Bloody Mary Audiobook By Carolly Erickson cover art

Bloody Mary

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Bloody Mary

By: Carolly Erickson
Narrated by: Corrie James
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Here is the tragic, stormy life of Mary Tudor, daughter of Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon. Her story is a chronicle of courage and faith, betrayal and treachery - set amidst the splendor, pageantry, squalor, and intrigue of 16th-century Europe.

The history of Mary Tudor is an improbable blend of triumph, humiliation, heartbreak, and devotion - and Ms. Erickson recounts it all against the turbulent background of European politics, war, and religious strife of the mid-1500s. The result is a rare portrait of the times and of a woman elevated to unprecedented power in a world ruled and defined by men.

©1978 Carolly Erickson (P)2012 Audible, Inc. Europe Great Britain Historical Politicians Politics & Activism Royalty England Tudor Middle Ages Nonfiction Heartfelt
In-depth Biography • Well-written Format • Beautiful Accent • Thorough History • Exquisite Narration • Well-paced Rhythm
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The Tudor Dynasty is fascinating and I was very much learning forward to learning more about Mary specifically. However I feel as if the book focuses a bit too much on the history of her ascension rather than what she actually did during her reign. I may be wrong about this, but I am not entirely sure that this specific book explains how she got the nickname ‘Bloody’ Mary. Bizarre, considering it is the title of the book.

I feel as if there were large gaps here that went completely unexplored and worse, unmentioned.

Woefully Unspecific

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Too much expositional background, which is unfortunate. You have to get about midway in the book to even start Mary's life. The orator was ok—except you could hear the saliva moving around in her mouth which was gross. Overall, this was a disappointment, and just a vague history of 40 years of Tudor history in which Mary just "happened" to live.

Disappointing

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I usually love Carolly Erickson's books but this one failed to capture me. Mary Tudor is certainly an Interesting subject so I don't know why I was unable to connect here. Ms. Erickson provides plenty of information in a well written format and the narration was okay but I just found myself wandering while listening.

Not the best of books, not the worst of books

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All one hears about Mary Tudor historically is her reign of bloody terror. Turns out that really isn't historically accurate at all. Mary turned out pretty well considering the terrible father she had and unfair cards she was dealt.

She wasn't "bloody" after all

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I loved this book. learned a few things I didn't know. I feel this book was very well written. I love English history especially about the Tudors you have to like and hate Mary. her having all those people burned just because they were Protestant just makes you so mad. unfortunately it was the time people lived in but sad. her marrying Phillip was happy for her as she really loved him. but him treating her like he did or I should say using her once he fell out of love and became king of Flanders and the Netherlands, you have to feel sorry for her. however no matter she is still bloody Mary.

Mary Tudor

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I like Carolly Erickson’s books. But, I felt this story did not answer the question posed by the title, why was she known as Bloody Mary? Author does a great job of telling a story that makes a heroine of whomever her subject may be. But still, it seems she favored this one more than some of her others and certainly more than history has favored this one. She was harshly honest about Elizabethan court, but seems to have smoothed over the uglier aspects of this monarch.

Well told but felt Imbalanced

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Excellent biography of Mary Tudor! I loved all of the daily life details that make her world come alive. Told factually and leaving the opinions for the listener.

great biography

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If your a Tudor history fan this is deep and thorough. But it is a history - not a fictionalization scandal funhouse - so be prepared for some dry content but faithful telling of a queens life.

A good history

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Would you listen to Bloody Mary again? Why?

This book takes the life of Queen Mary far beyond the accepted stories and gives us a view of her personal life and trials.

An absolutely WONDERFUL narrative of Queen Mary I

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I have been student of the Tudor period for over 20 years and this biography is a wonderfully in depth study of a woman that is sorely misunderstood and under appreciated by historians and people alike. Mary was a pragmatic but sensitive woman that saw as much trial and heartache as her beloved mother. A true heiress to the Tudor and Spanish dynasties in her mettle and faith.

Wonderfully performed by the narrator and written in an unbiased manner detailing the strength and weakness of the first crowned Queen of England. She truly did not deserve the moniker that history proscribed her.

Wonderful depiction of a misunderstood personality.

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