Threads

I am not a fan of historical fiction so being advised that would ejoy this left me unsure what to expect. It was a wonderful surprise to find that Nell Gavin had been brave enough to abandon the constraints of formula fiction and cast aside the rules of genre. The story of Anne Boleyn is of course one of the greatest injustices committed against an individual in modern history but is usually told from the point of view of the establishment. Not only does Nell give us Anne's point of view, she takes us beyong the execution to a place outside space and time where the central character, now aware of both past and future, can view herself objectively and understand why others behaved as they did. There are elements of gnostic kabbalism in this novel and an intriguing parallel with the life of Diana, Princess of Wales emerges although it is not referred to directly. The writer displayes in her literary style a lightness of touch that makes for easy reading and I am sure readers will find the pages turning so fast they start to get hot. Threads may disappoint fans of the typical historical "bodice - ripper" and those who think themselves historical purists (having read some of their reviews however I feel that in their lust for purity they forget this is FICTION) but to the type of reader who likes novels to explore ideas rather than drily reporting imagined events Threads will be a delight. All in all a fine novel that I have no reservations about awarding five stars (plus a distinction for originality.)

Nell Gavin has brought Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII, to vibrant life in her unusual historical novel, "Threads." Anne's path from that of an unloved and abused young girl, to the position of Queen of England, is presented by Anne herself as she looks back upon the circumstances that eventually led to her execution. Although there really isn't a lot of actual historical information about Anne, Gavin has created believable personalities with strengths and weaknesses, imperfections and understandable desires. Using a combination of fact and legend, she tells a story of passion, obsession, and heartbreak that will capture readers with its depth and humanity. Gavin uses the fictional concept of reincarnation to showcase all of the characters that make up what is truly a tragic tale of love and betrayal. In several different "reincarnations," Anne and Henry, along with family, friends, and lost loves, are placed into different life situations, each one exploring another facet of personality and circumstances. The technique is unique, intriguing, and in the end, beautifully coaxes the dark ghosts of a long dead past into the present for an introduction readers won't soon forget. "Threads" is a remarkable effort. It is, without a doubt, one of the best historical novels I've every read. I give it my very highest recommendation!

Recently my sister and I caught a television special about Anne Boleyn, and it left me wanting to learn even more about her and her family. I wasn't expecting much from this premise, quite honestly. Many an author has written about Anne and the entire tragic and enigmatic Boleyn cast, but they rarely do them justice. The reincarnation aspect in Threads further enhanced my skepticism. What a pleasant surprise when I gave it a chance and read it while on vacation! I was gripped from the first page. Threads is well-written, intriguing, and surprisingly emotional at times. I truly loved it. I carefully brought it back with me from my trip instead of leaving it on the plane, and even bought another copy to give to my sister. Threads was just what I was looking for - an excellent story. I've discovered a new favorite author.

Never, ever have I even considered writing a review, but this book deserves far, far more praise than it has received. The language is elegant and jewel-like and the story is transcendant. The use of the Hindu concept of reincarnation and the historically notorious relationship of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII are wonderful devices to explore love, trust, betrayal and forgiveness, in all types of relationships, throughout time. "Each society-each group within each society-chooses something with which to assign inferiority. ... Among the powerful, it is the powerless; among the rich, it is the poor; among the men, it is the women. ... Neither side sees the humanity in the other. Both sides are equally wrong in this." There are so many levels to the passionate, intricate and exquisitely expressed stories told here. It is a story of love, forgiveness, choice and redemption with some of the most beautiful contemporary prose I've ever had the pleasure to read. And I'm really glad my copy is hardcover, although I may have to order a softcover to loan to friends. I'm not letting my copy out of the house.

I've always had a fascination with Anne Boleyn, but after reading THREADS, I feel like I understand her in a way I never have before. Yes, the book is fiction, but it's obvious that Ms. Gavin did some extensive research to explore the life of this charismatic but unpopular queen. It's so well written and the tale so eloquently spun that you feel it very well could've happened just as it's described. The execution scene in Anne's viewpoint is masterful. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Tudor history, and Anne Boleyn, in particular. I couldn't put it down!