Naked: A Novel of Lady Godiva

by Eliza Redgold

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781250066152
Publisher:	St. Martin's Publishing Group
Publication date:	07/14/2015
Pages:	320
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.20(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

ELIZA REDGOLD is based upon the old, Gaelic meaning of her name, Dr Elizabeth Reid Boyd. English folklore has it that if you help a fairy, you will be rewarded with red gold. She has presented academic papers on women and romance and is a contributor to the forthcoming Encyclopedia of Romance Fiction. As a non-fiction author she is co-author of Body Talk: a Power Guide for Girls and Stay-at-Home Mothers: Dialogues and Debates. She was born in Irvine, Scotland on Marymass Day and currently lives in Australia.

Editorial Reviews

Redgold's variation on this enticing legend is often lyrical and offers a satisfying blend of history, lore, and romance.” —Booklist

“Breathes new life into the story of the woman who would stop at nothing to protect her land and people.” —Romantic Times

“NAKED delivers far more than the famous ride of Lady Godiva. It's a beautifully woven story of love, loyalty, and the determination of a young woman trying to protect her people and their way of life, no matter the price. Godiva is a wonderfully strong woman in an age of dangerous men, and in NAKED, she certainly meets her match!” —Amalia Carosella, author of HELEN OF SPARTA

“A wonderful, romantic retelling of the Lady Godiva legend. There is the colorful Anglo-Saxon backdrop, warriors, battles, peacemaking, desire, revenge and love - everything a fan of medieval romance could desire - plus a strong-willed heroin. Written with a lyrical lilt to her prose, Redgold adds realism to the myth and love to the lusty tale, allowing readers a glimpse into what might have been.” —RT Book Reviews

“NAKED makes a credible and realistic explanation through excellent research and brilliant writing. Godiva and Leofric lived in harsh times, and this story presents an interesting interpretation to a long ago time.” —Romance Reviews Today, Perfect 10 Award

“An epic love story of courage, passion and the determination of one woman to save her land and her people.” —Pop Sugar

“Redgold's style of storytelling leaves the reader hungry for more, ravishing on each chapter, scanning the words wildly, chasing after the next scene . . . her imaginative retelling of this Tennyson poem leaps off of the pages.” —Manhattan Book Review

From the Publisher