The Good Wife of Bath

A Novel

By: Karen Brooks

Narrated by: Fran Burgoyne

A provocative, immersive medieval novel starring one of literature’s most unforgettable characters in her own words—Chaucer’s bold and libidinous Wife of Bath.

“So damned readable and fun…This is the story of a woman fighting for her rights; it breaches the walls of history.”--The Australian

In the middle ages, a famous poet told a story that mocked a strong woman. It became a literary classic. But what if the woman in question had a chance to tell her own version?

England, 1364: When married off at aged twelve to an elderly farmer, brazen redheaded Eleanor quickly realizes it won’t matter what she says or does, God is not on her side—or any poor woman’s for that matter. But then again, Eleanor was born under the joint signs of Venus and Mars, making her both a lover and a fighter.

Aided by a head for business (and a surprisingly kind husband), Eleanor manages to turn her first marriage into success, and she rises through society from a cast-off farm girl to a woman of fortune who becomes a trusted friend of the social-climbing poet Geoffrey Chaucer. But more marriages follow—some happy, some not—several pilgrimages, many lovers, murder, mayhem, and many turns of fortune’s wheel as Eleanor pursues the one thing that all women want: control of their own lives.

©2022 Karen Brooks (P)2022 HarperCollins Publishers

Simply Brilliant!

What a fascinating concept, brilliant execution, and inspirational story! Elenor's voice had me reflecting on the same themes in my own life today. I loved the historical authenticity and most of all the humor! Her words spoke to my womanhood as well as to my soul. I crave books like this one. Thank you Karen. What a truimph!

Fascinating and entertaining!

The reader really got not the characters and changed accents and tenor with each. This was so enjoyable listen and to. So interesting!!!I will recommend-

Engrossing!

Historically accurate and grips attention even in the more difficult parts of the narrative.

Karen Brooks does her research well and her narrator is well chosen - appropriate and excellent accent without being so strong it’s difficult for a U.S. native to understand.

Wonderful

Very well researched book to construct an historically realistic character, inspired by Chaucer. I laughed and I cried a lot. As with any good character, i loved them and rooted for them but could see and acknowledge human flaws. The narrator was wonderful, as well - she enhanced an already exceptional story.

Very well done!

Beautiful tale that That is great history lesson and women’s fictional adventure tale. You’ll enjoy this read tremendously.

Great historical fiction and narration

I really enjoyed this book. I loved hearing about life in those times and the character development was excellent. I liked how Chaucer was friends with Eleanor and the weaving of her story Into His most famous writings. the narrator was excellent and I really enjoyed the humor in this book. I can't tell you how many times I laughed out loud!

Good characters

I liked the historical accuracy regarding the time period. The reader was excellent. Handled some of the unsavory truths of the era well.

A total winner!

Loved this book from the first moment! The Chaucer-based story is wonderful and it is obvious the research was extensive. It is, however, the narration that makes it so delightful. What a great job Ms. Burgoyne does! I will be listening to this book again.

No wonder we need women’s right! Look how we’ve been treated for centuries!

I loved this story of a woman in the 1300’s struggle to find a place, hold a job and in general do a man’s work and be slandered, maligned, and her home burned for doing her work. Fortunately she had a friend in Geoffrey Chaucer who helped guide her through her many marriages and travels.
I encourage every woman to read this delightful book. Just to see the struggle and the hilarity than women have endured for thousands of years.

What a tale.

Great story taken from or I should say inspired by another book. Also a wonderful narrator