The Constant Princess

By: Philippa Gregory

Narrated by: Kate Burton

"I am Catalina, Princess of Spain, daughter of the two greatest monarchs the world has ever known...and I will be Queen of England."

Thus, best-selling author Philippa Gregory introduces one of her most unforgettable heroines: Katherine of Aragon. Daughter of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain, Katherine has been fated her whole life to marry Prince Arthur of England. When they meet and are married, the match becomes as passionate as it is politically expedient. The young lovers revel in each other's company and plan the England they will make together. But tragically, aged only 15, Arthur falls ill and extracts from his 16-year-old bride a deathbed promise to marry his brother, Henry; become Queen; and fulfill their dreams and her destiny.

Raised on the battlefield and in the most beautiful Moorish palace in the world, sent to England alone at the age of 16 to take her place in a court where she couldn't speak the language, and abandoned and forced to endure poverty after the death of her husband, Katherine remained a woman of indomitable spirit, unwavering faith, and extraordinary strength. Philippa Gregory brings to life one of history's most inspiring women and creates one of the most compelling characters in historical fiction.

©2005 Philippa Gregory Limited. All Rights Reserved (P)2005 Simon & Schuster Inc., All Rights Reserved, AUDIOWORKS is an imprint of Simon & Schuster Audio Division, Simon & Schuster Inc.

Critic reviews

"Philippa Gregory is a mesmerizing storyteller." (The Sunday Telegraph)

Ends too abruptly

I didn’t realize there’s a second book called the constant princess, that tells the whole story? I’m hoping… this ends way too abruptly, and feels more like a few chapters rather than a book.

Really good.

This was a really good listen. I wish it were not abridged! The author really gets you involved in the court intrigue, the fight for power, the need for a male heir, and the life of the queen from Spain. I really cared about Queen Catherine. When she is put on trial by her 2nd husband, King Henry of England, I felt her pain. I would suggest this book to start off in the courtly world of Philippa Gregory, then move on to "The Other Boleyn Girl".

Disappointed

The story was too disjointed at the end. From the victory over the Scots to the end is too abrupt an ending leaving out the birth of Mary and the turmoil that ensued.

loved it

A wonderful story told from another angle. I was sorry it was so short.

Interesting yes, historically accurate, who knows?

We may never know how Katherine truly felt about Arthur or Henry but the book was entertaining enough to make you want to read more accurate accounts of her life. If you liked any of the other Philippa Gregory historicals, you'll like this one just as well. I have to say that Kate Burton's stilted accent was a bit irritating in some stretches. Was it because the character was royal, or does she actually over-enunciate when she speaks? I couldn't be sure. But it wasn't irritating enough to take the joy out of the book. The fact that this book was abridged may have cut out somethings that might have added some richness and depth to the story, but 5 1/2 hours was a good length for the telling of this particular tale.

Abridgement

Narrator is good. Missing parts due to abridgement make it hard to follow at critical times.

loved it!

I read this series of Tudor novels years ago and am enjoying them all over again in audio.

Must Read!

This is by far the best Philippa Gregory book I have listened to. It is beautifully written and the way she weaves the character of Catherine is outstanding. The perspective of this book was great. There is so much written about Anne, and Elizabeth and they are generally the focus of writings when it comes to the Tudor dynasty, but this glimpse into how it all may have begun is just exquisite!

Good story

The story was good but it is much shorter then the other cousin war books, should have liked more. But overall was a good read.

Fascinating point of view!

Gregory switches between omniscient & first person throughout the book, so that was distracting. Loved it nonetheless.