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  • A Net for Small Fishes

  • By: Lucy Jago
  • Narrated by: Sarah Durham
  • Length: 12 hrs and 30 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (384 ratings)
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A Net for Small Fishes cover art

A Net for Small Fishes

By: Lucy Jago
Narrated by: Sarah Durham
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Summary

Bloomsbury presents A Net for Small Fishes by Lucy Jago, read by Sarah Durham.

Based on the true scandal that rocked the court of James I, A Net for Small Fishes is the most gripping novel you'll find this year: an exhilarating dive into the pitch-dark waters of the Jacobean court.

Frances Howard has beauty and a powerful family - and is the most unhappy creature in the world.

Anne Turner has wit and talent - but no stage on which to display them. Little stands between her and the abyss of destitution.

When these two very different women meet in the strangest of circumstances, a powerful friendship is sparked. Frankie sweeps Anne into a world of splendour that exceeds all she imagined: a Court whose foreign king is a stranger to his own subjects; where ancient families fight for power, and where the sovereign’s favourite may rise and rise - so long as he remains in favour.

With the marriage of their talents, Anne and Frankie enter this extravagant, savage hunting ground, seeking a little happiness for themselves. But as they gain notice, they also gain enemies; what began as a search for love and safety leads to desperate acts that could cost them everything.

©2021 Lucy Jago (P)2021 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Critic reviews

"The Thelma and Louise of the 17th century." (Lawrence Norfolk)

"Sumptuous.... If you’re feeling bereft after finishing The Mirror and the Light, let Jago transport you back to the Jacobean court." (Telegraph)

"Dazzling." (Sunday Independent)

What listeners say about A Net for Small Fishes

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
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A beautifully written tale

I enjoyed everything about this fascinating and ultimately tragic retelling of a factual scandal in history : well narrated and so well written . Highly recommended.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Excellent story, well narrated

I found this very interesting, especially as it was based on historical figures. It was a story I did not know, so it prompted me to research the characters and period.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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Confident and powerful

This is an extremely confident and well-written novel, based on real historical events, which vividly recreates the experience of life in 17th century London and at the court of James I – complete with all the colours, textures and smells. The author has clearly done an immense amount of research, yet her knowledge doesn’t weigh down the book, which is first and foremost a powerful story of two bold and clever women of very different backgrounds and the lengths they are forced to go to in order to find a path through life. It’s a story of female friendship and solidarity at a time when women had no legal rights and little freedom or independence, complete with strong and appealing characters. Read well and with great energy by Sarah Durham – there are a couple of mispronunciations but that doesn’t spoil the experience. Highly recommended!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Fascinating depiction of the era

Strong female characters who fall victim to the attitudes of the times they live in, and make some awful choices. Both women are imperfect but likeable and combined with the vivid descriptions of their environment this makes for a novel that is hard to put down,
The narrator is excellent and her voice suits the novel really well,

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Stuart road trip

Interesting, intriguing historical fiction from a feminist POV. I read and listened and recommend both

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    5 out of 5 stars
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What a treat

For lovers of historical fiction this is such an interesting addition. One of the major scandals of the Jacobean court told from such a surprising point of view. The author has created a great pair of characters brought to life with consummate skill plus a pitch perfect narration. A right royal delight.

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Incredible

At first I felt like I was on the set of a feature film, so vivid were the descriptions of the locations & the rich unfolding of the characters. It became more than that, like being transported back in time. Such wonderful story telling. Read it! It’s wonderful!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Captivating

Sometimes difficult to listen to but so beautifully written. Seems to capture the essence of the period, especially with regard to the role of women.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Great narrator

Well set out story, read by a great narrator. Listened to in just two days!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Knowing what happens does limit suspense

I enjoyed the vivid description of Ann Turner's life and encounters but as the story progresses I lost interest as I knew what would happen.
Very well read!

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3 people found this helpful