canadiyank's review
4.0
I like historical fiction in general, but I particularly enjoyed this one since the main character is a gardener. :) It's an interesting time period, covering the death of Queen Elizabeth I, her successor King James, and his successor, his son, King Charles. John's relationship with his lords, his loyalty to them, and his belief in the absolute power of the crown is set side-by-side with the views of his son (also John), who is more Puritanical in nature and independent-minded.
megan_prairierose's review
2.0
This book could have been about 1/2 the length, then I would have enjoyed it a lot more.
siria's review against another edition
3.0
Probably the best of [author: Philippa Gregory]'s that I've read; she seemed to put more thought and effort into her characterisation here than she did with her other works. Tradescant is not an easy character to like, nor is his employer Villiers, but I found their relationship engaging and far from one-sided—not to mention deliciously homoerotic. The plotting and pacing do lurch a bit, and she'll never be known as a great prose stylist, but this was enjoyable.
ekhildenbrand's review against another edition
inspiring
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
What a beautiful story! The main character is developed with skill and care; it is impossible not to be captivated.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death
chrissireads's review
4.0
I felt this book wasn't Philippa's best. The first half is a bit dull unless you're particularly into gardening. It's worth sticking with it though. The relationships get interesting! Definitely not Philippa Gregory at her best!
shahrun's review
4.0
I love Philippa Gregory's books because she always transports me back in time. This is not a 100% accurate history book, but it is a well researched fiction one. In this book the reader gets treated to the turbulent times of England in the early 1600's and beyond, through the eyes of a gardener and his family. I found it easy to read and the characters believable.
bibliobethreads's review
Definitely not my favourite by Gregory but an ok read, stick with it, as the first part of the book is quite dull but it livens up towards the end. Enjoyed the history of it all rather than the gardening side, especially the "interesting" relationships between John and his "masters" including the notarious duke of Buckingham.
helenamajaw's review against another edition
dark
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
bookfairyesmee's review
adventurous
dark
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0