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Lady of Hay

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Lady of Hay

By: Barbara Erskine
Narrated by: Isla Blair
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About this listen

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.

Readers LOVE Barbara Erskine:
‘Atmospheric’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Enthralling’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Spellbinding’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Another fabulous read from the mistress of the genre’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Immensely and deeply immersive fiction’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I loved every minute’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘An exceptional writer of great books’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘You can rely on this author to keep you wanting more’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A joy to read’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Captivating and engrossing’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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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
All stars
Most relevant
Repetitive in places. And a bit confusing even though familiar with the period of history

Lady of Hay

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This novel in paperback I loved and I consequently went on to read Erskine's other novels. But this was excruciating. The author read it as if it were Mills and Boon and jolly hockey sticks. For old time's sake I tried to persevere but I gave up.

Previously I loved this novel

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I read this book once a tear, at least, and now have it on Audible. I never get tired of it.

My favourite book - ever!

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This book is dated, the characters unlikeable and undergo unexplained personality changes as the book goes on! The story of Matilda is interesting but the rest dismal!

Disappointing

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I’m still thinking about this tale several days after having finished listening to the audible book. An intriguing and truly thought-provoking story on so many different levels: the harsh reality of life 800 years ago; belief in reincarnation or not; Man's capacity for manipulation and self-gratification; and great love requiring redemption. I have given it an overall 4-star rating because, although Isla Blair did a fantastic job as narrator, I found the switching between the large cast of characters confusing. Interestingly, when I read a sample of the book I didn't experience the same difficulty, and I wonder if this is because this audible book is an abridged version... maybe 'abridged' a step too far?!

An intriguing and memorable timeslip

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