The Virgin’s Lover

By Philippa Gregory

A sumptuous historical novel set in the court of Elizabeth I, from Sunday Times No.1 bestseller Philippa Gregory, the author of The Other Boleyn Girl.

Now I can be the queen that my mother intended me to be . . . the queen I was born to be.

1558. After years of waiting, Princess Elizabeth accedes to the throne of England.

But the country is divided, the restoration of the Protestant faith ignites opposition from the church and beyond, and court remains a treacherous place.

Many believe that Elizabeth must marry if she is to survive. For Robert Dudley, Elizabeth’s ascension is a glorious new dawn, and he quickly positions himself as the young queen’s favourite. Dudley is a man of powerful lineage; his father had been a kingmaker at the court of Henry VIII. But Dudley has many enemies, amongst them William Cecil, the queen’s most trusted advisor.

As powerful families vie for stakes in the emerging kingdom, Elizabeth must secure her own future.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins UK
• Release date: Nov 11, 2011
• ISBN: 9780007370160

Philippa Gregory

Philippa Gregory is an internationally renowned author of historical novels. She holds a PhD in eighteenth-century literature from the University of Edinburgh. Works that have been adapted for television include A Respectable Trade, The Other Boleyn Girl and The Queen's Fool. The Other Boleyn Girl is now a major film, starring Scarlett Johansson, Natalie Portman and Eric Bana. Philippa Gregory lives in the North of England with her family.

Reviews for The Virgin’s Lover

[karenleefield · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

If this is an indication of history, then they were a nasty lot back then. Power hungry. Mean. Self centered. I don't think it's like that today, but then again, maybe I lead a sheltered life.Robert Dudley turns his back on his wife, because he sees fame and fortune if he can hook up with the Queen. He uses the fact that they were childhood friends to worm his way in. I didn't read "love" in this story anywhere. He was motivated by self interest.The Queen isn't sure what to do. Does she love him? I don't think so. She never truly trusts him. How could she? Many reviewers state she was unable to make a decision, but she made a clear decision. She knew what she was doing. She knew the end result.And Amy Dudley? She loved her husband, but she didn't fight for him. She let him plot and scheme and was thrown away like a bit of old rag. But she didn't deserve the treatment she received.Without giving away the ending, I believe the ending was right for Dudley and the Queen.Regardless if the historic facts are right or not, I enjoyed the storyline. The characters were not likable, but that seems right for the rotten roles they played. But the writing of such characters was done well, in my opinion.This wasn't the best of Gregory's books, but it was still a well written book that tells a good, if twisted, story.

[heatherlinc · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I always enjoy novels about Elizabeth I and this was one of the better reads.

[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.

[carterchristian1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

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

[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.

[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.

[trinity_3 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I think it was a good book and well written. I think a very important thing to remember when reading this book is that it is fiction. The story is based on people who actually existed but veers off from there. Ms. Gregory did her research (check her sources in the back of the book) and formulated her own version of Elizabeth's life. I didnt like how weak and wishy washy Elizabeth was but the story was very interesting none the less. It pulled me in, I was rooting for Elizabeth and Dudley for part of the book and hating them the next. I even gasped out loud at the ending. Im looking forward to Ms. Gregory's new book.

[tahoegirl · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

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

[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.

[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 :)

[michdubb · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Recounts the supposed affair between a young Elizabeth I and her Master of the Horse, Robert Dudley. Dudley is a master manipulator who is seeking his way to the top. His wife, Amy, dies mysteriously and suspicion falls to him. Another great tale by Phillippa Gregory. Believable and relatable account of a historical tale. The reader really feels that they know these famous characters.

[pzmiller_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Enjoyable story of the early years of Queen Elizabeth I's reign.

[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.

[bratlaw · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A Historical protrayal of Queen Elizabeth 1 and her court. This novel held me captive from the first page to the last

[willowwaw · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This historical novel by Philippa Gregory was a nice continuation to the histories of the Tudor court. It was a nice book that was fun and enjoyable. It was interesting how this book only encompassed about three early years in Queen Elizabeth's court and the long chapters sometimes became tiring. None-the-less it was a worthwhile read and a great one to add to the series. I would recommend the series to others.

[jazzdreamer · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book was an excellent read. Queen Elizabeth is in love with another woman's husband. Robert Dudley married Amy dudkey when they were both young. Robert and Elizabeth have been friends since they were both children.Robert and Elizabeth fall in love but they both know that their love is wrong. Neither can openly admit that they love eachother, however, the whole world seems to already know. When Amy Dudley hears the rumors that her husband is in love with the queen, she tries to ignore them in hopes that they are false. Later in the book, Robert tells her that the rumors are true and he requests that she accept getting a divorce. She however, isn't too keen on the idea. When Amy mysteriously dies, Robert is suspected as the murderer. Robert eventually realizes who is behind this horrible deed..............but can he continue to love the woman who killed his wife? And what becomes of his reputation? To find out, read The Virgin's Lover. You will feel closely connected to the characters and you wont feel like putting the book down.

[lizziebee_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I have read most of Philippa's other books and I found this one very hard to get into. Out of all the stories I liked Amy Dudleys the best.

[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.

[francescadefreitas · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Even though I started reading this reluctantly, and regretted buying it;Even thought I was almost entirely sure what would happen in the end;Even though I didn't feel any compassion for any character until the final chapter;Even though I haven't wanted to slap someone this much since reading Bridgit Jones's Diary;I still could not put this down.

[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.

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

Loved this book! Gregory is a fantastic writer.

[barraclough_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I Just started it but so far I like it. In the style of the Queens' Fool.

[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.

[christy5778 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Deliciously entertaining.

[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.

[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.

[blondestranger · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Enticing book that captures the youth of Queen Elizabeth Tudor and her coming of age struggle with learning how to be a "Woman-King". You don't have a strong sympathy or connection with Elizabeth until the end of the book. Also, even though history tells us she remains a "Virgin" Queen, you still kind of wish she could have her cake and eat it too.

[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

[ktleyed · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I'm torn over this book. One side of me enjoyed reading about a young Queen Elizabeth, head over heels in lust/love with the charming and gorgeous Robert Dudley during her first two years as queen. But, the other side of me couldn't stand how whiny and spineless she appeared! She couldn't make a single decision by herself! Thank heavens for her advisor, William Cecil, who was just about the only character in the book I liked! As for Amy, Dudley's wife, I didn't care for her either, she was more pathetic than Elizabeth at her worst! I'm afraid I wasn't sympathetic to anyone in this book, with the exception of Cecil.Don't get me wrong the book was pretty good, and I loved reading about court life and the brief war against France in Scotland and the demise of Mary of Guise and all that. Gregory weaves a vivid and lush picture of 16th century England, but it would have been more enjoyable if the author had not portrayed Elizabeth as such a nincompoop! Over and over again she would beg her advisor "Help me! You must help me! I don't know how! Save me from him (Dudley), I cannot say no to him!" Come on! I can't believe the real Elizabeth was like this! Maybe if she was a young 16 or 17 year old girl and her first love, but by this point, Elizabeth was 25 and a young woman. The book kept on harping on the fact that she didn't know anything and needed non-stop advice and calming down (she was always nervously picking at her nails) as if she was a skittish mare that needed her Master of the Horse (Dudley) to lay his hands upon her to calm her (an ongoing theme throughout the book *rolls eyes*) Still, in spite of these flaws, the book kept me interested and reading to the end to see what happens, since I was unaware of this whole affair of Elizabeth's, and apparently it really happened and they remained in love with each other for life.