The Virgin's Lover

Written by Philippa Gregory

Narrated by Graeme Malcolm

From #1 New York Times bestselling author and “queen of royal fiction” (USA TODAY) comes a riveting and scandalous love triangle between a young woman on the brink of greatness, a young man whose ambition far exceeds his means, and the wife who cannot forgive them.

In the autumn of 1558, church bells across England ring out the joyous news that Elizabeth I is the new queen, yet one woman hears the tidings with utter dread. She is Amy Dudley, wife of Sir Robert, and she knows that Elizabeth’s ambitious leap to the throne will draw her husband back to the center of the glamorous Tudor court, where he was born to be.

Elizabeth’s excited triumph is short-lived. She has inherited a bankrupt country where treason is rampant and foreign war a certainty. Her faithful advisors warns her that she will survive only if she marries a strong prince to govern the rebellious country, but the one man Elizabeth desires is her childhood friend, the ambitious Robert Dudley. As the young couple falls back in love, a question hangs in the air: can he really set aside his wife and marry the queen? When Amy is found dead, Elizabeth and Dudley are suddenly plunged into a struggle for survival.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: Nov 16, 2004
• ISBN: 9780743546966

Philippa Gregory

Philippa Gregory, CBE, is one of the world’s foremost historical novelists. Her books include The Other Boleyn Girl, The White Queen, and most recently Dawnlands. A recognized authority on women’s history, she graduated from the University of Sussex and received a PhD from the University of Edinburgh. She is a fellow of the University of Sussex and Cardiff University and an honorary research fellow at Birkbeck, University of London. In 2020 she was made a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for her services to literature and charity. Philippa is a member of the Society of Authors and in 2016 was presented with the Outstanding Contribution to Historical Fiction Award by the Historical Writers’ Association. She is a fellow of the Royal Historical Society and in 2018 was awarded an Honorary Platinum Award by Nielsen for achieving significant lifetime sales across her entire book output. 

Reviews for The Virgin's Lover

[lindymc · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This novel begins with Elizabeth gaining the throne, and deals with her relationship with Robert Dudley. I find it interesting that in The Queen's Fool, Dudley was a very likeable character, and his wife Amy is portrayed as so weak as to be a near cypher. In Virgin's Lover, we Dudley's arrogance and ruthless ambition; he's manipulative, selfish. And Amy, though weak, is a sympathetic character. Although Elizabeth proved to be a strong and capable ruler, historically, in this book we do not see that strong woman. These early years of her reign were a time of turmoil as the noblemen jockeyed for positions of influence.I wish I had more a definitive answer regarding Amy's murder.

[kw50197 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

An interesting read but a tragic tale which I don't intend to re-read often.

[riofriotex · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Virgin's Lover is about Queen Elizabeth I. Gregory takes a real-life mystery and builds a story around it. The unknown in Elizabeth's life involves the puzzling death of Amy, the wife of Elizabeth's lover, Sir Robert Dudley. Gregory takes a stand on what really happened and builds her case in her stories, creating a believable argument with her use of period details as well as historical and biographical facts.British actress Davina Porter did a great job narrating this abridged story, using various accents from Great Britain to distinguish the female characters. The men all sounded the same, but fortunately there are only two main male characters, Dudley and Sir William Cecil, Elizabeth's main adviser. I really enjoyed this book, and plan to read more of Gregory's Tudor England series of historical fiction.

[moonkey_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I found this book quite heavy going, it bored me in places and I only really got into it about half way through. Still the historical side of it was interesting and I will probably try The Other Boleyn Girl which I've heard good things about.

[jeannemarkert · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

In the autumn of 1558, church bells across England ring out for joy with the news that Elizabeth I is the new queen. But in the country Amy Dudley, wife of Sir Robert Dudley knows that Elizabeth's ambitious leap to the throne will draw her husband back to his former life at the glamourous Tudor courts where he was born & his childhood friend. This book presents a queen on the brink of greatness, a young man whose ambition exceeds his means, & the wife who cannot forgive them & is then murdered by her husband.

[jacketscoversread · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Philippa Gregory is unable to reach the success of The Other Boleyn Girl with The Virgin?s Lover. While I still enjoyed the The Virgin?s Lover I was far from impressed because I know what Gregory is capable of producing.The writing was still beautiful, as always, but the story line, though taken from history and elaborated upon, was lacking. This time the story was not told from one person?s perspective, but several. I think it gave the story less dimension because you found yourself unable to figure out who you wanted to root for and she usually has such engaging, sympathetic characters that you get attached to them almost immediately like Mary Boleyn in The Other Boleyn Girl.The ending was a bit sudden, so much that I thought I had at least twenty more pages to go and next thing I know I?m reading that author?s note. And I?m still scratching my head over the ending.The body of the novel was good. A little jumpy in the beginning but it begins to smooth itself out.I loved seeing a different side of Elizabeth. We are usually presented with her as a tough-as-nails queen, unwavering and unyielding. Here she is shown as an outcast at first, ruthless in her rise to power, blinded by love/lust, and manipulative as she grows into her place as a queen.

[amandacb_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I adore Tudor England, and found this book tedious. Totally tedious. The plot plods, Elizabeth is under-developed (if you can imagine such a thing), and the language/style is awkward.

[rabidmunkee · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This wasn't one of my more favorite novels. I really disliked Elizabeth and Robert. I don't think I was meant to dislike Elizabeth but I dislike her more now than I did in The Queen's Fool.

[cindyloumn · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I had a hard time getting into this book. Finally did. It's about Queen Elizabeth and Robert Dudley. Their romance and his wanting to be king. He was married, and it tells her story, Eliz's and Amy, his wife, who is killed towards the end of the book Ruining his reputation, as it's thought he killed her.6/26/05

[bookworm_naida · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Elizabeth is made queen, and her long time friend Robert Dudley, is at her side day and night. Lord Robert has risen from scandal and now wants nothing more than to be part of the Queen's court. He leaves his own wife, Amy, with relatives, while he seduces the Queen. Elizabeth cannot resist Robert, and the two begin a scandalous love affair. This book had me hooked from page one. I found it hard to put down. This is the book I was up late at night reading, gladly losing sleep just to get one more page read. Philippa Gregory writes historical fiction like nobody's business. I've also read The Constant Princess and enjoyed that one too. I've read some mixed reviews about this one, but as for myself, I really liked it. This won't be my last Philippa Gregory novel.

[deequa · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoy her historical fiction. I think she does a great job of combining historically accurate information with great storytelling. One of my favorite authors of this genre.

[trishaj-2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Loved this book! Gregory is a fantastic writer.

[tahoegirl · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Liked it, I learned a lot. Not my favorite in the series.

[deweyquilt · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Virgin's Lover is the 5th Tudor Court novel of Phillippa Gregory. The pace of the writing has slowed since her earlier novels, but she certainly keeps up with the teachery and duplicity of court life with extraordinary sharpness of wit. I wanted to see Elizabeth as she has been portrayed by so many: formidable, fearless and resolutely single minded in her ambitions for her country and for the crown. In the Virgin's Lover she is utterly in thrall to Dudley and at his beck and call. She can do nothing without him at her side. She is nervous and weakened without his counsel and struggles to make important decisions of state without his guidance. At first I felt rather short-changed at this rendering of a supposedly strong woman, however, I ended up rather enjoying seeing a different portrayal of Elizabeth, as she no doubt would have been in the early days of her reign. This fictional account of her has certainly whet my appetite to learn more about the monarch, based on historical research. For me, the real star of the show is William Cecil. He is truly masterful in his cold handed way of double dealing and balancing the many conflicting interests at court. Gregory has created a masterpiece in him. I would certainly like to know more about him in life.The Virgin's Lover must be taken for what it is, a gripping and enthralling insight into Tudor court life, and the humanity behind the legends and figures in history. I would heartily recommend this to anyone wanting a little intelligent escapism.

[carterchristian1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Good read. Makes the reader to look further into historical facts to backup or refute the story.

[susanpenter_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book, it is my favourite of Gregory's Tudor series that I have read do far, I find the relationship between Elizabeth and Robert believable bearing in mind the Royal upbringing and the regular infatuations her father went through.

[littlebookworm_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Written relatively well, but I so disagree with Gregory's interpretation of history that I couldn't enjoy it. I know that it is fiction, but it grated on me so much that I will be avoiding her books from now on. Her Elizabeth is weak, silly, and definitely not the beloved monarch that Elizabeth I actually was.

[dslynn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Philippa Gregory always makes our historical characters come alive and this novel is not disappointing. You actually feel part of the young queen's court and see many of her enemies. Truly skillful pro and con listings of available husbands, for Queen Elizabeth, with a unique murder mystery twist involving the young queen's true love interest. Long after the final page, one wonders if young Queen Elizabeth murdered the spouse of her lover?

[cheriepie69_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It's 1558, and Elizabeth, daughter to King Henry VIII and 2nd wife Anne Boleyn, has just been crowned Queen of England. After the brief but strict reign of her Catholic half-sister Mary, what is England to expect from the Protestant Princess who wants to abolish the Catholic ways? In a country full of turmoil, Sir Robert Dudley, longtime friend of Elizabeth since their days growing up at court together, seeks to better his position and maneuver himself into a position of power at Elizabeth's side. But what of his wife: the forgotten Amy Dudley who doesn't come to court but instead remains back home in the country, forever waiting for her husband to put aside his ambitions and return home to her, for the love of a good woman. Unfortunately, the only love Dudley's seeking is the Queen's. But to what lengths will he go to achieve his means?This was another great read in the Tudor series! Though the work itself is considered fiction, the author bases the stories themselves on fact. Of course, we cannot truly know everything that went through the minds of Elizabeth, Robert, William Cecil, and the others as not as much was recorded in the way of diaries and actual day-to-day events. But despite that, Ms. Gregory is able to take the facts from numerous sources and build a very real feeling story that draws you right in and makes you feel as if you were right there in the Renaissance period, experiencing everything firsthand along with the rest of the court. It's as if she's reconstructed history right before your very eyes!I was never much for History in school; it was always one of my worst subjects and I could never garner enough interest to retain the facts that were constantly drilled into my head. However, the way these stories are composed by Ms. Gregory, I enjoy them so much that I actually find myself easily retaining all the information I so easily forgot before, even long after I finished the book. My high school history professor would be so proud! LOL

[christy5778 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Deliciously entertaining.

[sensitivemuse · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

First things first. I recommend you read The Queen's Fool before reading this one. It contains a bit background information and a bit of a foundation to carry you over to The Virgin's Lover. It's not necessary but it's nice to have that extra bit of info in the small moments where the book makes a reference to the past. Besides, The Queen's Fool was a good book so why would you not want to read it? :)There's plenty of intrigue and double crossing in here, so if you're really into that this is the book for you. I love that stuff. I love seeing characters you don't like get the axe because they were too careless and got double crossed. It's just so satisfying. Which brings me to this other point. I hate Robert Dudley. Everything about him made me want to grind my teeth, made me want to jump into the book and punch him in the gonads, or made me want to run a lance into him. I just can't stand the guy. He oozes sliminess and his ambition is just way over the top it made you want to roll your eyes and slap him across the head with a sledgehammer. His arrogance made me want to scream. He was all right at first but once you saw past his true colors you just wanted to curl your lip in disgust at the guy. Either I need serious help, or Ms. Gregory just did a wonderful job at character development and creation here. :P I have never hated a character so much until I came across Robert Dudley. Amy (Dudley's wife) made you want to cringe because she was everything you didn't want her to be. She was the epitome of submissive wife. There were moments where she finally grew a backbone (and you had to cheer for her during those times) but you just can't help but pity the poor woman. Of all the characters in the book I sympathized with Amy the most. It was just painful to see her pain and suffering and the way she fawned at Dudley made you want to pity her, but at the same time be quite disgusted with her. She admirable though. She put up with a lot of issues and crap for that time. It's hard to decide how I feel about Elizabeth. She's whiny. She's NEEDY. She's clingy. She nearly made me want to jab something in my eye. However there were moments where I thought "Heeeey..she's not so stupid after all!" so it's very hard to see Elizabeth in a different view than what you usually see (usually as a very strong character who defied the Spanish Armada). So I thought it was difficult to like her in this novel. I was on the fence with her. Overall, I thought it was a good read. There are romantic parts but not that explicit and quickly done and over with. So to me, they were tolerable. No battle scenes here which was unfortunate but wasn't really the main part of the subject anyway (this book rather focuses on Dudley and Elizabeth). The intrigue of court life was here as usual (all of Gregory's novels have it) so that was good to see. I just really enjoyed the character development and creation in this book.

[calissa_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

The Virgin's Lover is a historical novel that focuses on the early years of the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. It tells the tale of the young queen, her lover Robert Dudley, and his wife Amy. Despite being married, Robert Dudley seeks to court the queen and thus gain the crown for himself.I noticed that there was a significant discrepancy between the writing around the story and the story itself with regards to the focus of the tale. The author's note seemed a strange note to end on because it left me with the impression that the book should have been some great mystery or at any rate that it was in some way Amy's story. This was backed up by the blurb and the fact that the opening chapter was written with a focus on Amy. However, Amy herself gets very little stage time and the title gives a better indication of the focus of the story--Robert Dudley. Perhaps this could have been made clearer from the beginning.I was pleased to see that Gregory got rid of the irritating first person perspective she used in The Queen's Fool, however there was plenty else to irritate me in its place. The opening paragraph was particularly annoying and all the more so for being repeated in the next chapter--the metaphor seemed forced the first time and the repetition did it little favour.The characters were, again, thoroughly unlikeable people, with the possible exception of Cecil. The female characters in particular were incredibly weak. Elizabeth's situation did remind me of an abusive relationship at one point, but overall her vacillation and her arrogance did very little to endear her.Though Amy wasn't quite the raving lunatic she was at times in The Queen's Fool she is nevertheless deluded to the point of absolute stupidity. She manages to redeem herself a little after the first 250 pages (during which she still gets very little stage time), but slides back again with the way she grasps onto anything that even remotely resembles hope. I felt like shaking her and telling her to have some self respect.The book does have a few things to recommend it, however. It gets points from me for sharing continuity with The Queen's Fool. It also illustrates very clearly what it means to be pariah in the closing stages of Amy's story when not even her family will shelter her and the doctor refuses to treat her. A sad highlight indeed.Overall, I'm left to conclude that Gregory's work is not really for me

[cariola_6 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Frankly, although I've enjoyed some of Gregory's Tudor novels, I could only stomach 2/3 of this one before I stopped reading it. It was little more than a bodice-ripper. Other readers have complained about the way she portrays Elizabeth, and I have to agree: she's depicted here as a slut and a wimp. The only thing more irritatingly wimpy in the book is Dudley's wife, Amy. I couldn't wait for her to get pushed down the stairs and break her wimpy little neck. I didn't get that far, but I know that, historically, she was either pushed or fell. After reading 2/3 of this book, I'd be willing to give her a shove myself.

[greenefingers · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

i didn't enjoy this as much as i was hoping to! i guess there has to be so much conjecture about this subject that you know what you're reading is much more 'fictionalised' than her other books. Still a good read though.

[marthahuntley · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Good read!

[sjydesigner · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed the series. But this one fell flat to me. It was about Queen Elizabeth, whom in the previous book showed a lot of courage and leadership, but in this one she fell flat, she let others tell her how to lead. We didn't get a good look into her rule as Queen. And the end of the books was very disappointing, it just ended after a plot was found out, we have no idea how the main characters were to resolve it.Still enjoying the history in this series, the end had a great author's note, unsolved mysteries, the author book a Great spin on things :)

[bachaney · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was my first Philippa Gregory book. It was a very enjoyable read, and I especially liked how she integrated historical events into the narrative. If you enjoy Elizabethan era history and movies like "Shakespeare in Love" you will enjoy this book.

[jessljones · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Maybe the best of the series, and left me with the need to find out what happened, historically.

[qarae · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

As always, Philippa Gregory's writing is fabulous. What I typically love about her books is that she takes on a different perspective from what we've all learned in the history books (and Hollywood). However, the subject of Elizabeth and Dudely has been done so many times that I actually surprised that Philippa decided to do it as well.

[nirmala3chandrasiri · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

The Virgin?s Lover, as you might guess, is a story based on one of the most renown love triangles during the Tudor period. The red headed Queen Elizabeth I came to power after the death of her half-sister; Queen Mary (referred to as Bloody Mary in popular culture). Already considered a spinster despite being twenty-five years old, her marriage was a considerable issue since the beginning of her reign. Many were ready to marry this protestant queen and possibly extend their power, although no one succeeded in their attempts at the end. But according to historians one suitor came very close, and that person was none-other than Robert Dudley.Robert Dudley descended from one of the wealthiest and most powerful families in England. However, he was a fallen noble with both his father and grandfather charged and executed for treason. Even with generations of duplicitous family history looming on the background, the dashing Robert Dudley was determined to rise again and his time came when his childhood friend became Queen of England. His charms made him Queen Elizabeth I?s favorite in court, but what good could come of it for him with a wife stashed in countryside? He had married Amy Robsart when he was a young lad and, even though she was a nice, loving woman, she didn?t share an iota of Robert Dudley?s ambitions causing him much frustration. Rumors began to spread of the budding romance between the queen and Robert Dudley and not long after Amy Robsart was found dead at the foot of a flight of stairs at the Cumnor Place. Her death resulted in quite the scandal at the time, and through her fiction; The Virgin?s Lover, Philippa Gregory tells us her theory on what caused Amy Robsart?s death, which remains a mystery to this date due to its peculiar nature.Although I have read a few of Philippa Gregory?s books, I never had much appreciation for her writing skills. Sometimes things get repetitive with her to a level it starts irritating! For instance, in The Virgin?s Lover, the facts that Cecil; chief adviser to Queen Elizabeth I never signs his letters and keeps spies have been repeated on multiple occasions. Unless someone starts reading the book midway, which no one would, I can not seem to comprehend the point in her repetition!:-/And then we come to the portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I? Even though I am aware The Virgin?s Lover is purely a work of fiction and I should not be expecting it to be historically accurate, I was a little bummed to see Queen Elizabeth I depicted as a weak and indecisive ruler, when history tells us she was anything but. One might call her naive due to her folly with Robert Dudley, but I find it hard to believe she was the kind who would have taken orders from him on the issues of governing England, no matter how hard she loved him.The only plus for me in The Virgin?s Lover is William Cecil. Albeit being a secondary character in the novel, what he says and does is sensible which I believe remains true to his character. Having said that, I must add this will not be the last of Philippa Gregory?s I read. For some season I seem to developed a blind spot for soap opera type historical novels!