Godiva...Review

About the book:
Everyone knows the legend of Lady Godiva-the woman who (in)famously rode naked on horseback through Coventry to relieve her people from unfair taxation. But why would a lady of the court take it all off and risk everything, including husband, home, and well-being?

In this richly imagined retelling of an oft-told ancient tale, Nicole Galland gives us Lady Godiva in all her, um, glory, as she and her best friend (the Abbess Egdiva) and husband (Leofric, Earl of Mercia) embark on an adventure filled with courtly intrigue, deceit, back-stabbing, and romance.

Nicole Galland has fictionalized the story of Lady Godiva and gives us a fairly rich story in which we see the court at its deceitful best.  I found the historical aspects fascinating, but the story itself took a long time for me to get into.  Godiva's repartee with those around her, but especially King Edward when she thinks she's bested him is terrific.  I liked her as a character, I thought she cared about her people.  I enjoyed the relationship she had with her husband, even as she used her wiles to charm those of the court around her.

Like many people, I was unfamiliar with the original story of Lady Godiva other than legends and snarky pop culture references.  I did some research before reading and I'm glad I familiarized myself with her because I appreciated learning the reason behind her decision to ride through town naked.  The traditional story is a bit different from what Nicole portrays here, but I could believe this one.

This is one of those books that isn't easy to review.  Did I enjoy it?  For the most part.  Is it compelling? Somewhat.  Is it one I would reread?  No.  Is it one I would recommend?  Perhaps.

My copy was an ARC and did not include the historical epilogue which will be included in the final printing. The author was kind enough to send me a copy of that epilogue and I am so glad she did.  It clarifies many things about the original characters of Godiva and Leofric and Sweyn and Egdiva.  I am glad it will be a part of the final printing.

Thanks to TLC Book Tours for the opportunity to review this novel.  You can learn more about Nicole Galland here.  You can purchase your own copy here. You can see other reviews and tour stops here.

Tuesday, July 2nd: A Chick Who Reads
Wednesday, July 3rd: From L.A. to LA
Thursday, July 4th: West Metro Mommy
Tuesday, July 9th: Dreaming in Books
Wednesday, July 10th: A Dream Withing a Dream
Thursday, July 11th: A Bookish Affair
Saturday, July 13th: guiltless reading
Monday, July 15th: Col Reads
Tuesday, July 16th: Lectus
Wednesday, July 17th: nomadreader
Thursday, July 18th: guiltless reading
Tuesday, July 23rd: 2 Kids and Tired Book Reviews
Thursday, July 25th: Twisting the Lens

Read 7/13

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3/5 Stars

Comments

  1. I generally struggle to get into historical fiction so I get what you're talking about. Still, I think Godiva sounds like a fascinating character!

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  2. Thanks for the review, Holly. I've heard mixed things about this one and your review isn't all that encouraging. I'm not sure this one is for me.

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  3. I have wondered about this one. I keep seeing it around blogland.

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  4. I'm glad you got a copy of the epilogue - I tend to enjoy the bits of historical info many authors pass along there.

    Thanks for being on the tour!

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