Naked

A Novel of Lady Godiva

by Eliza Redgold

This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.

Buy on Amazon Buy on BN.com Buy on Bookshop.org

*This page contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.

Pub Date Jul 14 2015 | Archive Date Jul 14 2015

St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin

General Fiction (Adult)

Description

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.

Available Editions

EDITION	Other Format
ISBN	9781250066152
PRICE	$22.99 (USD)

Additional Information

Average rating from 28 members

See all member reviews

Featured Reviews

Nikkia A, Reviewer

Thanks St. Martin's Press and netgalley for arc.

This is a quick but packed novel. My favorite telling a Godiva I think its better than any of the others cuz its told it a lovely girl power way with enough historical detail and action that its not a fairly tale.

Was this review helpful?

Kathleen Carrow I, Reviewer

We know her name. We know of her naked ride. We don’t know her true story.

A wonderful retelling of the tale of Lady Godiva's ride through Coventry by an excellent writer. Sometimes poetic in it's prose, which I had to get used to but nicely done and quite historical.

The author's endnotes were superb - check them first- (my basic kindle can be awkward to flip back and forth). Redgold's historical premises were quite accurate and the storyline very plausible.

Understanding who were Saxons and where they were situated in England at that time did a great deal for my understanding of what may have transpired. That Godiva and Leofric were historical people is a given.

Recommended for the many, like myself, who love the pre-Norman period as reading material.

Was this review helpful?

Melissa M, Reviewer

I would like to thank Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC of this book.

I loved this book! It is so well written. The author stated she used fictional accounts of Lady Godiva and Lord Leofric's love for one another, but it seems the history she found is that they had a happy marriage throughout their lifetime.

So many scenes had such beautiful poetry. The details in the towns and every little thing that was going on was so precise to me. There is bloodshed, tears, evilness, love, betrayal, courage and the ride that has been told over and over. She did this for her people and I think it was wonderful.

I am so glad I got the opportunity to read this book. I was pleasantly surprised at how good it turned out and I actually look forward to reading more from this author. I also want to get some more books about Lady Godiva to read more history. But I think this was the best one yet, fiction mixed in with real history. Perfect.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1271651424

www.melissa413readsalot.blogspot.com