The Queen's Fool / The Virgin's Lover

by Philippa Gregory

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Tudor Period, Romance, British Literature, Audiobook

1015 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

DR PHILIPPA GREGORY studied history at the University of Sussex and was awarded a PhD by the University of Edinburgh where she is a Regent and was made Alumna of the Year in 2009. She holds an honorary degree from Teesside University, and is a fellow of the Universities of Sussex and Cardiff. Philippa is a member of the Society of Authors and in 2016, was presented with the Outstanding Contribution to Historical Fiction Award by the Historical Writers’ Association. In 2018, she was awarded an Honorary Platinum Award by Neilsen for achieving significant lifetime sales across her entire book output. In 2021, she was awarded a CBE for services to literature and to her charity Gardens for the Gambia. and was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.

She welcomes visitors to her site www.PhilippaGregory.com.

Philippa's Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/PhilippaGregoryOfficial

Reviews

[Rosanna Fay]

This was the first Philippa Gregory novel I read - I bought it at the airport and couldn't put it down the entire flight and when I got home. Then I started reading all of her books and sort of burned out on her as an author, but I did love this book

[Caitlen]

I really enjoy this author. The first book I read of hers was "The Other Boelyn Girl" and I loved it. Thought I would try some others of hers and so far so good! Great book! Although I do think I liked the Other Boleyn Girl a little better.

[SuZanne]

Sexy, fun, dark, horriifying--The Queen's Fool is all these and more. It's very fine historical fiction novel set during the reign of "Bloody Mary" of England. This text presents accurate historical events and people while adding the spicy fictional narrator of Hannah, through whose eyes we see Tudor England. And what an especially interesting view of the interplay between Mary and her younger half-sister Elizabeth we see.

For me, one of the most valuable aspects of this novel is the historical information about how appallingly badly Jewish people were treated in Spain, France and England. It's sad to think how this racism has continued for centuries.

As a modern reader, I was drawn into Hannah's struggles as a young woman in a male dominant world, where she has to hide being literate, intelligent, and multi-lingual while struggling to be independent of men's control.

It's a very enjoyable read, so I will seek out other novels by Philippa Gregory.

[Alicia Utter]

Rate: 6

A jewish refugee in England becomes a fool to Queen Mary and Princess Elizabeth. She inadvertently becomes part of several conspiracies. She is forced to flee several wars and also flee to escape being discovered. She is engaged to a fellow Jewish refugee. She must decide if she will stay in court as the fool, with her very few future predictions.

While the characters were interesting, I found this book to be a bit long. Things were very idealistic and overly easy. It was an interesting time, with many amazing people. It goes somewhat into the persecution of religion that Mary oversaw. I felt like things were gleaned upon and some of the characters were really flat. The history itself, and some of the plans to take over the throne were interesting. I felt like she was in court life a little too easily and no one questioned that she pretty much always played both sides.

Reno

[Mitzy]

An interesting concept, a court fool who is a girl and grows up at court, becoming a woman. Historical Fiction at it's best, a war, travel across the channel and to various castles, intrigue as one queen rules the country, but loses the support of most of the people, and a queen-in-waiting. More about the Marranos, or pretend Christians, a subject I've always found fascinating. I enjoyed reading this book~

[Michelle now at StoryGraph]

Finally finished this book today, after many starts and stops. Appreciate the book for the Jewish perspective. I haven't read much about the reign of Queen Mary and I do enjoy such a well-researched account of such a short period of time. Philippa Gregory truly is a profound and gifted Tutor author.

[Chrystelle Vail]

Not my favorite of her books-it seemed to go on and on...

[Yolanda]

Another compelling read by Philippa Gregory set in the Tudor era! This one centers on Mary I, who ascended the throne after Henry VIII. Naturally, it felt right to follow the historical timeline and continue my Tudor journey.

I found this installment much more engaging than the last. I’m always thrilled by books that introduce a fresh perspective. Having a court “fool” become a confidante to both a queen and a princess makes for a truly intriguing dynamic. Experiencing Tudor history through the eyes of an ordinary observer—rather than the royal family or the aristocracy—was wonderfully refreshing.

[Danika Ciullo]

Even though you know it's about men back in the 1500s, the misogyny is just so hard to read at times with vivid thoughts coming from the lead character's head. Oof.

Enjoyed this book, but felt so bad for Amy the entire time. I didn't see the ending coming because I didn't know about these real life characters in advance.

I found the writing at times was a bit repetative. It felt like the same scenes replayed with almost the exact same wording.

[Karin Wulf]

As ever one of the best historical novelists - not only depth of understanding of the historical context, subtle interpretations of characters, but a gold standard essay on sources. This last tells you what you can learn here, and in this case about the rule of tyrants.

[Natalieldrake]

Like all her books they are interesting and fun to read!

[Jerry King]

O 2009

[Rae]

I read it all the way through but I didn't really like the way the author portrayed Elizabeth as a winey soft-spoken lovestruck child who was unable to make a decision.

[Polivanova Yuliya]

Great book. I like the Robert Dudley character and all other person participated in this wonderful historical fiction.

[Kathy Corey]

Fun summer read about Queen Elizabeth and Robert the Head of Horse.

[Jana]

One of my favorites in this wonderful, fantastical, historical fiction series.

[Elizabeth]

Philippa Gregory never disappoints. A real insight in to the life and times. It also highlights how difficult it has been to be Jewish throughout the centuries.

[Lindsey Bockover]

LOVEEE. Such an thrilling read. I couldn't put the book down

[Natasha King]

I love everything Tudor-era by Philippa Gregory.

[Lisa Fitts]

Loved it!

[Carollyne Haynes]

Fabulous read, full of historical facts and layered with fictional characters who come alive! I couldn't put the book down and look forward to my next Gregory read.

[Mara]

The Summer of historical fiction., can't get enough.Two novels, The Queen's fool & The Virgin's Lover. Philippa Gregory always has lots of historical facts.

[Lia Gunderson]

Great book....if you are into historical fiction, you'll love this.

[Amy Macartney]

Second Gregory. Not as good 1st, but still good.

[Scarlett Castillo]

Too good to put down! Excellent read.
I always thought of Queen Elizabeth as the true Virgin but this book makes you think otherwise.

[Brandy Hampton]

Exceptional read!

[Aldys]

It is a good read! I enjoy Phillip Gregoria's style of writing. It takes you right into the court drama, flirting, passion, love, deadly ambitions, jealousy, envy, love and hate.... all that spun into a quick good read.

[Serena]

OMG! I found this book at a book consignment shop. Best $3 I have ever spent. I was not actually expecting to fall in love with this book. Plus, I have always loved the drama of historical heirarchy.
I reccomend it to all my friends. Even the ones who don't hear people babble on about this book.
Now, if only I could find one with the oh so handsome Sir Ludwig von Fairfax.

[Corkybean]

Well worth the "listen" (audible)! I have very much enjoyed every Philippa Gregory* book. I learn from them, even though they are fiction. I feel there is enough fact in the fiction to give a feel for the history of the time. The more I listen to the Tudor series, the easier it is to fit the pieces together and build my grasp of the Tudor times.

The reader of this series is excellent!

*I'm not sure Philippa Gregory's style would be for everyone. She includes a lot of relationship perspectives and conjecture. I tried to read another book about the Tudors by another author and didn't finish it because it was too "dry" compared to Ms. Gregory's book.

[Melani]

Hannah Green is just a fool of a girl and her father owns a bookshop. However, Hannah has a gift that she can see things. With this gift she is swept into the court to follow around a lord, a queen and a princess and get wisked into so many plots it makes her head spin. She is also betrothed and wants nothing to do with it. That all changes after being in a town that is attacked durning war and she has to save her betrothed now husband's child and herself she learns that she is ready to be a good wife and that she loves him deeply.