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Lady of Hay

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Lady of Hay

By: Barbara Erskine
Narrated by: Joan Walker
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A story spanning centuries. A long awaited revenge.

In London, journalist Jo Clifford plans to debunk the belief in past-lives in a hard-hitting magazine piece. But her scepticism is shaken when a hypnotist forces her to relive the experiences of Matilda, Lady of Hay, a noblewoman during the reign of King John.

She learns of Matilda's unhappy marriage, her love for the handsome Richard de Clare, and the brutal death threats handed out by King John, before it becomes clear that Jo’s past and present are inevitably entwined. She realises that eight hundred years on, Matilda’s story of secret passion and unspeakable treachery is about to repeat itself…

Barbara Erskine’s iconic debut novel still delights generations of readers thirty years after its first publication.

©2021 Barbara Erskine (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers Limited Fantasy Historical Historical Fiction Romance Science Fiction Suspense Thriller & Suspense Women's Fiction Fiction Middle Ages Royalty
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Critic reviews

‘The author's storytelling talent is undeniable. Barbara Erskine can make us feel the cold, smell the filth and experience some of the fear of the power of evil men.' The Times

'Unusual, intriguing, cleverly handled and gripping.' The Good Book Guide

'Fascinating, absorbing, original – all such praise comes easily when describing Barbara Erskine's Lady of Hay. But perhaps the most suitable world is hypnotic.' SHE

'Convincing and extremely colourful.' The Mail
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I've loved this book since it first came out. Over the years I have had various paperback copies of it due to lending it to friends and they ask to keep it. I love the modern day mixed with history. I recently discovered the Matilda and her husband did stay where my old school was. Anyway, I signed up for Audible because I saw the book was on it. Settling down to listen to it I was stunned within the first few minutes. The narrator was absolutely dreadful. She sounded drunk; mumbling and slurring when she read the male parts. I'm so disappointed in it. I'd willingly rerecord it in a heartbeat. I would recommend folk buy the book and avoid the audible version as the narrator ruins the story, puts you off it. Shame.

Brilliant story, shame about the narrator

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I was a little daunted by the length of this book, but I also hate abridged versions of any tome.

This is a masterpiece, not only of history, but the people come to life under excellent narration. The story flows throughout, with never a pause in the action. Matilda will be forever in my head now, and my heart, as a tigress with her children.

A true masterpiece

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A brilliant story. Spoilt by narrator's intonation and comic character playing voice. What a shame. Love audible but read the book, far better.

Strangely read. Amazing story

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A lovely reading of a very well loved book. Thoroughly enjoyed it. This book made me fall in love with this author so many years ago and is still probably my favourite.

Read this book years ago and loved it

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Not my type of book. Far too long and too rambling. The review is to remind me.

Not the type of book I enjoy

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