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The Good Wife of Bath

A Novel

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The Good Wife of Bath

Written by: Karen Brooks
Narrated by: Fran Burgoyne
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About this listen

A provocative, immersive medieval novel starring one of literature’s most unforgettable characters in her own words—Chaucer’s bold and libidinous Wife of Bath.

“So damned readable and fun…This is the story of a woman fighting for her rights; it breaches the walls of history.”--The Australian

In the middle ages, a famous poet told a story that mocked a strong woman. It became a literary classic. But what if the woman in question had a chance to tell her own version?

England, 1364: When married off at aged twelve to an elderly farmer, brazen redheaded Eleanor quickly realizes it won’t matter what she says or does, God is not on her side—or any poor woman’s for that matter. But then again, Eleanor was born under the joint signs of Venus and Mars, making her both a lover and a fighter.

Aided by a head for business (and a surprisingly kind husband), Eleanor manages to turn her first marriage into success, and she rises through society from a cast-off farm girl to a woman of fortune who becomes a trusted friend of the social-climbing poet Geoffrey Chaucer. But more marriages follow—some happy, some not—several pilgrimages, many lovers, murder, mayhem, and many turns of fortune’s wheel as Eleanor pursues the one thing that all women want: control of their own lives.

©2022 Karen Brooks (P)2022 HarperCollins Publishers
Fiction Historical Fiction Women's Fiction Marriage Solar System
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What listeners say about The Good Wife of Bath

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A great story, brilliantly read

I enjoyed reading Chaucer’s stories in high school many many years ago, so was excited to see the title of this book. I am so glad that I listened. So well read, and such a great story, told from her perspective! Thank you, Karen Brooks, I’ll be looking out more of your titles for sure

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glad I listened

glad I listened to this book - so much history and what a fascinating time it was. Worth the investment.

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Brilliant

I’m so glad I decided to listen to this book!! It was everything I love about historical fiction and more. The characters are fantastic. They’re very authentic to the time period but also very relatable to the modern reader. And funny too! I truly didn’t want this book to end. It was won’t.

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A fun, brave, and brilliant piece of work

Loved the flawed protagonist and the funny, action-packed, provocative, and considered tale. Wonderfully narrated.

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Excellent historical fiction

The story was sometimes depressing and frustrating as we hear about Eleanors hasty marriages, but there is never a dull moment. Well researched and read exceptionally well

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I am not yet finish and I need to provide a positive review

Actually barely started …. The main character is so intriguing and bold. The author has written the story as if the main character was talking to a friend. The narration is excellent. So so good.

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Wonderful

Compelling and well written. Perfect narration with excellent intonation. Thoroughly enjoyed the listen and the mirror it holds up to our own world. Let those who have ears listen!

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Excellent Book

I really enjoyed this book from the word go and loved how she involved Geoffrey Chaucer as her cousin in the story. The narrator was excellent!

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Enchanting and infuriating

Lovely strong infuriating main character! I loved the story and the ambiance of this historic yet fictional universe. It has a tale like fabrication, of which I appreciated the rythme and unfolding adventure. Great read!

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Good wife of Bath

Well researched and told ! I imagine a lot during the listen and thought Karen did an excellent job of promoting understanding.

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