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Katharine, the Virgin Widow: A Novel Audiobook
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(3.01) - 393 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
In the eyes of the world, Katharine of Aragon was a precious object to be disposed of for the glory of Spain. Her parents, Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand, send her to England to become the bride of Arthur, Prince of Wales. But soon her frail husband was dead, and a fateful question loomed: Was the marriage consummated, or was the young widow still a virgin? On that delicate point hinged Katharine's—and England's—future. Meanwhile, waiting in the wings was her willful, handsome brother-in-law, bold Prince Henry, who alone had the power to restore Katharine's lost position—but at what cost?
Jean Plaidy's narrative genius sparkles in this story of a remarkable royal marriage that inspired some of history's bloodiest deeds.
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"I love all of Jean Plaidy's books I have read up to this point. I feel she brings historical characters to life and makes you feel as though these could be anyone or that any person could go through the same pitfalls and triumphs as the historical figures featured in each book. Worth reading."
— Carrie (5 out of 5 stars)
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“Plaidy excels at blending history with romance and drama.”
— New York Times -
“Skilful blending of superb storytelling and meticulous attention to authenticity of detail.”
— Sunday Times (London) -
“Full-blooded, dramatic, exciting.”
— Observer (London) -
“Narrator Anne Flosnik invigorates Jean Plaidy’s novel about Katharine’s prolonged struggle to regain security amid political intrigue and the whims of all-powerful royalty. Flosnik portrays young Katharine with both dignity and fear as she vacillates between regal splendor and near poverty.”
— AudioFile
Katharine, the Virgin Widow Listener Reviews
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" Katherine of Aragon (daughter of Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain) around the time when she was married to Arthur Prince of Wales (son of Henry VII). "
— Sara, 1/13/2014 -
" As a stand alone book it would have been interesting and that is why I gave it three stars. It is however not a stand alone book but one in a series and as that it is dull since it repeats a lot already said in part 1. Can't say I look forward to reading part 3 as I am afraid the same will occur. "
— Barbara, 1/4/2014 -
" This book wasn't bad, but being written in the 1960's just made it too boring for me. Not sure I would read the rest of them. "
— Alex, 12/27/2013 -
" Very interesting. Easy historical read. Recommended for anyone who wants to learn more about the Tudors, but cannot stand boring fiction. "
— Myra, 12/16/2013 -
" another fantastic jean plaidy novel "
— Janis, 12/15/2013 -
" Certainly not as exciting as Phillippa Gregory's version, but it did have a good deal more detail about Katherine's family and the people who surrounded her as she waited in poverty to see what would become of her after her husband, Arthur died. "
— Nancy, 12/13/2013 -
" Kind of boring, with lots of repetition of ideas. "
— Kaarin, 9/15/2013 -
" Just finished it...2 days before it was due! I think that is a record for me...it was only 200 pages, but still a record! This is about Henry VIII's first wife, Katherine, before she became his wife. It also talks of him when he was a child and his brother, who Katherine was married to before Henry. "
— Debbie, 8/29/2013 -
" bit boring compared to some of her others and didn't really like any of the characters "
— Lucy, 2/22/2013 -
" I think I've just read too many Tudor stories. This was readable, but didn't capture my attention. "
— Abby, 11/23/2012 -
" This is a good book. Its fiction based on fact. I found it hard to get into but great when I did "
— Dawn, 9/23/2012 -
" Really like this book. Easy and quick to read, it's great to read the story of Henry VIII's first wife from her point of view and read more about the goings on in Spain at that time and her sister Juana. "
— Jirinka, 2/13/2012 -
" Not quite as fun as Philipa Gregory but not too dry either. Poor Catherine. "
— Jennifer, 11/22/2011 -
" I listened to the audio book version during my commute this week - Anne Flosnik did an excellent job reading. "
— Angela, 7/12/2011 -
" This book wasn't bad, but being written in the 1960's just made it too boring for me. Not sure I would read the rest of them. "
— Alex, 2/23/2011 -
" Kind of boring, with lots of repetition of ideas. "
— Kaarin, 11/9/2010 -
" Certainly not as exciting as Phillippa Gregory's version, but it did have a good deal more detail about Katherine's family and the people who surrounded her as she waited in poverty to see what would become of her after her husband, Arthur died. "
— Nancy, 1/31/2010 -
" Really like this book. Easy and quick to read, it's great to read the story of Henry VIII's first wife from her point of view and read more about the goings on in Spain at that time and her sister Juana. "
— Jirinka, 10/23/2009 -
" Not quite as fun as Philipa Gregory but not too dry either. Poor Catherine. "
— Jennifer, 4/30/2009 -
" I listened to the audio book version during my commute this week - Anne Flosnik did an excellent job reading. "
— Angela, 2/5/2009 -
" I think I've just read too many Tudor stories. This was readable, but didn't capture my attention. "
— Abby, 6/18/2008 -
" Katherine of Aragon (daughter of Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain) around the time when she was married to Arthur Prince of Wales (son of Henry VII). "
— Sara, 7/19/2007
About Jean Plaidy
Jean Plaidy, one of the preeminent authors of historical fiction for most of the twentieth century, is the pen name of the prolific English author Eleanor Hibbert, also known as Victoria Holt. Jean Plaidy’s novels had sold more than 14 million copies worldwide by the time of her death in 1993.
About Anne Flosnik
Anne Flosnik, a seasoned audiobook narrator, has over four hundred titles to her credit and several awards and distinctions, including AudioFile Earphones Awards, a USA Today Recommended Listening selection, an AudioFile “Best Narration of the Year” selection in 2009, and the American Library Association’s Special Services to Children Award. She has also been a finalist for the prestigious Audie Award for best narration. She is an award-winning British actress with lead credits on stage, on television, and in commercials and voice-overs.