The Lady in the Tower

By: Jean Plaidy

Narrated by: Anne Flosnik

One of history's most complex and alluring women, Anne Boleyn was irresistible to kings and commoners alike. Daughter of an ambitious country lord, Anne was sent to France to marry well and raise the family's fortunes. She soon surpassed even their greatest expectations when King Henry VIII swore he would put aside his loyal queen to make Anne his wife. And so he did, though the divorce would tear apart the English church and inflict religious turmoil and bloodshed on his people for generations to come.

Loathed by the English people, Anne was soon caught in the trap of her own ambition. When she failed to produce a much-desired male heir, her political rivals closed in, wrongfully accusing her of adultery and incest. Anne found herself imprisoned in the Tower of London, at the mercy of her husband and her enemies.

©1986 Jean Plaidy (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Plaidy excels at blending history with romance and drama." ( The New York Times)

A different perspective on the Lady Anne

I didn't realize this book was historical fiction, but that's OK! It was enjoyable. I was surprised it kind of made Anne Boleyn out to be a heroine. Once I got used to the idea, that was OK too. I didn't fully know what a ******* Henry was!!! (I keep forgetting this was fiction but then after the book I googled around to find more about Henry and if he really boiled that guy in oil.) Now you have to get the book to see who was boiled in oil. I would hate to have lived back then because I think Henry may have poisoned the guy and boiled the cook in oil to hide his own misdeeds. This book makes you think about what it was like to live under absolute monarchy...no thanks!!! One of the best things about the book was showing how her upbringing may have shaped how Mary turned out later. If you didn't already know some of this you would not realize from the book how Mary was going to turn out. The only reason I don't give it five stars is I think it made Anne out to be too innocent. But an enjoyable read!

excellent narration!

The narration was so wonderful! it was if Ann Bolyn was talking! it was engrossing!

One of the Best I've Heard

I've just listened to this for the second time through. Of all the books I've read or listened to in this area of history, and I've amassed a formidable pile, I think this is one of the very best. I recommend it without hesitation to anyone with a taste for stories about royalty (the star-studded celebrities of history.) The narrator's voice is so well chosen and smoothly performed, in my mind's ear she IS Anne Boleyn. And the author balanced historical detail with first-person thoughts and feelings in a way that felt nearly seamless. One always has to accept an author's take on things that can't be known for sure. I enjoyed this completely and I know I'll listen to it again sometime.

Good. Not great.

I always enjoy Historical fiction, and particularly British royalty. The story was informative and interesting, but the narration was sub-par. Her voice for all other characters aside from Ann Boleyn was nearly the same, even for male and female roles. Her voice for Ann was fine, but every time she spoke for another character it was grating sounding and became very wearing.

Worth it but...

The story itself is good, not a page turner but engaging enough. The narrator was fine as long as she was using a British accent, but when she'd enter a French character and attempt the French accent it made me cringe, especially during a male French accent. It was worth it to get past those parts and complete the book...wasn't great...might've been better with a different narrator.