JOY ON PAPER The Radio Archives

Dawnlands by Philippa Gregory

From the author of The Other Boleyn Girl.

Find out more about Philippa Gregory’s books

For me it was a dream come true to talk to one of my favorite British Historians–Philippa Gregory.  I have read almost all of her books and was thrilled when she started new Fairmile series So I was eager for the release of Book #3: Dawnlands, which is continues this epic story of a family from the end of one empire to the dawn of a  new world that offers greater rewards–and greater dangers that threaten to tear the family apart.

What perfect timing for the release of the fascinating multigenerational epic. Just as King Charles III comes to the throne, readers will learn about King Charles II.

Among Dame Philippa Gregory’s many books is one of my favorites: The Other Boleyn Girl, which became a film starring Natalie Portman and Scarlet Johansson.

Our interview touched on a wide-range of subjects, including commiserating on dry rot and wet rot–which is a subject dear to our hearts. It was also wonderful to talk to her about how it felt to be awarded the CBE, the highest ranking Order of the British Empire. A week ago I spoke to Sir James Dover Grant (better known as Lee Child) and now I have spoken to Dame Philippa Gregory. Dreams really do come true!

The “superb” (People) Fairmile series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Philippa Gregory continues as the fiercely independent Alinor and her family find themselves entangled in palace intrigue and political upheaval in 17th-century England.

It is 1685 and England is on the brink of a renewed civil war. King Charles II has died without an heir and his brother James is to take the throne. But the people are bitterly divided, and many do not welcome the new king or his young queen. Ned Ferryman cannot persuade his sister, Alinor, that he is right to return from America with his Pokanoket servant, Rowan, to fight for freedom.alm