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Namesake
It started with a history project. Mr. Gregor assigned a research paper on a figure from the Tudor era, and of course Jane Grey had to pick her namesake—Lady Jane Grey, the fifteen-year-old girl whose parents schemed to place her on the throne of England, then abandoned her to face the executioner. The project is engrossing from the start, but when Jane opens a mysterious prayer book and finds herself in the Tower of London in 1553, she ends up literally drawn into her namesake’s story. Soon, Jane is slipping into the past whenever the present becomes too unbearable, avoiding her mother’s demands, her best friend’s fickleness, her crush’s indifference. In the Tower she plays chess with the imprisoned Lady Jane, awed by her new friend’s strength and courage. And it is in the Tower, keeping vigil as the day of the execution draws near, that Jane learns that she, too, must have the courage to fight for her own happiness.
232 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2013
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May 23, 2013Originally posted at http://canlitforlittlecanadians.blogs...
In current-day Halifax, teen Jane Grey and fellow classmates in her Advanced Placement History are embarking on their research projects and it would seem obvious that she would focus on her Namesake, Lady Jane Grey.
Just a bit of a history lesson for those unfamiliar with the Nine Days Queen. In 1553, due to the machinations of her parents and the Duke of Northumberland, Lady Jane Grey was made heir to the King of England, Edward VI. She had already wed the son of the Duke of Northumberland, so when Edward VI passed, the Duke declared Lady Jane to be Queen of England, sure that he could control the throne through her. However, according to succession, Lady Jane's cousin Mary, King Edward VI's half-sister and King Henry VIII's daughter, would be next Queen. Imprisoned until the arrival of soon-to-be Queen Mary I, Lady Jane was hopeful of a pardon because becoming Queen had never been her intention. However, with her parents and the Duke playing the odds with her against Mary, and because her strong belief in her Protestant faith conflicted with Mary's Catholicism, a pardon was not granted and Lady Jane was executed.
In the twenty-first century, Jane discovers a small book called Booke of Prayre while unpacking her backpack of library books. Reading aloud from it, Jane is transported mysteriously to the environs of the Tower of London, eavesdropping on two women, Mistress Tilney and Mistress Ellen gossiping about "our lady." Repeated visits to 1553 has Jane making the acquaintance of Lady Jane Grey and learning of her fate, her hopes, her regrets and her position on her faith. Knowing what historically happened to Lady Jane, Jane wonders about her purpose in being sent back. Was she to help the Lady convert to Catholicism? Was she to help Lady Grey escape? Or was she there simply to provide her with companionship?
Dealing with her own tenuous situation at home, Jane is sympathetic to Lady Jane's dilemma, recognizing the similarity in the extent of their dire circumstances and inability to change them. Since the death of her father, Jane has come to recognize that her mother Analise works in one of three modes: Mode One is Single Mother as Hero; Mode Two is the Nothing mode; and Mode Three is Hell. Though a competent English professor, Analise harbours much anger related to her husband's death, and deals with it using alcohol which just exacerbates her mood swings and colours her interactions with Jane. Not surprising that Jane has concerns when her history group must meet at eachother's homes for study and editing sessions. And with best friend Megan hanging out with the tactless Crisco and wrapped up in a boyfriend situation, Jane is feeling more and more isolated and unable to find support. For Jane, slipping back into 1553 gives her an opportunity to exert some control.
While Namesake may be initially seen as a standard time-slip novel, with a contemporary character going back in time to learn something which she could apply to her own life, the book goes beyond this by Jane trying to take an active role in Lady Jane's situation, even to the point of altering history if need be. Jane educates Lady Jane on the vernacular and popular culture of her Halifax and Canada. And while Lady Jane does begin to try out some of her new vocabulary, she uses it as a foreign language, not dropping the occasional work into her own speech. Sue MacLeod has given Lady Jane a voice so authentic that her use of newly-acquired vocabulary provides for some much-needed humour. Her voice is true and melodic, never wavering from that of a sixteenth-century young woman.
I am especially pleased by the direction the author takes Jane's time slip, allowing for the two young women, just sixteen, to share their lives and their stories, and Jane anticipating bringing Lady Jane back with her. But, when Lady Jane does slip into Jane's time, it spurs a new relationship between Jane and her neighbour, the elderly woman she has nicknamed Mrs. Lynde (à la Green Gables), who surprisingly becomes her salvation.
The history is true, the twists unique and the touches of humour and romance are heart-warming. And Namesake still delivers an open ending that takes the reader to a more hopeful situation than Lady Jane's true horrific ending.
In current-day Halifax, teen Jane Grey and fellow classmates in her Advanced Placement History are embarking on their research projects and it would seem obvious that she would focus on her Namesake, Lady Jane Grey.
Just a bit of a history lesson for those unfamiliar with the Nine Days Queen. In 1553, due to the machinations of her parents and the Duke of Northumberland, Lady Jane Grey was made heir to the King of England, Edward VI. She had already wed the son of the Duke of Northumberland, so when Edward VI passed, the Duke declared Lady Jane to be Queen of England, sure that he could control the throne through her. However, according to succession, Lady Jane's cousin Mary, King Edward VI's half-sister and King Henry VIII's daughter, would be next Queen. Imprisoned until the arrival of soon-to-be Queen Mary I, Lady Jane was hopeful of a pardon because becoming Queen had never been her intention. However, with her parents and the Duke playing the odds with her against Mary, and because her strong belief in her Protestant faith conflicted with Mary's Catholicism, a pardon was not granted and Lady Jane was executed.
In the twenty-first century, Jane discovers a small book called Booke of Prayre while unpacking her backpack of library books. Reading aloud from it, Jane is transported mysteriously to the environs of the Tower of London, eavesdropping on two women, Mistress Tilney and Mistress Ellen gossiping about "our lady." Repeated visits to 1553 has Jane making the acquaintance of Lady Jane Grey and learning of her fate, her hopes, her regrets and her position on her faith. Knowing what historically happened to Lady Jane, Jane wonders about her purpose in being sent back. Was she to help the Lady convert to Catholicism? Was she to help Lady Grey escape? Or was she there simply to provide her with companionship?
Dealing with her own tenuous situation at home, Jane is sympathetic to Lady Jane's dilemma, recognizing the similarity in the extent of their dire circumstances and inability to change them. Since the death of her father, Jane has come to recognize that her mother Analise works in one of three modes: Mode One is Single Mother as Hero; Mode Two is the Nothing mode; and Mode Three is Hell. Though a competent English professor, Analise harbours much anger related to her husband's death, and deals with it using alcohol which just exacerbates her mood swings and colours her interactions with Jane. Not surprising that Jane has concerns when her history group must meet at eachother's homes for study and editing sessions. And with best friend Megan hanging out with the tactless Crisco and wrapped up in a boyfriend situation, Jane is feeling more and more isolated and unable to find support. For Jane, slipping back into 1553 gives her an opportunity to exert some control.
While Namesake may be initially seen as a standard time-slip novel, with a contemporary character going back in time to learn something which she could apply to her own life, the book goes beyond this by Jane trying to take an active role in Lady Jane's situation, even to the point of altering history if need be. Jane educates Lady Jane on the vernacular and popular culture of her Halifax and Canada. And while Lady Jane does begin to try out some of her new vocabulary, she uses it as a foreign language, not dropping the occasional work into her own speech. Sue MacLeod has given Lady Jane a voice so authentic that her use of newly-acquired vocabulary provides for some much-needed humour. Her voice is true and melodic, never wavering from that of a sixteenth-century young woman.
I am especially pleased by the direction the author takes Jane's time slip, allowing for the two young women, just sixteen, to share their lives and their stories, and Jane anticipating bringing Lady Jane back with her. But, when Lady Jane does slip into Jane's time, it spurs a new relationship between Jane and her neighbour, the elderly woman she has nicknamed Mrs. Lynde (à la Green Gables), who surprisingly becomes her salvation.
The history is true, the twists unique and the touches of humour and romance are heart-warming. And Namesake still delivers an open ending that takes the reader to a more hopeful situation than Lady Jane's true horrific ending.
August 12, 2013
This review was originally posted on my blog, Ramblings of a Daydreamer. You can find it, and many more reviews at the blog.
3.75 stars
In modern day Halifax, Nova Scotia (yay for books set in Canada!), Jane Grey begins a project for history class. During her research of her namesake, Lady Jane Grey, she is transported through time to the Tower of London, where Lady Jane is being held prisoner, awaiting news of her fate.
Lady Jane enters Jane's life at exactly the right time, and her friendship is invaluable. Jane's best friend is making new friends, which makes it seem like she and Jane are growing apart. Between that, Jane’s horrible mother (I won’t say too much because it would get into spoiler territory), and Jane’s confusing crush, Jane desperately needs the escape of Lady Jane’s friendship, and to be able to concentrate on someone else’s problems rather than her own. Jane draws strength from Lady Jane; the former queen’s fate is set in stone, but Jane’s isn’t, and through Jane she finds the courage to do something about her awful home situation.
I thought MacLeod did a really good job of weaving the past together with the present. I always worry that books like this will get confusing with the back and forth, but I had no trouble keeping up with Namesake. I enjoyed watching Jane’s life in the present, and I eagerly anticipated each of her visits to the past, since I’ve always been fascinated with Tudor era England.
I appreciated that Namesake was more than just a novel about time travel. Like any good contemporary YA, it had real life issues - friends changing and growing up, family issues, school, relationships. It was also interesting to see the issues that Lady Jane faced in the past, and what her life - and death - was like. I also liked that it spotlighted a valuable lesson: people aren’t always what they appear.
I was dreading the ending, knowing what happens to Lady Jane, but I thought it was so well done. It was kind of bittersweet and had me smiling even as I teared up, but overall it left me feeling hopeful, and Jane’s present-day resolution left me completely satisfied.
Namesake is a captivating story that is sure to please fans of contemporary young adult and historic fiction alike.
3.75 stars
In modern day Halifax, Nova Scotia (yay for books set in Canada!), Jane Grey begins a project for history class. During her research of her namesake, Lady Jane Grey, she is transported through time to the Tower of London, where Lady Jane is being held prisoner, awaiting news of her fate.
Lady Jane enters Jane's life at exactly the right time, and her friendship is invaluable. Jane's best friend is making new friends, which makes it seem like she and Jane are growing apart. Between that, Jane’s horrible mother (I won’t say too much because it would get into spoiler territory), and Jane’s confusing crush, Jane desperately needs the escape of Lady Jane’s friendship, and to be able to concentrate on someone else’s problems rather than her own. Jane draws strength from Lady Jane; the former queen’s fate is set in stone, but Jane’s isn’t, and through Jane she finds the courage to do something about her awful home situation.
I thought MacLeod did a really good job of weaving the past together with the present. I always worry that books like this will get confusing with the back and forth, but I had no trouble keeping up with Namesake. I enjoyed watching Jane’s life in the present, and I eagerly anticipated each of her visits to the past, since I’ve always been fascinated with Tudor era England.
I appreciated that Namesake was more than just a novel about time travel. Like any good contemporary YA, it had real life issues - friends changing and growing up, family issues, school, relationships. It was also interesting to see the issues that Lady Jane faced in the past, and what her life - and death - was like. I also liked that it spotlighted a valuable lesson: people aren’t always what they appear.
I was dreading the ending, knowing what happens to Lady Jane, but I thought it was so well done. It was kind of bittersweet and had me smiling even as I teared up, but overall it left me feeling hopeful, and Jane’s present-day resolution left me completely satisfied.
Namesake is a captivating story that is sure to please fans of contemporary young adult and historic fiction alike.
October 29, 2014
Namesake by Sue MacLeod is a short story where teenage Jane Grey has a history assignment on the Tutors. Her subject, namesake, of choice is Jane Grey, a 15year old who was reluctantly throned the ruler of England only to be executed after 9 days. Present day Jane finds this mysterious book of prayer. After reciting a verse aloud she finds herself in London the year 1553, meeting her namesake. I personally could not finish the book, the first few pages I found difficult to keep up with which character was speaking. The writing was distasteful such as this sentence on page 33, " A line of shadow slithered at the edge of things." I thought, "Things?! What things? The sky, the ground? Who the hell knows?" Another sentence also from page 33, "It shot in an up-down row." I thought, "Up-down? Why not say vertical?" The author was annoyingly overly descriptive of the comforter as well. All in all I hated this book, would not recommend it.
November 4, 2013
What the? This book is so random and weird. It is also in serious need of a good revamp, editing, and an author who knows how teenagers speak and act.
The good thing about this book is that it is very well researched in the historical aspects. That is, in fact, the only good thing.
The story is disjointed. Extremely disjointed. The writing is juvenile at best. The novel reads like a first or second draft rather than a polished story. The characters are ridiculous, unbelievable, and all carbon copies of each other. Their relationships are unbelievable and, well, stupid.
It's just a dumb book. Do not recommend.
The good thing about this book is that it is very well researched in the historical aspects. That is, in fact, the only good thing.
The story is disjointed. Extremely disjointed. The writing is juvenile at best. The novel reads like a first or second draft rather than a polished story. The characters are ridiculous, unbelievable, and all carbon copies of each other. Their relationships are unbelievable and, well, stupid.
It's just a dumb book. Do not recommend.
September 7, 2018
***2.5***
May 24, 2017
Real history mixed with fiction sometimes are the neatest of novels. This was heartbreaking and cute. I loved the adventure of the past and present. It was a miracle and fun to think of people with the exact first and last name. I loved every second of reading this book. I loved in each chapter a word and description would be used.
June 12, 2017
I took a chance and I liked it, despite a slow start that borders on boring. A simple read if you wish it to be, but a story that highlights some important themes: methods of coping/escapism, courage, family dysfunction, building trust in friends, preparedness, among others. Bittersweet ending.
March 21, 2014
Namesake was a great book. This is the story about two people.
Jane Gray is in high school and has to do a history project on someone who lived long ago. When Jane comes home from the library with a few options for her project, she notices that there is a book in her bag that she didn't sign out. This book was called :Book of Prayre. Jane soon finds out this is no ordinary book. As soon as Jane starts to read it she is literally pulled into the story. At first Jane thinks that she is dreaming this, but she is some how back in the 15th century right in the Lady Jane's Quarters. Shocked and confused how this could be happening Jane just thinks that she is dreaming. On this "visit" you could say Lady Jane is being held captive in her castle being told she has to marry someone that she doesn't love. At first Lady Jane thinks that Jane is there as an angel from God there to save her from this marriage that she is being forced into. Jane tries to explain to her that she is from the 21st century and she's not sure how she got there.
Jane soon realizes that she gets pulled back home whenever some noise goes on.
Lady Jane and Jane soon build a friendship that they seem to help each other out. Jane feels bad because she knows exactly the fate of Lady Jane and she wants to find away to save her. Jane is able to get Lady Jane into our time but like in her case over there she couldn't control how long she was able to stay.
Whenever Lady Jane and Jane are together they are always curious about how each other lives is in their time. Lady Jane is extremely curious about how Jane dresses and how there are lights that come on with switches.
As you read through the book you can really see the bond that comes together between Lady Jane and Jane.
Sadly though, Jane is unable to get Jane back to her time and she was indeed hung to her death on Tower Green on February.12,1554.
This book also goes into some detail on the fact that Jane Grey's mom had some drinking issues and made family life very hard for Jane. Jane never knew what kind of mood to expect her mom to be in each day. Reading and exscaping into Lady Jane's life was like a bit of freedom from her mom. Her mom had good days which Jane loved, her mom was happy to be around always interested in how Jane's day was and Jane felt like she had a real mom.
Then there were days where her mom would either yell at her for no reason or just simply disappear for hours on end going to bars and getting drunk.
At the end unfortunately her drinking had caused so many problems that Jane couldn't handle living with her anymore. At the end it wasn't totally clear what happened between her and her mom, but it showed that other people knew what was going on, and that she wasn't alone anymore.
Jane Gray is in high school and has to do a history project on someone who lived long ago. When Jane comes home from the library with a few options for her project, she notices that there is a book in her bag that she didn't sign out. This book was called :Book of Prayre. Jane soon finds out this is no ordinary book. As soon as Jane starts to read it she is literally pulled into the story. At first Jane thinks that she is dreaming this, but she is some how back in the 15th century right in the Lady Jane's Quarters. Shocked and confused how this could be happening Jane just thinks that she is dreaming. On this "visit" you could say Lady Jane is being held captive in her castle being told she has to marry someone that she doesn't love. At first Lady Jane thinks that Jane is there as an angel from God there to save her from this marriage that she is being forced into. Jane tries to explain to her that she is from the 21st century and she's not sure how she got there.
Jane soon realizes that she gets pulled back home whenever some noise goes on.
Lady Jane and Jane soon build a friendship that they seem to help each other out. Jane feels bad because she knows exactly the fate of Lady Jane and she wants to find away to save her. Jane is able to get Lady Jane into our time but like in her case over there she couldn't control how long she was able to stay.
Whenever Lady Jane and Jane are together they are always curious about how each other lives is in their time. Lady Jane is extremely curious about how Jane dresses and how there are lights that come on with switches.
As you read through the book you can really see the bond that comes together between Lady Jane and Jane.
Sadly though, Jane is unable to get Jane back to her time and she was indeed hung to her death on Tower Green on February.12,1554.
This book also goes into some detail on the fact that Jane Grey's mom had some drinking issues and made family life very hard for Jane. Jane never knew what kind of mood to expect her mom to be in each day. Reading and exscaping into Lady Jane's life was like a bit of freedom from her mom. Her mom had good days which Jane loved, her mom was happy to be around always interested in how Jane's day was and Jane felt like she had a real mom.
Then there were days where her mom would either yell at her for no reason or just simply disappear for hours on end going to bars and getting drunk.
At the end unfortunately her drinking had caused so many problems that Jane couldn't handle living with her anymore. At the end it wasn't totally clear what happened between her and her mom, but it showed that other people knew what was going on, and that she wasn't alone anymore.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2015
this book is an example of gripping historical fiction for young readers. I think that the book's premise and characters are its two strongest appeal factors. First off, the idea that an average 15 year- old stumbles into the life of another 15 year-old is intriguing. Readers who aren't already familiar with Lady Jane Grey will be fascinated by this teenager queen who sat on the throne for only 9 days. The author's skillful writing translates a historical event into an experience that young readers will be able to visualize and with which they will sympathize.
I found that the characters are also strong, realistic, and familiar. Jane Grey (modern) is portrayed as a girl with whom most girls can relate, yet she has her own personality (i.e. she is not a "shell" character). While she's learned to be independent, she's also vulnerable and in need of true adult support and friendship. Lady Jane Grey is a wonderful character-human in her fear regarding her fate, a little stubborn, yet playful and reflective. By the book's end, I felt very in-tune with her character and I mourned for her friendship almost as much as Jane (modern) does.
The author's writing is very good; a smooth balance of history and fiction that introduces the historical context of Lady Jane Grey's time in a natural, interesting way. Also, the author uses 16th cen. language and vocabulary-very cool!
All in all, a great read that left me musing and that I would definitely recommend for the gr.5 + crowd (content-wise: execution, dealing with changing friendships, alcoholism, boys, etc.)
I found that the characters are also strong, realistic, and familiar. Jane Grey (modern) is portrayed as a girl with whom most girls can relate, yet she has her own personality (i.e. she is not a "shell" character). While she's learned to be independent, she's also vulnerable and in need of true adult support and friendship. Lady Jane Grey is a wonderful character-human in her fear regarding her fate, a little stubborn, yet playful and reflective. By the book's end, I felt very in-tune with her character and I mourned for her friendship almost as much as Jane (modern) does.
The author's writing is very good; a smooth balance of history and fiction that introduces the historical context of Lady Jane Grey's time in a natural, interesting way. Also, the author uses 16th cen. language and vocabulary-very cool!
All in all, a great read that left me musing and that I would definitely recommend for the gr.5 + crowd (content-wise: execution, dealing with changing friendships, alcoholism, boys, etc.)
February 27, 2014
In present-day Halifax, Jane Grey begins her AP history project. She’s assigned to research and report on an historical figure. It seems only natural that she should choose to do it on her namesake, Lady Jane Grey, who in 1553 was the queen of England for nine days before being beheaded.
While emptying her backpack, Jane finds an ancient Booke of Prayre which belonged to Lady Jane. Although she doesn’t remember putting it in there, she opens it out of curiosity; and reading it aloud is surprised to find herself back in 1553 in the Tower of London. There she meets her namesake, the Lady Jane Grey, who is being held prisoner while awaiting her execution.
As the two become closer, Jane begins to make more frequent trips into the past, not only to visit her namesake, but to escape her controlling, alcoholic mother. Students of history will know how Lady Jane’s story ends, but the clever plot device of time travel will leave readers guessing until the last page. This is a well-written, captivating story with a character driven plot. Recommended for grades 7 and up.
Reviewed by: Laura Lieske, Youth Services, Vernon Area Public Library
While emptying her backpack, Jane finds an ancient Booke of Prayre which belonged to Lady Jane. Although she doesn’t remember putting it in there, she opens it out of curiosity; and reading it aloud is surprised to find herself back in 1553 in the Tower of London. There she meets her namesake, the Lady Jane Grey, who is being held prisoner while awaiting her execution.
As the two become closer, Jane begins to make more frequent trips into the past, not only to visit her namesake, but to escape her controlling, alcoholic mother. Students of history will know how Lady Jane’s story ends, but the clever plot device of time travel will leave readers guessing until the last page. This is a well-written, captivating story with a character driven plot. Recommended for grades 7 and up.
Reviewed by: Laura Lieske, Youth Services, Vernon Area Public Library
July 29, 2016
Namesake is a beautifully written story about Jane, a teen who is forced to tolerate the tyranny of an erratic, alcoholic mother. At first, she finds solace by travelling back in time to meet the subject (and namesake) of her school history project: Lady Jane Grey, Queen of England for 9 days in 1553. But Jane soon realizes that the similarity between the two girls isn't just in name: it's in life prognosis. Lady Jane is about to be executed, and Jane? Well, she may as well die if she can't break free from her mother.
Though Sue MacLeod puts aside her poet hat to write this debut novel, you'd think she'd been writing novels forever. Just the right amount of history, poetry and tension puts this time-travelling novel in a category of it's own: is it fantasy? It doesn't feel like it. MacLeod writes so clearly, in touch with every element of wonder that might come with time travel, that I forgot it was a fantasy novel.
This would be a great class read for high school English. Lots to discuss!
Though Sue MacLeod puts aside her poet hat to write this debut novel, you'd think she'd been writing novels forever. Just the right amount of history, poetry and tension puts this time-travelling novel in a category of it's own: is it fantasy? It doesn't feel like it. MacLeod writes so clearly, in touch with every element of wonder that might come with time travel, that I forgot it was a fantasy novel.
This would be a great class read for high school English. Lots to discuss!
July 10, 2014
Namesake is an amazing short read. The main character of the story, Jane Grey, does a school project about her famous namesake, Lady Jane Grey. When Jane finds a small book of prayers and reads it out loud, she is transported to the 16th century, but only the Lady Jane Grey can see her, and they become friends. Jane uses the book as a way to escape her present, enjoying her time with the other Jane. But Jane knows their time together will soon be over as Lady Jane's execution is almost near, and that part, was a bit heart breaking.
Jane tries to find ways to save her historical namesake from her execution, but Jane can't do anything, no matter how hard she tries because Lady Jane's faith is set. It was sad when she became hopeful that she could find a way to save the 16th century Jane, because I kinda hoped that she would too. But Jane also has to face her own problems in 2012. And when her mother throws away the book of prayers, she never sees Jane again, no matter if she already knows what is going to happen.
Jane tries to find ways to save her historical namesake from her execution, but Jane can't do anything, no matter how hard she tries because Lady Jane's faith is set. It was sad when she became hopeful that she could find a way to save the 16th century Jane, because I kinda hoped that she would too. But Jane also has to face her own problems in 2012. And when her mother throws away the book of prayers, she never sees Jane again, no matter if she already knows what is going to happen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2013
What started out as a simple project for history class on her namesake, Lady Jane Grey turns into something much more when Jane stumbles upon the Prayre Book stuck between her research books from the library. This book acts as a portal back in time to Tudor England, where Jane is thrust into the life of the 9 day queen. Sue MacLeod spins a gripping tale of two girls who share the same name, born in different times. In present day Halifax she depicts the trials and tribulations of a 15 year old girl from a broken home, and in 16th century England, she mixes fact and fiction to tell the tale of Lady Jane Grey, who sat on the throne of England for 9 days and was then executed.
I have read a number of time travel books in my time, but I have to say that Sue lends a certain finesse to the whole concept that other books have lacked. She blends the past and the present beautifully and seamlessly, and makes you feel that anything is possible.
I have read a number of time travel books in my time, but I have to say that Sue lends a certain finesse to the whole concept that other books have lacked. She blends the past and the present beautifully and seamlessly, and makes you feel that anything is possible.
January 17, 2014
Namesake was just stupendous, it was creative and in need of a prize. I don't know what I had in me to read such a book, since it's not really in my types of genres but, I'm glad I did. I feel very sad to leave this remarkable book because not only was it well written it was intrigueing as well. I could sometimes relate to the character in how she feels from time to time and it was just stupendously amazing. I don't really recommend it as much because it was more on the Historacal side but, if you like that than I definitely recommend it. Its was brilliantly amazing and what happend was just sad. I loved how the author made such a wonderful connection between Queen Jane Grey and the teenager Jane grey. Remarkably talented is what I call that.
A good quote:
"This Chicken's good".
"Titmouse."
I stopped mid-bite. "Excuse me?"
"Titmouse".
"You're saying I just ate a mouse?"
"A titmouse be a bird. You truly are a fool!"
-Teenage Jane grey to Queen Jane grey
A good quote:
"This Chicken's good".
"Titmouse."
I stopped mid-bite. "Excuse me?"
"Titmouse".
"You're saying I just ate a mouse?"
"A titmouse be a bird. You truly are a fool!"
-Teenage Jane grey to Queen Jane grey
July 25, 2014
NAMESAKE was an interesting story full of small smiles, historical references, and touching moments.
The two Jane's were charming and written well to draw you into their lives. I enjoyed the element of time travel and the troubles it presented for each Jane in each time. Though I knew the ending would be heart-breaking, it was handled in a delicate and unique fashion. I recommend this to lovers of historical fiction and YA fiction alike.
The two Jane's were charming and written well to draw you into their lives. I enjoyed the element of time travel and the troubles it presented for each Jane in each time. Though I knew the ending would be heart-breaking, it was handled in a delicate and unique fashion. I recommend this to lovers of historical fiction and YA fiction alike.
June 27, 2017
I'm a total nerd for Tudor history AND time travel AND I'm from Halifax so when you put it all together you get this great story. Sue MacLeod's experience as a poet shines through in the perfectly arranged text, words pieced together as only a poet could. Reminiscent of Kit Pearson's Handful of Time with the mother/daughter issues, time travel as an escape from an unpleasant real life. So good.
March 29, 2014
I thought that is book was very well done. I loved all of the historical facts about Lady Jane Grey and the Tower of London in the mid-1500s. It just makes me want to go London even more now. The ending was even great, even though I want it to be different.
May 29, 2013
Excellent YA novel out of Pajama Press.
August 13, 2016
The Tudor time frame is well depicted, great characterization of Lady Jane Grey (particularly in speech); the modern Jane Grey is less compelling and the ending is somewhat anti-climactic.
September 10, 2016
An interesting story. Some good parts that I really enjoyed and some alright parts.
June 8, 2014
Unless you are familiar with that time period, you will be lost! Most YA will be lost!
February 3, 2017
no offence but this book is not that interesting kind of boring
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