Alison's book is even more historically correct.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- A Lily
- 21-02-15
Cut short
No, did not meet my expectations. My least favourite Phillipa Gregory book. Cut short expected more. Good narrator, loving accent.
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Overall2 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story2 out of 5 stars
- nikki
- 18-01-24
not the full book. beware
its still a nice version but not the full book....dont waste your credit on it get the full story.
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