1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fascinating from several vantage points, August 7, 2001
This review is from: Greensleeves (Paperback)
Marticia Burns McKinney earned a Bachelor and Masters degree from Emory University. Although Greensleeves is her debut novel, she has written for national and religious publications. She also a contributed pieces to Treasures Of A Woman's Heart and Seasons Of A Woman's Heart.
Set in Tutor England at the time of Queen Elizabeth's reign, Greensleeves is the dual story of historical England as seen through a story woven for the Queen by Jane Grant in an attempt to free her grandson and only living heir from prison after his part in the foiled rebellion by the Earl of Essex, Robert Devereux. Jane is a widow living in poverty who is educated, bright, and desperate. She makes her way into the castle and finds herself sitting before the Queen herself spinning the story of Greensleeves in an attempt to gain the Queen's compassion:
"Was this some sort of game, or was she opening the door for the opportunity I had sought? Perhaps God had given me this chance. Perhaps this was the only chance I would have to make my petition for Thomas. I glanced around the room. All her women were there, silently moving in the background, but clearly listening. If they heard, then so be it. I would lay out my case at once."
Greensleeves is fascinating from several vantage points. First, it tells the story of the Tutor succession accurately and in stark detail. Second, it spins a yarn surrounding one of the most famous songs of all time. It is a mystery of sorts, and it is also a sad tale of lost love. Its Christian leanings are also very interesting, as it lays out a period of history that explains the beginnings of the Church of England; the beginning of the English Empire; the wars between the Catholics and Protestants, and King Henry's life itself.
Ms. McKinney manages to humanize English history through her brilliant tale. Greensleeves is a boon to every English major; is educational for the lay public; and is just plain a wonderful book the reader quickly becomes engrossed in. I couldn't put it down, and I was entertained completely through every page. I didn't want it to end! Bravo.
Shelley J. Glodowski, Reviewer
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