Naked: A Novel of Lady Godiva by Eliza Redgold

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. @ goodreads

MY REVIEW:

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

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.  5 Stars