Earthly Joys : A Novel

Rating:
Summary: interesting perspective
Review: This is a fascinating story of the political turmoil surrounding King Charles I from a wonderful perspective. It was very clever how it entwined gardening with the turbulent times of the era, how the great men found a type of release in the garden away from the real world.

However I found it the tiniest bit bland after the 'Wise Woman'. Maybe I just didn't agree with his personal heirarchy, where a woman barely rates a mention after God and King and the Lords? A sign of the times! I have the sequel on my shelf and look forward to losing myself in it.

Rating:
Summary: A beautifully stunning book.
Review: This is the first and the only Philippa Gregory book I have read. I was apprehensive at first, but was I ever glad that I tried this one. Earthly Joys opens ones eyes to the world of gardens, green leafs, grass, trees, flowers... the description of nature so sensual, one can alsmost smell the fresh cut grass and the fragrance of the flowers... the beauty of the landscapes.. One can feel the blades of grass... the soft leaves, smell the flowers as John does. What captures you most is the way it is all described....

Rating:
Summary: Intense, passionate - wonderful!
Review: This novel of gardener John Tradescant cannot help but fascinate any avid reader of historical fiction. The book tells the tale of John's personal life - his conflicts with his wife,son, lover - as well as chronciling the events leading up to the English Civil War. Can't wait for the sequel!