Friday, May 10, 2013

Needle in the Blood by Sarah Bower

Odo of Bayeux commissions a tapestry unlike any other to commemorate the triumph of his half brother William, King of England. Gathering a force of sewing women  under his roof, he notices one and falls in love. Gytha, a former lady to former Saxon King Harold's mistress, knows what Odo is capable of. She saw Harold with her own eyes and vows vengeance on the new Norman  rulers. She falls in love with Odo against her better judgement. As the tapestry takes shape, life unravels for all those involved.

Sarah Bower takes a historical object and weaves a story around it. Odo and Gytha make a great couple, loving but complete opposites. Odo is grounded, pragmatic and busy. Gytha is searching for something, but doesn't really know what. Together they create an idyllic escape, until the world comes knocking. Bower lets these two take the lead story without making the whole book about them. She also creates an accurate picture of post conquest England. This is a lovely and touching book. Very highly recommended.



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2 comments:

  1. Susan@ Reading WorldMay 10, 2013 at 7:17 PM

    I enjoyed this one too. It's an interesting time period!

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  2. UnknownMay 11, 2013 at 12:31 PM

    Wasn't it. It's amazing that it made England as we know it, but it had to be so devastating to them. I really enjoyed this book too. Did you happen to read her other book, Sins of the House of Borgia or Book of Love in the UK? It's really good. I think I liked Gytha better. But still an awesome book!

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