The Kiss of the Concubine cover art

The Kiss of the Concubine

A Story of Anne Boleyn

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The Kiss of the Concubine

By: Judith Arnopp
Narrated by: Alex Lee
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About this listen

January 28, 1547. It is almost midnight, and the cream of English nobility hold their breath as King Henry VIII prepares to face his God. As the royal physicians wring their hands and Archbishop Cranmer gallops through the frigid night, two dispossessed princesses pray for their father's soul, and a boy, soon to be king, snivels into his velvet sleeve.

Time slows, and dread settles around the royal bed, the candles dip, and something stirs in the darkness...something, or someone, has come to tell the king it is time to pay his dues.

The Kiss of the Concubine is the story of Anne Boleyn, the second of Henry VIII's queens.

©2013 Judith Arnopp (P)2018 Judith Arnopp Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Royalty King

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Marvellous portrayal of the story of Anne Boleyn. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it. Judith Arnopp brought all the characters to life in a way that is very believable. She has clearly researched the time periods and characters extremely well. Having read and listened to others by this other, I was excited to hear this one as Anne Boleyn is one of my favourites and was not disappointed. 🤩💜

Marvellous!

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Anne brought to life so well by this talented lady
Tudor life brought to life so very well

Totally amazing this lady has an amazing talent taking us into the Tudor times

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While I am, admittedly, very biased as I am a fan of Anne Boleyn and always have been, it never ceases to irk me that she is constantly portrayed as a harpy who was only interested in the title of "Queen". This is the most realistic portrayal of Anne I may have come across, particularly in fiction. Flawed? Yes. Human? Also yes. Arnopp highlights not only that it took her time to fall in love with a King who outwardly wooed her, but also (finally!) portrayed her as extremely intelligent, determined, and very interested in the politics of the time.

Finally, an Anne with a bit of depth

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I enjoyed this so much I’ve listened to it more than once. The emotions are tangible and it is beautifully written.

Absolutely loved this book

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I’ve read many accounts about Ann Boleyn but this is the best so far. Told in the first person Lee’s voice with its subtle French accent brings the story and Ann herself to life. The author has successfully created plausible psychological truth within the characters of Ann and Henry as well as the other key characters in this tragic story.

Outstanding performance by Alex Lee and a riveting story

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Listener received this title free

I have been enthralled with Judith Arnopp's interpretation of Anne Boleyn's life. The book is amazingly visual, every scene cones alive . Highly recommended to lovers of Tudor History.

Wonderful

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gripping. Thoroughly enjoyed on my drive down to Cornwall. will definitely download this author again

Gripping

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This book is excellent, so well written and narrated. Alex Lee narrates with charm and feeling, making this book so enjoyable.

Excellent

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hooked from beginning to end. the narrator is so good, she takes you into their world. I would have loved more of the ending, it could have been quite amusing. definitely worth a read.

brilliant

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This is my favourite novel about Anne, the story is incredibly well researched and offers a more nuanced depiction of Henry and Anne’s relationship. If you love Anne Boleyn, you need to read this book!

My favourite Anne Boleyn novel

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