Naked: A Novel of Lady Godiva
by Eliza Redgold
Publication Date: July 14, 2015 Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Formats: Ebook, Paperback
Pages: 320
Genre: Historical Fiction
Source: This book was given to me by Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: We know her name. We know of her naked ride. We don't know her true story. We all know the legend of Lady Godiva, who famously rode naked through the streets of Coventry, covered only by her long, flowing hair. So the story goes, she begged her husband Lord Leofric of Mercia to lift a high tax on her people, who would starve if forced to pay. Lord Leofric demanded a forfeit: that Godiva ride naked on horseback through the town. There are various endings to Godiva's ride, that all the people of Coventry closed their doors and refused to look upon their liege lady (except for 'peeping Tom') and that her husband, in remorse, lifted the tax. Naked is an original version of Godiva's tale with a twist that may be closer to the truth: by the end of his life Leofric had fallen deeply in love with Lady Godiva. A tale of legendary courage and extraordinary passion, Naked brings an epic story new voice.
My Review: Lady Godiva's legendary ride has captured the hearts of many people through many centuries in popular culture. One of the famous literary pieces about Godiva’s ride is a poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson and the famous myth of Peeping Tom. With many books about Godiva, you are probably thinking why read another one? What could this novel have in store when I already know the Lady Godiva story? Yet, Naked takes the old legend and turns it into a fresh and creative retelling with twists and turns that will capture your attention and take your breath away.
I could not help but admire Godiva. She is a tomboy. She likes being outdoors, gardening, and horseback riding. As the heiress to Coventry, she loves her land and its people. She will defend it at all cost, including taking up arms and fighting like a man. She is very self-sacrificing, for she is willing to bear shame to save her townspeople. She is also very loyal to her friends, and is willing to help them at all costs. Another thing that I like about her is that she is very bold and daring. She knows how to strike a bargain. Thus, the author makes it clear that Godiva was not a conventional Saxon noblewoman.
Overall, this novel is about choices, sacrifices, justice, and love. The message of the story is to fight for what you believe is right and to follow your heart. The novel has a very lyrical writing style. Sometimes the book is written in a free verse poetry. The plot is fast-paced and is filled with likable characters. The author also does a good job in portraying the Anglo-Saxon poems. I loved how she included real Anglo-Saxon riddles into the story that are very humorous and entertaining. Naked is a page-turner that is definitely a treat for lovers of historical fiction and romance. This novel is for anyone who is looking for a sweet Saxon love story with a happily ever after feel. For those who have read many books on Lady Godiva, add this one to the list, for this tale is very unique, fresh, and creative.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
PRAISE
"Redgold's variation on this enticing legend is often lyrical and offers a satisfying blend of history, lore, and romance." (Booklist)
"Breathes new life into the story of the woman who would stop at nothing to protect her land and people." (Romantic Times)
"NAKED delivers far more than the famous ride of Lady Godiva. It's a beautifully woven story of love, loyalty, and the determination of a young woman trying to protect her people and their way of life, no matter the price. Godiva is a wonderfully strong woman in an age of dangerous men, and in NAKED, she certainly meets her match!" (Amalia Carosella, author of HELEN OF SPARTA)
"A wonderful, romantic retelling of the Lady Godiva legend. There is the colorful Anglo-Saxon backdrop, warriors, battles, peacemaking, desire, revenge and love - everything a fan of medieval romance could desire - plus a strong-willed heroin. Written with a lyrical lilt to her prose, Redgold adds realism to the myth and love to the lusty tale, allowing readers a glimpse into what might have been." (RT Book Reviews)
AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOKS-A-MILLION | ITUNES | INDIEBOUND | KOBO
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ELIZA REDGOLD is based upon the old, Gaelic meaning of her name, Dr Elizabeth Reid Boyd. English folklore has it that if you help a fairy, you will be rewarded with red gold. She has presented academic papers on women and romance and is a contributor to the forthcoming Encyclopedia of Romance Fiction. As a non-fiction author she is co-author of Body Talk: a Power Guide for Girls and Stay-at-Home Mothers: Dialogues and Debates. She was born in Irvine, Scotland on Marymass Day and currently lives in Australia. For more information visit Eliza Redgold's website. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Pinterest, and Google+.
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GIVEAWAY
To enter to win a copy of Naked: A Novel of Lady Godiva or a $50 Amazon Gift Card, please enter via the GLEAM form below. Three winners will be chosen. Rules: Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on August 28th. You must be 18 or older to enter. Giveaway is open to US residents only. Only one entry per household. All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion. Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.
Interesting! I never knew much about that story.
ReplyDeleteThanks. Her story is in fact very popular.
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ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this wonderful review. I hope readers continue to be enchanted by the Godiva legend.
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