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jennifermilanovic's review
2.0
Nothing irks me more than periods at the end of phrases, not sentences. Also, I was hoping for more history and less romance.
illy95's review
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I enjoyed this retelling of Godiva's ride. I must admit, I knew nothing more than "Godiva rode naked through her town". I didn't even know the purpose of her naked ride and assumed it was some strange part of the Tales of King Arthur, it is not. Redgold makes a point of starting the novel with a historical note to explain the route she takes and I like that. Quick read, not too deep or shallow of a read. Enjoyable.
whiskeyinthejar's review
4.0
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Lady Godiva's famous naked ride through the streets is definitely a memorable tale but only a small part of the story. Invading Danes, traitors, famine, and a powerful Earl all swirl around Godiva as she struggles to not only survive but maintain control over the coveted Middle Lands. The Earl of Mercia, Leofric, looks to be her savior but could be secretly angling for more power as her childhood friend Edmund warns. With her heart and mind at odds, Godiva must battle the dangers of her time all while navigating through her true feelings.
Naked is a historical romance novel that incorporates real historical figures and interweaves notes from historical documents, myth, legend, and artistic license. The people, time, and places you've glimpsed from paintings and poems come alive as their story unfolds. In what I imagine is a nod to the inspiration for this story, Tennyson's poem, this story is written in a very poetic stylistic way. Told in first person from Godiva's point of view, her inner monologue has poetic flare with shorter, choppy sentences. The first 10% or so was a little difficult for me to get into but as the story went on, I was able to merge into the flow of the story. If you're not a fan of poetry and its rhythm, you would probably find yourself struggling to read this. The conversation between the characters does follow the more traditional form of novel structure, however.
I have read the poems and viewed the paintings so I already felt closeness with Godiva but she truly came alive for me here. Writing about a true historical figure is a tricky thing as some already have preconceived notions you might clash with but as Godiva seems known and only known for her ride, Naked gave her the depth and breadth such a woman deserves. Godiva was revealed to be strong and caring but had a little bit of the romance heroine naiveté when it came to realizing who the true villain was; women can be kind without having TSTL moments. Her blindness was a way to create angst between her and our hero Leofric but it went on a little too long. Leofric is often forgotten as the man who sent Godiva on her ride and as such, he was an intriguing mystery to me. The author definitely delivered providing readers with a hard, stoic, strong, supportive, and above all, hero. From the moment he comes charging into the scene on his horse and armor, piercing Godiva with his blue gaze, you know things are about to change.
As I mentioned, this is told from Godiva's point of view and while I missed Leofric's thoughts, for the beginning and middle, he had an incredibly strong presence. It was towards the end that we lose him a bit as he acted out of character making the lead up to Godiva's ride feel rushed. Godiva and Leofric work as a couple with their moments of heat and Leofric's willingness to shun some 1023 year thinking but they also fall victim to the keeping secrets and not just talking about it machination; a lot could have been avoided if they had just talked with one another. They read like enjoyable level headed characters so their lack of communication, which was explained as mistrust, felt slightly forced.
Overall, I enjoyed this fictional peek behind the curtain of a true historical figure. The author shied away from using a lot of 11th century words, which I think will help in the enjoyment of reading, but still managed to convey a feeling for the time period; I felt transported. Medieval period romance (this actually felt more romance to me than historical fiction) is greatly ignored right now but where else can you find fantastically named villains such as Thurkill (Thorkell) the Tall, who was also a real person? If you can get into the poetic rhythm of the writing, you will find yourself absorbed by the story and inspired to learn even more about these real life characters.
Lady Godiva's famous naked ride through the streets is definitely a memorable tale but only a small part of the story. Invading Danes, traitors, famine, and a powerful Earl all swirl around Godiva as she struggles to not only survive but maintain control over the coveted Middle Lands. The Earl of Mercia, Leofric, looks to be her savior but could be secretly angling for more power as her childhood friend Edmund warns. With her heart and mind at odds, Godiva must battle the dangers of her time all while navigating through her true feelings.
Naked is a historical romance novel that incorporates real historical figures and interweaves notes from historical documents, myth, legend, and artistic license. The people, time, and places you've glimpsed from paintings and poems come alive as their story unfolds. In what I imagine is a nod to the inspiration for this story, Tennyson's poem, this story is written in a very poetic stylistic way. Told in first person from Godiva's point of view, her inner monologue has poetic flare with shorter, choppy sentences. The first 10% or so was a little difficult for me to get into but as the story went on, I was able to merge into the flow of the story. If you're not a fan of poetry and its rhythm, you would probably find yourself struggling to read this. The conversation between the characters does follow the more traditional form of novel structure, however.
I have read the poems and viewed the paintings so I already felt closeness with Godiva but she truly came alive for me here. Writing about a true historical figure is a tricky thing as some already have preconceived notions you might clash with but as Godiva seems known and only known for her ride, Naked gave her the depth and breadth such a woman deserves. Godiva was revealed to be strong and caring but had a little bit of the romance heroine naiveté when it came to realizing who the true villain was; women can be kind without having TSTL moments. Her blindness was a way to create angst between her and our hero Leofric but it went on a little too long. Leofric is often forgotten as the man who sent Godiva on her ride and as such, he was an intriguing mystery to me. The author definitely delivered providing readers with a hard, stoic, strong, supportive, and above all, hero. From the moment he comes charging into the scene on his horse and armor, piercing Godiva with his blue gaze, you know things are about to change.
As I mentioned, this is told from Godiva's point of view and while I missed Leofric's thoughts, for the beginning and middle, he had an incredibly strong presence. It was towards the end that we lose him a bit as he acted out of character making the lead up to Godiva's ride feel rushed. Godiva and Leofric work as a couple with their moments of heat and Leofric's willingness to shun some 1023 year thinking but they also fall victim to the keeping secrets and not just talking about it machination; a lot could have been avoided if they had just talked with one another. They read like enjoyable level headed characters so their lack of communication, which was explained as mistrust, felt slightly forced.
Overall, I enjoyed this fictional peek behind the curtain of a true historical figure. The author shied away from using a lot of 11th century words, which I think will help in the enjoyment of reading, but still managed to convey a feeling for the time period; I felt transported. Medieval period romance (this actually felt more romance to me than historical fiction) is greatly ignored right now but where else can you find fantastically named villains such as Thurkill (Thorkell) the Tall, who was also a real person? If you can get into the poetic rhythm of the writing, you will find yourself absorbed by the story and inspired to learn even more about these real life characters.
jlynnelseauthor's review
3.0
I received an advance review copy from publisher via NetGalley. A HUGE thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for this opportunity to read and review. My opinions are unbiased.
“Naked” is a retelling of the legend of Lady Godiva. I enjoyed the way the author fleshed out this legendary tale. Godiva was a courageous and loyal leader who put herself in front of danger to protect her people, including into a battle with Thurkill the Tall’s army, a Dane looking to conquer the Saxon lands after ambushing and murdering Godiva’s parents. I enjoyed the struggles and triumphs of Godiva and the strength she found in her heart bent on serving others.
I had a few issues with the book. The author references a “kaleidoscope.” Is this a proper reference someone in the 11th Century would have used? Additionally, much of the prose is written with short, choppy sentences. At first when Godiva is watching the clothes slip off her before her famous ride, this style works. But as the book went on, it made the storyline feel incomplete. However, there were a few good, lyrical moments. One I liked (I quote from a review copy and should be verified with the original before others quote) was:
“Were they real?” I’d asked, half asleep, my arms twining her neck.
“Were who real, my sweet heart?” (Godiva’s mother)
“Beowulf. The heroes of the past.” (Godiva)
“They’re as real as you would have them be, Godiva. As real as love or courage or honor or kindness. Though we can’t see these things, they are all that matter.” (Godiva’s mother)
I would have preferred fewer sex scenes and more time with Leofric and Godiva actually getting to know one another by talking. It’s hard to believe they’re “soul mates” and truly in love when they are mostly narrated together only during coupling scenes.
This book did take me a while to read. It has a very interesting beginning, then gets slow in the middle, but it picks up near the end. The terms and references, overall, felt authentic (besides “kaleidoscope”). The landscape was well visualized. The characters were interesting. I think it was the predictable, marriage-bed-based romance that made this less compelling, since I finished 5 other books since I started this one, but it is an interesting read.
“Naked” is a retelling of the legend of Lady Godiva. I enjoyed the way the author fleshed out this legendary tale. Godiva was a courageous and loyal leader who put herself in front of danger to protect her people, including into a battle with Thurkill the Tall’s army, a Dane looking to conquer the Saxon lands after ambushing and murdering Godiva’s parents. I enjoyed the struggles and triumphs of Godiva and the strength she found in her heart bent on serving others.
I had a few issues with the book. The author references a “kaleidoscope.” Is this a proper reference someone in the 11th Century would have used? Additionally, much of the prose is written with short, choppy sentences. At first when Godiva is watching the clothes slip off her before her famous ride, this style works. But as the book went on, it made the storyline feel incomplete. However, there were a few good, lyrical moments. One I liked (I quote from a review copy and should be verified with the original before others quote) was:
“Were they real?” I’d asked, half asleep, my arms twining her neck.
“Were who real, my sweet heart?” (Godiva’s mother)
“Beowulf. The heroes of the past.” (Godiva)
“They’re as real as you would have them be, Godiva. As real as love or courage or honor or kindness. Though we can’t see these things, they are all that matter.” (Godiva’s mother)
I would have preferred fewer sex scenes and more time with Leofric and Godiva actually getting to know one another by talking. It’s hard to believe they’re “soul mates” and truly in love when they are mostly narrated together only during coupling scenes.
This book did take me a while to read. It has a very interesting beginning, then gets slow in the middle, but it picks up near the end. The terms and references, overall, felt authentic (besides “kaleidoscope”). The landscape was well visualized. The characters were interesting. I think it was the predictable, marriage-bed-based romance that made this less compelling, since I finished 5 other books since I started this one, but it is an interesting read.
reading_cat's review
5.0
Originally posted on Book-o-Craze, on a tour hosted by Goddess Fish Promotions.
What an emotional ride! Both literally and figuratively!
This book is devoted to Lady Godiva, her story and what drove her to carry out her famous naked ride. Of course, some true facts were included in the retelling, but a plot twist was the added element, that made the legend seem a little nicer, in some ways!
I have to admit that I'm not very familiar with the true myth of Lady Godiva's ride. Before reading this book, I only knew about the trivia I had stumbled upon. But, through this emotional retelling I currently feel so sympathetic towards Coventry's Lady, her personality, as it is being described in the book, as well as the decisions she had to make.
Lady Godiva, the narrator of the story, is a strong, independent protagonist, that I was very delighted to read about. I loved the way her thoughts were cited by the author. Especially these flashbacks where she remembered moments from her past, they were seeming so real, and like everything that takes place in a person's mind. Everything so beautifully described! Her joy, her pleasure, her agony, her grief. A well-built heroine, I greatly enjoyed to follow through on her adventures!
Her husband, Leofric, was a mysterious man who inspired so many feelings on the heroine, that made me think for a moment I was feeling all those sentiments myself. At first so closed to himself and to his own thoughts, he would allure Godiva, for sure.
At some point, I thought that even a love triangle would form between the heroine, the brave warrior Leofric and Edmund, her childhood friend, who had already asked for her hand in marriage. Godiva sure seemed attracted to him at first, but the passion was nonexistent until Leofric made his appearance.
After that, the way the heroine's feelings evolved was so wonderfully narrated, making the readers feel the anguish which Lady Godiva felt, whenever the story was taking an unexpected turn. And, that didn't occur rarely in the case of this book. Things were constantly kept interesting with all this background story evolving on its own, hidden until the moment everything became clear.
The author delivered the myth in such a way to make us actually wonder whether the events took place as the legend says, or if there was actually something the lords of Coventry liked to cover, underneath it.
I won't spoil the ride Lady Godiva carried out, and the exact sentiments this event, and the way everyone in the town responded to it, brought on to me. It was a very delicate part of the book, and one where the feelings escalated.
All in all, 5 stars to a beautiful retelling of a greatly emotional ride.
What an emotional ride! Both literally and figuratively!
This book is devoted to Lady Godiva, her story and what drove her to carry out her famous naked ride. Of course, some true facts were included in the retelling, but a plot twist was the added element, that made the legend seem a little nicer, in some ways!
I have to admit that I'm not very familiar with the true myth of Lady Godiva's ride. Before reading this book, I only knew about the trivia I had stumbled upon. But, through this emotional retelling I currently feel so sympathetic towards Coventry's Lady, her personality, as it is being described in the book, as well as the decisions she had to make.
Lady Godiva, the narrator of the story, is a strong, independent protagonist, that I was very delighted to read about. I loved the way her thoughts were cited by the author. Especially these flashbacks where she remembered moments from her past, they were seeming so real, and like everything that takes place in a person's mind. Everything so beautifully described! Her joy, her pleasure, her agony, her grief. A well-built heroine, I greatly enjoyed to follow through on her adventures!
Her husband, Leofric, was a mysterious man who inspired so many feelings on the heroine, that made me think for a moment I was feeling all those sentiments myself. At first so closed to himself and to his own thoughts, he would allure Godiva, for sure.
At some point, I thought that even a love triangle would form between the heroine, the brave warrior Leofric and Edmund, her childhood friend, who had already asked for her hand in marriage. Godiva sure seemed attracted to him at first, but the passion was nonexistent until Leofric made his appearance.
After that, the way the heroine's feelings evolved was so wonderfully narrated, making the readers feel the anguish which Lady Godiva felt, whenever the story was taking an unexpected turn. And, that didn't occur rarely in the case of this book. Things were constantly kept interesting with all this background story evolving on its own, hidden until the moment everything became clear.
The author delivered the myth in such a way to make us actually wonder whether the events took place as the legend says, or if there was actually something the lords of Coventry liked to cover, underneath it.
I won't spoil the ride Lady Godiva carried out, and the exact sentiments this event, and the way everyone in the town responded to it, brought on to me. It was a very delicate part of the book, and one where the feelings escalated.
All in all, 5 stars to a beautiful retelling of a greatly emotional ride.
tanyarobinson's review
3.0
This fictionalized novel of Lady Godiva's legendary ride through Coventry in exchange for the lifting of taxes was a fun and quick read. Historical sources for this period are extremely sparse, and so little is known of the real Godiva and Leofric. Redgold creates a plausible background for the legend, and incorporates it into a love story between the heroine and her stern earl. I felt that the plot's complications and the lovers' differences were resolved too suddenly and easily, but I still enjoyed the book. 3.5 stars.
pqlibrarian's review
4.0
This immediately captured my interest and it's a quick read. Lots of action, some steamy scenes (beautifully written). The one thing that plucked my nerves is that sometimes Godiva's horse was a he and sometimes a she - must have been a gelding!
michcocoop's review
5.0
Historical fiction is known for a lot of things, but being a quick read isn’t typically one of them. When I sat down to read Naked: A Novel of Lady Godiva I did not think I would be closing the back cover a mere five hours later, but that is exactly what happened. From the second I started Eliza Redgold’s novel about the famous Lady Godiva I was was hooked, and I could not put it down.
Like most people who have ever heard her tale, I’ve always been fascinated by Lady Godiva (and not just because she did enough to get a chocolate brand named after her). The idea that a noble woman would ride through the streets of her town naked to save her people from unfair taxes always made me think that Godiva was a woman before her time. Yes, I am fully aware that many believe her famous ride never actually happened. I’ve done my research into her actual history and I’ve decided I just don’t care if it was true or not. Her story is a great one, and after reading Eliza Redgold’s novel I love the tale even more than I did before.
Eliza paints such a vivid picture with her writing. Not a Tolkien “I’m going to explain every rock and piece of dirt” picture, but more of a Van Gogh picture. The details aren’t extra clear but as a whole the book is a beautiful work of art. She blends romance, history, and adventure so effortlessly that you really feel as if you are experiencing Godiva’s journey for yourself. The story never feels rushed and there aren’t any parts that you are rushing to get through. Eliza has an amazing gift when it comes to bringing history to life and she excels at doing just that with Naked. If you are a fan of historical fiction then Naked definitely needs to be added to your list!
Disclosure: We received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Link to review: http://thetipsyverse.com/2015/07/23/book-review-naked-novel-lady-godiva/
Like most people who have ever heard her tale, I’ve always been fascinated by Lady Godiva (and not just because she did enough to get a chocolate brand named after her). The idea that a noble woman would ride through the streets of her town naked to save her people from unfair taxes always made me think that Godiva was a woman before her time. Yes, I am fully aware that many believe her famous ride never actually happened. I’ve done my research into her actual history and I’ve decided I just don’t care if it was true or not. Her story is a great one, and after reading Eliza Redgold’s novel I love the tale even more than I did before.
Eliza paints such a vivid picture with her writing. Not a Tolkien “I’m going to explain every rock and piece of dirt” picture, but more of a Van Gogh picture. The details aren’t extra clear but as a whole the book is a beautiful work of art. She blends romance, history, and adventure so effortlessly that you really feel as if you are experiencing Godiva’s journey for yourself. The story never feels rushed and there aren’t any parts that you are rushing to get through. Eliza has an amazing gift when it comes to bringing history to life and she excels at doing just that with Naked. If you are a fan of historical fiction then Naked definitely needs to be added to your list!
Disclosure: We received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Link to review: http://thetipsyverse.com/2015/07/23/book-review-naked-novel-lady-godiva/
alicejwhite17's review
5.0
I didn’t know much about Lady Godiva other than the famous poem by Tennyson, which tells the story of the famous ride through Coventry, naked and covered by her long hair. I had no idea why she was riding through Coventry, who put her up to it or really anything about her story and while this particular novel is simply the author’s imaginings of what she thinks happens I like to think there is some deeper truth to her words.
It’s not technically a verse novel however there are times where I felt like I was reading a verse novel-short clipped sentences that broke into paragraphs-something like one would see in a verse novel. I did however feel like I was reading a fairy tale as I learned of the love story between Godiva and Leofric. It has it’s ups and downs but it brought me back to days of King Arthur and an older England that is rarely seen anymore. It was also a really quick read and left me with that warm fuzzy feeling only a romance novel can.
It’s not technically a verse novel however there are times where I felt like I was reading a verse novel-short clipped sentences that broke into paragraphs-something like one would see in a verse novel. I did however feel like I was reading a fairy tale as I learned of the love story between Godiva and Leofric. It has it’s ups and downs but it brought me back to days of King Arthur and an older England that is rarely seen anymore. It was also a really quick read and left me with that warm fuzzy feeling only a romance novel can.