Beheld: Godiva’s Story
Although most historians believe it’s highly doubtful that it ever happened, Lady Godiva’s naked ride through the streets of Coventry, England, in the 11th century remains a fascinating, if not lurid tale to this very day. The real Lady Godiva (Godgyfu in Old English) was married to Leofric, Earl of Mercia, and was a generous benefactress to the Catholic Church, financing the establishment and repair of abbeys and monasteries throughout her husband’s realm.
Author Cevasco adroitly weaves Anglo-Saxon politics, religion, and culture of the time with an imaginative history of Godgyfu and the events that led up to her legendary ride. When Godgyfu survives a grave illness, attributing her recovery to the people of Coventry and its patron saint, she determines to rebuild Coventry’s abbey. She has the wealth to do so, but the instability and violent political turmoil in England threaten to upset her plans. Leofric’s mental health begins to deteriorate as the kingdom becomes ever more unstable, and he is beset by disturbing visions that cause him to betray her and act out in sexually aggressive ways.
Godgyfu finds herself drawn to Thomas, a Benedictine novice who uses the cloak of Christianity to secretly invoke old pagan gods, especially Rhiannon, whom he sees embodied in Godgyfu. She becomes the third point of a dangerous triangle with Thomas and Leofric. Escape from the two men’s obsession and ambition is the only recourse left to her, but how to do it?
Cevasco has created an intriguing story, firmly couched in medieval history and culture. The novel is highly recommended for readers interested in that period.
