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The Girl in the Glass Tower

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The Girl in the Glass Tower

By: Elizabeth Fremantle
Narrated by: Emily Watson, Rachael Stirling
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Summary

Penguin presents the unabridged, downloadable, audiobook edition of The Girl In The Glass Tower by Elizabeth Fremantle, read by Rachael Stirling and Emily Watson.

Fremantle's The Girl in the Glass Tower is a stunning historical thriller set in the chaos leading up to the death of Elizabeth I.

Tap. Tap. Tap on the window.

Something, someone wanting to be heard. Waiting to be free.

Tudor England. The word treason is on everyone's lips. Arbella Stuart, niece to Mary, Queen of Scots and presumed successor to Elizabeth I, has spent her youth behind the towering windows of Hardwick Hall. As presumed successor to the throne, her isolation should mean protection - but those close to the crown are never safe.

Aemilia Lanyer - writer and poet - enjoys an independence denied to Arbella. Their paths should never cross. But when Arbella enlists Aemilia's help in a bid for freedom, she risks more than her own future. Ensnared in another woman's desperate schemes, Aemilia must tread carefully or share her terrible fate . . .

The Girl in the Glass Tower brilliantly explores what it means to be born a woman in a man's world, where destiny is strictly controlled and the smallest choices may save - or destroy - us.

Praise for Elizabeth Fremantle:

'If you read one Tudor tome this summer, make it this one. Fascinating and vividly drawn, the ending is heartbreaking' The Times 'Book of the Month'

'A top-notch literary thriller. Shots are fired, troths are plighted, sea voyages taken, escapes dared and mysteries solved' Daily Telegraph

'A glamourous tale peopled by warrior poets, flamboyant courtiers and shameless loves, it is also sharp, perceptive and dramatic' Sunday Express

'Arbella Stuart was a pawn, at the mercy of the powerful people around her. Hers is a sad and moving tale, and Fremantle tells it beautifully' History Girls

'Beautifully written, completely engrossing and a book that stays with you after the pages are closed. Highly recommended' Historia

'Fremantle shows how dangerous it was being closely related to Elizabeth I. A cracking read' Prima

Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Political Psychological Romance Thriller & Suspense Destiny Tudor Exciting England Royalty
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Critic reviews

Elizabeth Fremantle's The Girl in the Glass Tower is a stunning historical thriller set in the chaos leading up to the death of Elizabeth I.
A major new voice in historical fiction. Hilary Mantel fans should read
An endlessly fascinating era, and Fremantle manages to combine pacey storytelling with superb background. Terrifically entertaining
A glamourous tale peopled by warrior poets, flamboyant courtiers and shameless loves, it is also sharp, perceptive and dramatic
Rich and Enticing
The research and historical detail are impeccable. Fans will enjoy this evocation of Elizabeth's tumultuous court
Arbella Stuart was a pawn, at the mercy of the powerful people around her. Hers is a sad and moving tale, and Fremantle tells it beautifully
All stars
Most relevant
i couldn't stop listening to this, such a wonderful book. enchanting and heartbreaking story line!

loved this listen!!!

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Took a while to get used to the narrator. some strange sounding impressions. The stories were a little disjointed and hard to keep track of in places. I didn't fully view the descent into madness until the end. The very ending of Arbella looking on is a bit too far-fetched and unnecessary - cheapened the story somewhat to add such a flighty bargain-bucket option at the end for a major character - a real disappointment from this usually credible author. That aside, a refreshing tale for a little-known but important historical figure in Lady Arbella, linked to other better known figures - a good link for those new to literature covering this period.

It Grew on Me (spoiler alert)

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The story was compelling and the narration excellent. I really cared about the main characters and what was happening to them. To me this is very important in a story for if you are indifferent to them then you tend not to finish the book. I found myself listening to this at every available time. In fact I listened into the wee hours missing out on my sleep but it was worth it!

Elizabeth Freemantle is an accomplished writer and brings the historical stories to life. To me she's on a par to Philippa Gregory another of my favourite writer's.
I would definitely recommend this book!

AN EXCELLENT BOOK

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This story was told by two people one was by the .main character and the other by a person who knew her a greataul

This auditoro

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This is the first time I've read a book by Elizabeth Fremantle. I was immediately gripped by the story. Couldn't stop listening. Fascinated by the historical detail. Just 400 years ago social and personal relationships were so different. Yet, I can't help looking to our time and realising we have our own cultural constructs with prejudices that create division and conflict.
Yes, I loved the clarity of the writing. I look forward with enthusiasm to more books by Elizabeth Fremantle.

A fascinating book

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