Godiva Blog Tour: Review

Godiva: A Novel
Author: Nicole Galland
Genre: Historical Fiction
Release Date: July 2, 2013
Publisher: William Morrow

Description:

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.  

Godiva is a historical fiction novel that goes beyond the well known story of Lady Godiva - the woman who rode naked on horseback to help the people of her country - to show how she came to be on that horse and her life leading up to that infamous ride.

This was a beautifully written retelling of an ancient legend and one that makes the infamous Lady Godiva seem not only human, but realistic to the reader. Throughout the novel, we get to read about Godiva's daily life - her struggles, her passions, the problems of her court and her people, and the deception and intrigue that was a daily issue for her. The plot was richly told with vivid detail and intricate descriptions, and I could easily imagine myself experiencing life beside Godiva as the events unfolded. The book told the "behind the scenes" story of Godiva and her life, so we get a real look as her as a person instead of the famous legend she has become. I loved reading about the history of the time and the details that the author provided throughout the story felt authentic and realistic. The writing was impeccably done and really showcased the author's talent - it's clear why she is a best selling author after reading this book. The author has given life and a fresh breath of air to this famous woman in history and fans of the genre, as well as any reader who appreciates beautiful and well written novels should not miss out on this masterpiece of literature.

Award-winning screenwriter Nicole Galland was raised on Marth'a Vineyard, and divides her time between the San Francisco Bay Area and New York. She is working on her fourth novel, set in Leominster, England. An itinerant gypsy for much of her adult life, she has recently married, and rumor has it she will even settle down soon.


Author Links: Website / Twitter / Facebook


Follow the rest of the tour!

Tuesday, July 2nd: A Chick Who Reads

Wednesday, July 3rd: From L.A. to LA

Thursday, July 4th: West Metro Mommy

Monday, July 8th: Twisting the Lens

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 - guest post

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

Wednesday, July 24th: Broken Teepee