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The Virgin’s Lover

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The Virgin’s Lover

By: Philippa Gregory
Narrated by: Perdita Weeks
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About this listen

Pre-order BOLEYN TRAITOR now – Philippa Gregory’s landmark return to the Tudor court, coming Autumn 2025 …

A sumptuous historical novel set in the court of Elizabeth I, from Sunday Times No.1 bestseller Philippa Gregory, the author of The Other Boleyn Girl.

1558. After years of waiting, Princess Elizabeth accedes to the throne of England.

For many, Elizabeth’s ascension is a glorious new dawn. Not so for Amy Dudley, whose ambitious husband, Sir Robert, is the acknowledged favourite of the new queen – a queen who must marry to secure her survival.

But Robert Dudley has many powerful enemies. And although she is clearly besotted with him, the virgin queen will not risk her hold on the throne.

Desire and ambition are unleashed at the court and at her home, Amy Dudley will face the ultimate betrayal.

With an exclusive afterword written and read by Philippa Gregory, exploring the inspiration behind The Virgin’s Lover.

Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Literary Fiction Romance Thriller & Suspense Women's Fiction Royalty Tudor England Suspense Mystery

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Critic reviews

Praise for The Virgin’s Lover:

‘A book to lose yourself in…a simmering mixture of intrigue, lust and betrayal at the court of Elizabeth I, it breathes new life into the suspected love affair between the young queen and Robert Dudley’ Daily Mail

‘Convincing and entertaining’ Daily Telegraph

‘An enjoyable read, and Gregory’s energetic writing carries one along’ Sunday Telegraph

‘Gregory’s success lies in restoring humanity to her historical figures’ Daily Mail

‘Gregory is one of the best chroniclers of the ups and downs of the turbulent Tudors…This superbly plotted drama unfolds like an exquisitely embroidered Tudor ruff’ Sainsbury’s Magazine
All stars
Most relevant
I am a big fan of all of Philippa Gregory’s ‘Cousins war’ and ‘Tudor’ novels but this was just a bit dull. Although I appreciate that this was a different and less flattering interpretation of Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley’s love affair, it did seem to make her out as a complete and utter moron. In fact most characters (other than William Cecil) came across as idiots and this didn’t make for the best listening. Also most of the story seems to be told through the state of the Queen’s cuticles which was not so riveting.
The performance was great although the narrator did have a habit of trailing off at the end of sentences which made some things hard to hear.
Overall a bit of a disappointment in an otherwise much loved series.

Not the best

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This is a good listen. It has taken me a while to finish it as I think it takes a while to get into it and at some point when both Elizabeth 1s and Amy Dudley’s lives seems especially miserable I didn’t find I was enjoying either if there plight being toyed with by men.
The ending was gripping especially as you know what is coming and this seemed like a fantastic example if ‘what could have happened to Amy’ - and who did it and I think very likely.
Perdita Weeks reads it fantastically this is the 3rd book I have heard her narrate and have not been disappointed.
Lovely bonus 5 mins interview with Philippa Gregory at the end as well

Beautifully read and historical story made intriguing

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I love every minute of this audio book and totally lose myself. Perdita Weeks distinguishes between different people brilliantly.

Brilliantly narrated

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A perfectly good tale. Well narrated just IMHO not up to Philipa Gregory's usual standards. By another author I'd have said it was fine but unfortunately I have come to expect more than this from the author. In summary, not my favourite of her books and I'd recommend first time readers to pick any other title from the series to get a better idea of the author's talents.

Not up to Philippa Gregory's usual standards

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After reading the White Princess and others, I expected similar, but persevering several chapters in I just can’t get into this at all.
I don’t feel the characters would be like this, perhaps I know too much true history about this time to be non biased. Just not for me.

Didn’t hold my attention sadly

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