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The Beggar Queen

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The Beggar Queen

By: Kelly Evans
Narrated by: Deryn Oliver
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About this listen

Kidnapped in seventh-century England and sold as a slave to a powerful mayor in France, Bathilde needs to adapt to survive. When the mayor’s beloved wife passes away, he looks to Bathilde for comfort. Fleeing his attentions, she is forced to live on the streets until she catches the king’s eye and everything changes.

Now a queen, Bathilde must provide the king with heirs and continue the charitable and social work that has become her life, all while fighting her detractors. By the end of her days, Bathilde had changed the face of medieval France forever.

How did a slave navigate the treacherous Merovingian courts and rise to rule an empire? And why have so few people heard of her?

Content Warning: sexual assault, childbirth trauma.

©2021 Kelly Evans (P)2021 Kelly Evans Fiction Historical Fiction Medieval Women's Fiction Middle Ages Royalty

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I returned to this author after enjoying ‘Unfinished’ also narrated by Deryn Oliver. I was entranced once again by the historical figures that Evans shines a light on and brings to life with her vivid storytelling. Deryn Oliver is the perfect narrator, masterfully bringing forth each distinct character and guiding the listener on the journey carefully. Huge applause from me. I loved this!

Captivating story, beautifully narrated

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I loved the narration of Deryn Oliver, just right for this book

An enjoyable historical fiction about Merovingian Queen Bathilde. An extraordinary life , A truly enjoyable listen.

loved

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Accepted that trying to write about a 7th century woman will be difficult due to lack of data, the author has done a passable job of fleshing out the story which unfortunately comes over as a romanticised version of events. I feel sure this was a far grittier period of history than this story would have one believe. This is compounded by the rather cloyingly affected narration. I finished the book with gritted teeth.

Irritating narration

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