Virgin and the Crab by Robert Parry
This remarkable novel by Robert Parry is one of the best Tudor novels I have ever read. At various points throughout the story, I asked myself ‘How?’ How can a person who has never experienced life in Tudor England bring it to life so spectacularly?
The novel revolves around John Dee, a brilliant mathematician, astronomer, astrologer, navigator and consultant to Elizabeth I. Although a respected scientist, Dee was also dedicated to the study of alchemy, divination and essentially, magic. Add master of disguises and spy to this list of credentials and you have a very intriguing central character!
Just as Dee manages to blur the boundaries between science and magic, Parry masterfully weaves fact and fiction, resulting in a completely original and authentic portrayal of the friendship and bond between Elizabeth Tudor and her illustrious mentor.
The journey begins with the death of Henry VIII and ends at the accession of Elizabeth I. While you may know the main historical events that took place during this tumultuous time, you have never journeyed like this before.
A tale of intrigue, plotting, magic, love, loyalty and betrayal coupled with a vast array of Tudor personalities including Lady Jane Grey, Thomas Wyatt, Queen Mary, Robert Dudley and William Cecil produce an astonishing story and a must read for lovers of historical fiction or 16th century England.
At first glance, the 480 pages might seem like a heavy read but at no point was I struggling or skimming over pages. On the contrary, I was captured from the first page and completely immersed in the story. I basked in every delicious detail and lost myself in the magic and in the stars. On several occasions I laughed out loud (usually at Queen Mary’s expense.)
When Elizabeth finally ascends the throne, I whooped with joy. So much had I become a part of the dangerous, violent and volatile reign of Queen Mary and of Elizabeth’s plight for survival, that once Mary was gone I felt as though a weight had been lifted off my shoulders and light returned to the world.
Robert Parry has breathed life back into Tudor England and made time travel very possible. This is a book to buy, read and cherish – a real Tudor treasure!
(Read my interview with Robert Parry here)
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