The Girl in the Glass Tower

By: Elizabeth Fremantle

Narrated by: Emily Watson, Rachael Stirling

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.

Praise for Elizabeth Fremantle:

'If you read one Tudor tome this summer, make it this one. Fascinating and vividly drawn, the ending is heartbreaking' The Times 'Book of the Month'

'A top-notch literary thriller. Shots are fired, troths are plighted, sea voyages taken, escapes dared and mysteries solved' Daily Telegraph

'A glamourous tale peopled by warrior poets, flamboyant courtiers and shameless loves, it is also sharp, perceptive and dramatic' Sunday Express

'Arbella Stuart was a pawn, at the mercy of the powerful people around her. Hers is a sad and moving tale, and Fremantle tells it beautifully' History Girls

'Beautifully written, completely engrossing and a book that stays with you after the pages are closed. Highly recommended' Historia

'Fremantle shows how dangerous it was being closely related to Elizabeth I. A cracking read' Prima

Critic reviews

Elizabeth 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.

A major new voice in historical fiction. Hilary Mantel fans should read

An endlessly fascinating era, and Fremantle manages to combine pacey storytelling with superb background. Terrifically entertaining

A glamourous tale peopled by warrior poets, flamboyant courtiers and shameless loves, it is also sharp, perceptive and dramatic

Rich and Enticing

The research and historical detail are impeccable. Fans will enjoy this evocation of Elizabeth's tumultuous court

Arbella Stuart was a pawn, at the mercy of the powerful people around her. Hers is a sad and moving tale, and Fremantle tells it beautifully

Beautifully written

In tears by the end. I have a soft spot for anyone who, even though it’s the authors imaginings, writes the story of lost women so beautifully.

Jayme

I enjoyed this very much! The readers bring the book to life in a very successful way.

creative reconstruction of a time gone by

I enjoyed the switch between the two women stories. although it seemed a little lengthy.

A Delight for Early Modern Historical Fiction Fans

What did you love best about The Girl in the Glass Tower?

Having read a ton of 17th century historical fiction, I love that I found a new figure, and one I can enjoy! Her life didn't get boring, despite being relatively mundane, and the interweaving of other characters' histories made it multi-layered. Moreover, the romance wasn't as cliche'd as it normally is, and the ending is not so predictable.

What other book might you compare The Girl in the Glass Tower to and why?

Phillippa Gregory's The Constant Princess gave me the same reactions. Looking forward to devouring Fremantle's other work like I've done Gregory's!

Which character – as performed by Emily Watson and Rachael Stirling – was your favorite?

Arbella Stuart, no competition, which is interesting because I can identify with Amy better.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

"Can one ever know one's destiny?"

Fremantle is a strong writer of historical women.

This particular book The Girl In The Glass Tower picks up during the second chapter. It kept me very interested in what happens to Arebella Stuart. I personally had never heard of Arebella, before so appreciated the lesson. Although a fictional account, Fremantle draws on real historical data and draws together a beautiful tale. I enjoyed it.