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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.

©2016 Elizabeth Fremantle (P)2016 Penguin Audio Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Political Psychological Romance Thriller & Suspense Destiny Tudor Exciting England Royalty

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Critic reviews

"The research and historical detail are impeccable.... Fans will enjoy this evocation of Elizabeth's tumultuous court." ( Times)
"A glamourous tale peopled by warrior poets, flamboyant courtiers and shameless loves. Sharp, perceptive and dramatic." ( Sunday Express)
"Fascinating." ( History Girls)
"Enthralling." ( Historia)
"The combination of depth, intelligence and real historical imagination that Fremantle brings to bear on the lesser-known (but immensely powerful) women of the Tudor era is unmatched." (Manda Scott)
"A wonderful, totally transporting novel that folds you into its world, word by word, page by page. I absolutely loved this book." (Eve Chase, acclaimed author of Black Rabbit Hall)
All stars
Most relevant  
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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Well performed, interesting and informative. The story flowed well between two points in time. Easy to follow and came together with a surprising ending.

Gripping

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I became interested in the story of Arabella Stuart after visiting Hardwick. This book does tell her real story in a fictional way that is so compelling, I found myself drawn in completely, rooting for her cause, hoping for the happy end she had so deserved.

Great performances for a great book

Fictional history at its best

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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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Gripped from the outset, but truly drawn into this captivating tale of strong women. Grandmother so steely and seemingly devoid of human sensitivity.The authors note at the finish confirmed my understanding of the tale

A really great listen

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

riveting historical 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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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 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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