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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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About this listen

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
This is a wonderful and mesmerising tale of intertwined lives. Fremantle draws the reader into a full rounded reimagining of Elizabethan England through her characters. I was unsure about a historical novel as they are not usually my choice but precis drew me in and i was utterly delighted by what i found. I listen in half hour or so sessions and the format works well for listening in these smaller sessions. I loved the tale and was sad to hear it finish as i had come to feel affinity with the characters. That said the ending was very satisfactory. The two narrators are perfectly suited and work well together. There is nothing to improve in this epic tale.

Wonderful and mesmerising tale

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Thoroughly enjoyed this book, didn't want it to end. Narration superb as well . recommended.

riveting historical book

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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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If you could sum up The Girl in the Glass Tower in three words, what would they be?

Intriguing, stoic, feminist.

What did you like best about this story?

I enjoyed the way in which Freemantle characterised Arbella's battles (perceived victories of Arbella) with her mental health with regards to anorexia and self-harm.

What about Emily Watson and Rachael Stirling ’s performance did you like?

Both Emily Watson and Rachael Stirling were perfectly cast, and made their characters utterly believable.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Any additional comments?

A wonderful read, and fantastic performance - thank you.

wonderfully readable

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