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The Good Servant

By: Fern Britton
Narrated by: Karlyn Stephen
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Summary

From the No.1 bestselling author of Daughters of Cornwall comes an extraordinary tale of family secrets and epic love.

Balmoral, 1932

Marion Crawford, an ordinary but determined young woman, is given a chance to work at the big house as governess to two children, Lilibet and Margaret Rose.

Windsor Castle, 1936

As dramatic events sweep through the country and change all their lives in an extraordinary way, Marion loyally devotes herself to the family. But when love enters her life, she is faced with an unthinkable choice…

Escape this summer with this sweeping love story about family secrets and the heart-breaking decision of choosing between your head and your heart…

©2022 Fern Britton (P)2022 HarperCollins Publishers
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What listeners say about The Good Servant

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  • Overall
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Interesting story

I love Fern Britton as an author and was interested to hear her take on this historical event.

I found the first few chapters irritating because of the clipped narration voices of the princesses. In fact I nearly gave up on it …. I didn’t and I’m glad I didn’t because it was an excellent story.

Really sad and whatever your take on it ultimately, it highlights the double standards at the palace. Worth getting through the first tricky chapters

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An interesting, well written book. Narrated beautifully

I was surprised by the fact that I enjoyed this book so much. Firstly because, although I am fond of Fern Britton as a presenter, I had never before considered her an author. Secondly, although written as a fictional account of historic events in the lives of the royal family, there were clearly some factual elements. Lastly, I felt drawn into the character of Miss Crawford from very early in the story and remained attached to it, throughout. I felt her emotion. Her joy, discomfort, disappointment, suffering and pain. I felt empathy for her: her sacrifices and her desire to please everyone. Ultimately, I felt saddened by the tragic loneliness and despair that she felt, in her final years.
Of course, even the best books can be spoiled if narrated by the wrong person, however, Karlyn Stephen was fabulous. Her soft scottish accent, clear diction and ability to convey the story with the right amount of emphasis, in all the right places, made her the perfect choice for this book.
It is not often that I enjoy a book so much. I thoroughly recommend it.

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Fabulous research

Fern Britton must have done so much research to produce this novel : she never fails to impress with her dedication to a awkward subject.

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interesting listen

couldn't stop listening, very intriguing, possibly gives real insight to the true nature of the Queen Mother.

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crawfie

I enjoyed this book . it was really well narrated too. Thank you Fern 😊

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Great story

A very well written book and how you could visualise the whole tale whilst going through a range of emotions a joy to listen to.

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Enjoyable listening

I enjoy the history of the Royal, and this was a great book to go back in time and hear about the real people and staff. I knew a little of Marian Crawford and found the whole book fascinating. It was narrated very well with a lovely Scottis bridge.

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Great story!

Really enjoyed this book: something very different from Fern Britton! Highly recommended! It's based around a true story and I loved the narrative Fern had created!

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Brilliantly written again Fern

I am a royalist so this appealed to me. I didn’t know the story behind it but I was hooked and having read most of Ferns book I knew it would be a good story fact or fiction. It’s so very sad really and I am of the same opinion as Fern. She was indeed a good servant. Too loyal though

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Really good story that's very absorbing

Initially I wasn't too sure where it was going, or if the reader was what I'd imagined listening to but I actually got really into the story and was curious to see where it went. definitely enjoyed it!

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