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A Very Civil Wedding
One day the Princess will be Queen and, when that happens, she will be the Supreme Governor of our organisation. At which point, we will be in the position of having as our leader someone who is, in the eyes of the church, unmarried and living in sin. Unless we ask the Lord to bless her marriage now, how can we continue the same relationship with the crown? And what then for the spiritual life of the nation? We are the Church of England, we advise, and guide, and influence our lawmakers, and we’ve done so since Henry the Eighth’s day.
When Princess Alexandra, the eldest daughter of the Prince of Wales, wishes to marry her long-time partner, Lieutenant-Commander Grace Stephens, their wedding has the potential to cause a constitutional crisis. When the couple go further and request a blessing by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the British establishment must find a way to accommodate the wishes of the woman who will one day be the Supreme Governor of the Church of England.
In this thoughtful and thought-provoking novel, V. T. Davy examines the relationship between the monarchy and the church; the arguments for and against same-sex marriage; how some of Britain’s oldest and most revered organisations have acted to give equality to homosexual men and women, and become stronger for it; and, what happens to institutions when they refuse to embrace the demands of an enlightened society. The novel’s surprising conclusion is that those most damaged by institutionalised prejudice are often the people you would least expect.
It is a book that will test the opinion of every reader wherever they stand on these issues.
When Princess Alexandra, the eldest daughter of the Prince of Wales, wishes to marry her long-time partner, Lieutenant-Commander Grace Stephens, their wedding has the potential to cause a constitutional crisis. When the couple go further and request a blessing by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the British establishment must find a way to accommodate the wishes of the woman who will one day be the Supreme Governor of the Church of England.
In this thoughtful and thought-provoking novel, V. T. Davy examines the relationship between the monarchy and the church; the arguments for and against same-sex marriage; how some of Britain’s oldest and most revered organisations have acted to give equality to homosexual men and women, and become stronger for it; and, what happens to institutions when they refuse to embrace the demands of an enlightened society. The novel’s surprising conclusion is that those most damaged by institutionalised prejudice are often the people you would least expect.
It is a book that will test the opinion of every reader wherever they stand on these issues.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 22, 2013
4 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
About the author
V.T. Davy
3 books29 followersBorn in London, Vic Tanner Davy now lives in the Channel Islands. When not working in an office crunching numbers, Vic is a writer.
Vic has been writing since 1995 when his first play, And Our Dear Channel Islands.., about the Occupation and Liberation of Jersey premiered.
Vic’s first novel, Black Art, featured Arty Shaw, the world’s first female-to-male transgender detective. It was named one of Kirkus Reviews’ top 100 books of 2012. Vic’s second novel, A Very Civil Wedding, was a finalist in the 2014 Next Generation Indie Book Awards (Fiction: GLBT). Vic’s third novel, The Hystery App, received an honorable mention in the 2015 Rainbow Awards.
Since 2014, Vic has dedicated his spare time to the Jersey charity, Liberate, of which he is honorary CEO. He has delivered hundreds of training sessions and public speaking engagements on its behalf, educating and engaging with people on the subject of equality, diversity and inclusion.
Vic has an MBA from the University of Durham and is a member of the Institute of Fundraising.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 13, 2016
What an interesting book. A Very Civil Wedding follows the announcement that the Princess of Wales has gotten engaged... to her girlfriend. (This is set in 2014.) Following this is the media frenzy, the backlash, and the planning involved. The book is structured in all kinds of different snippets, arranged chronologically. These includes descriptions of a meeting of politicians, a blog post by an anti-gay activist, a news bulletin, a description of the princess and her fiancee having a conversation, etc. It reads less like a novel and more like living through a few months in the future. It felt surreal to read because it was so realistic. It really feels like the mishmash of information you would get if you were actually living through this, especially as, say, a family member of the people involved...
Full review at the Lesbrary: http://wp.me/pNPd6-1lg
Full review at the Lesbrary: http://wp.me/pNPd6-1lg
November 2, 2013
This is a remarkable and thoroughly enjoyable account of a fictitious happening that felt so real. It is presented in the form of a written documentary taking diaries, television news and interviews, official meeting records from all manner of clergy, government, and British Royal Family affairs placing the reader smack dab in front of every event impacting the principle characters, the British people, and folks from all over the world. I was mesmerized!
The occasion I am referencing is the marriage of Princess Alexandra of Wales to Lt. Cmdr. Grace Stevens, a same-sex nuptial. Princess Alexandra is the heir to the British Throne. The princess is a member of the Church of England and the Lt. Cmdr. is a member of the Church of Scotland. They wish to have their respectively linked churches bless their union. Oh my dears, what a hullabaloo this sets in motion. My jaw kept dropping to my bosom over and over and over again as I relished being a front row observer to how incredibly complicated a seemingly simple and loving request seems to tear asunder institutions, the Commonwealth, and the globe. The intricacies, the complexities, and the nuances that are masterfully presented in this incredibly unique format were breathtaking and stunning.
I felt as if I were glued to my television watching one of those brilliantly produced PBS dramas from Great Britain that take multiple seasons to unravel. Yet, I was reading this instead. Nevertheless, the drama and sense of episodic encapsulations were extraordinary and delightful. I totally recommend this!
NOTE: This book was provided by Liberation Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Thanks!
The occasion I am referencing is the marriage of Princess Alexandra of Wales to Lt. Cmdr. Grace Stevens, a same-sex nuptial. Princess Alexandra is the heir to the British Throne. The princess is a member of the Church of England and the Lt. Cmdr. is a member of the Church of Scotland. They wish to have their respectively linked churches bless their union. Oh my dears, what a hullabaloo this sets in motion. My jaw kept dropping to my bosom over and over and over again as I relished being a front row observer to how incredibly complicated a seemingly simple and loving request seems to tear asunder institutions, the Commonwealth, and the globe. The intricacies, the complexities, and the nuances that are masterfully presented in this incredibly unique format were breathtaking and stunning.
I felt as if I were glued to my television watching one of those brilliantly produced PBS dramas from Great Britain that take multiple seasons to unravel. Yet, I was reading this instead. Nevertheless, the drama and sense of episodic encapsulations were extraordinary and delightful. I totally recommend this!
NOTE: This book was provided by Liberation Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Thanks!
May 1, 2014
More 3.5 really.
Entirely enjoyable read. I was a bit unsure about the format, but it really worked. I also had the impression that the author had a blast running with her fictional scenario.
Entirely enjoyable read. I was a bit unsure about the format, but it really worked. I also had the impression that the author had a blast running with her fictional scenario.
July 24, 2015
The story telling felt more like a documentary with a little narration.
January 4, 2014
Previously reviewed on The Good, The Bad, & The Unread:
I love innovative forms of storytelling, and this novel certainly delivers on that front, although I may be one of the few readers who wish it had gone even further with the variously styled chapters. While some chapters are written as excerpts from journals, blogs, newspaper reports and the transcripts of speeches delivered to various groups, at least half are written as straightforward reportage. I’d also have liked to see more use of different font styles for the various chapter types (I’d be interested to learn whether that was achieved in other editions than the one I purchased, since I know that some ebook compilers mess up complex formatting). Having said all that, this is a great story in and of itself.
Set in a near-future United Kingdom that’s very similar to the real one, with a few minor switches within the Royal Family, the Church of England and worldwide political movers and shakers, the novel tells the story of Princess Alexandra, elder daughter of the Prince and Princess of Wales, and her long-term girlfriend, the Royal Navy nurse Lieutenant-Commander Grace Stephens. With the advent of same-sex marriage, the pair want to formalise their relationship but are faced with the fact that while they could marry in a civil ceremony, the Church of England will not recognise their relationship – rather inconvenient for the future head of that church! Fortunately for the women, it soon transpires that their families, as well as various leading politicians, civil servants and churchmen support their plans, although others, including some important bishops, are violently opposed to the relationship.
Then there’s the question of succession. By marrying, the women are openly acknowledging that any children of their relationship will involve a third party (biologically if not on the birth certificate) and that throws up another big batch of ethical and political dilemmas. Meanwhile, the press and the blogosphere are hotly debating the issues with some prominent opponents organising protests and some unlikely supporters emerging (some of this may not be as much fun for non-UK readers who are less familiar with the precise leanings of various newspapers). Interspersed in all this we also meet some prominent but initially unidentified characters – including a gay diarist working within a specialised section of the police force, who turns out to have unexpected links to some of the other characters. A commenter on one of the blogs opposed to the royal wedding also becomes unexpectedly important to the plot, when he turns out to be a bit more than the common thug that’s initially implied by his statements.
As it becomes clear that a wedding in Westminster Abbey is unlikely to be an option, the women are forced to make compromises – at times risking serious damage to their relationship – but also discover new ways to involve the ordinary people of the UK and other Commonwealth countries in their big day (or days as it later becomes). This book also examines what it means to be British, Christian and/or part of the LGBT community in the 21st Century, and how some of the seemingly most inflexible people can learn tolerance while others aren’t going to get there just yet.
All in all, a very enjoyable look at faith, marriage, and sexuality, although my one last niggle is the book’s apparent assumption that the Church of Scotland is equivalent to the Church of England (it isn’t – and I’d almost expect Grace to be Episcopalian rather than Presbyterian from what we see of her family). Generally, though, I’d recommend this to anyone who wants a thought-provoking and, at times, challenging read over the holidays.
I love innovative forms of storytelling, and this novel certainly delivers on that front, although I may be one of the few readers who wish it had gone even further with the variously styled chapters. While some chapters are written as excerpts from journals, blogs, newspaper reports and the transcripts of speeches delivered to various groups, at least half are written as straightforward reportage. I’d also have liked to see more use of different font styles for the various chapter types (I’d be interested to learn whether that was achieved in other editions than the one I purchased, since I know that some ebook compilers mess up complex formatting). Having said all that, this is a great story in and of itself.
Set in a near-future United Kingdom that’s very similar to the real one, with a few minor switches within the Royal Family, the Church of England and worldwide political movers and shakers, the novel tells the story of Princess Alexandra, elder daughter of the Prince and Princess of Wales, and her long-term girlfriend, the Royal Navy nurse Lieutenant-Commander Grace Stephens. With the advent of same-sex marriage, the pair want to formalise their relationship but are faced with the fact that while they could marry in a civil ceremony, the Church of England will not recognise their relationship – rather inconvenient for the future head of that church! Fortunately for the women, it soon transpires that their families, as well as various leading politicians, civil servants and churchmen support their plans, although others, including some important bishops, are violently opposed to the relationship.
Then there’s the question of succession. By marrying, the women are openly acknowledging that any children of their relationship will involve a third party (biologically if not on the birth certificate) and that throws up another big batch of ethical and political dilemmas. Meanwhile, the press and the blogosphere are hotly debating the issues with some prominent opponents organising protests and some unlikely supporters emerging (some of this may not be as much fun for non-UK readers who are less familiar with the precise leanings of various newspapers). Interspersed in all this we also meet some prominent but initially unidentified characters – including a gay diarist working within a specialised section of the police force, who turns out to have unexpected links to some of the other characters. A commenter on one of the blogs opposed to the royal wedding also becomes unexpectedly important to the plot, when he turns out to be a bit more than the common thug that’s initially implied by his statements.
As it becomes clear that a wedding in Westminster Abbey is unlikely to be an option, the women are forced to make compromises – at times risking serious damage to their relationship – but also discover new ways to involve the ordinary people of the UK and other Commonwealth countries in their big day (or days as it later becomes). This book also examines what it means to be British, Christian and/or part of the LGBT community in the 21st Century, and how some of the seemingly most inflexible people can learn tolerance while others aren’t going to get there just yet.
All in all, a very enjoyable look at faith, marriage, and sexuality, although my one last niggle is the book’s apparent assumption that the Church of Scotland is equivalent to the Church of England (it isn’t – and I’d almost expect Grace to be Episcopalian rather than Presbyterian from what we see of her family). Generally, though, I’d recommend this to anyone who wants a thought-provoking and, at times, challenging read over the holidays.
November 8, 2013
This is a well written, and very intelligently written, story that examines the consequences of the heir to the British throne pursuing a same-sex marriage.
Imagine, if you will, a parallel reality in which Charles and Diana are still together, and instead of Prince William and Prince Harry we have Princess Alexandra and Princess Eleanor. Imagine further that Princess Alexandra has set a wedding date for 2015, where she will be marrying Grace in a civil wedding. How will the country react to this royal lesbian wedding? How will the church react? After all, Alexandra is heir to the throne, and as Queen of England will be the supreme governor of the Church of England. Will they be able to get the Church's blessing?
As we all know, the Church isn't terribly fond of the idea of gay and lesbian weddings; and there are a lot of otherwise reasonable people who react very negatively to any transgression of traditional heterosexuality...
The story is written primarily through newspaper reports, transcripts of TV and radio interviews and news programmes, and transcripts of parliament debates and Synod debates. Social media plays a large role too, with blogs and comments on blogs, and conversations over Skype and Twitter. On the one hand, this is quite brilliantly written and very well researched, and allows for carefully considered arguments for and against same-sex marriage to be woven into the story. On the other hand, it creates emotional distance from the key characters at the heart of the story. In many ways, this book is primarily a study of religious attitudes to same-sex marriage and an attempt to show how obstacles to same-sex marriage could perhaps be overcome.
But we do get to see some characters close up. Alexandra and Grace, of course, although I feel their presence could have been much stronger. The Archbishop of Canterbury - very much in favour of same-sex marriage - is another of the main characters. There are some nice personal moments mixed in with discussions between church leaders, politicians, royal household staff,... (So many characters! Sometimes I could have used a handy reference...)
In conclusion...
I would like to have seen more about the romance between Alexandra and Grace; the reporting style is clever, but keeps the characters at an emotional distance. Despite that, and despite a general lack of time to read anything (life!) I read the last two thirds of the book in the space of twenty four hours.
Imagine, if you will, a parallel reality in which Charles and Diana are still together, and instead of Prince William and Prince Harry we have Princess Alexandra and Princess Eleanor. Imagine further that Princess Alexandra has set a wedding date for 2015, where she will be marrying Grace in a civil wedding. How will the country react to this royal lesbian wedding? How will the church react? After all, Alexandra is heir to the throne, and as Queen of England will be the supreme governor of the Church of England. Will they be able to get the Church's blessing?
As we all know, the Church isn't terribly fond of the idea of gay and lesbian weddings; and there are a lot of otherwise reasonable people who react very negatively to any transgression of traditional heterosexuality...
The story is written primarily through newspaper reports, transcripts of TV and radio interviews and news programmes, and transcripts of parliament debates and Synod debates. Social media plays a large role too, with blogs and comments on blogs, and conversations over Skype and Twitter. On the one hand, this is quite brilliantly written and very well researched, and allows for carefully considered arguments for and against same-sex marriage to be woven into the story. On the other hand, it creates emotional distance from the key characters at the heart of the story. In many ways, this book is primarily a study of religious attitudes to same-sex marriage and an attempt to show how obstacles to same-sex marriage could perhaps be overcome.
But we do get to see some characters close up. Alexandra and Grace, of course, although I feel their presence could have been much stronger. The Archbishop of Canterbury - very much in favour of same-sex marriage - is another of the main characters. There are some nice personal moments mixed in with discussions between church leaders, politicians, royal household staff,... (So many characters! Sometimes I could have used a handy reference...)
In conclusion...
I would like to have seen more about the romance between Alexandra and Grace; the reporting style is clever, but keeps the characters at an emotional distance. Despite that, and despite a general lack of time to read anything (life!) I read the last two thirds of the book in the space of twenty four hours.
June 21, 2018
*an eighty-paged ARC preview of A Very Civil Wedding was provided by V.T. Davy and Liberation Publishing in exchange for an honest review.*
4 stars
Charming, charismatic and thought-provoking A Very Civil Wedding was so much more than I thought.
It presents an interesting premise: what if one of the Royal family of England was gay? Would "their" children be legal heirs to the throne? How would it effect the citizenry? The crown's relationship with the Church of England?
Could it ever be possible?
This book will sure start you thinking. I loved it because of that very fact. I spent nights pondering and pondering because isn't it truly a realistic circumstance?
This book takes place in late 2014, after Princess Alexandra becomes engaged to Lieutenant-Commander Grace Stephens. The problem? They want their civil wedding to be blessed by the church.
Cue the controversy, because it isn't that simple.
What I loved about this book was the fact that I felt everything about it. I could feel the characters, I could feel the stress, the very fraught situation in the air. The electricity of it was amazing!
I love how V.T. Davy was able to show, relay and ponder every angle of the situation from every point of view. We are shown the inside thoughts of every person involved in the process of making it possible.
You will have to read this book to discover its outcome, but I will say that I utterly love this book. The characters were real. Very real. The problem was real too. Mainly, I love this book because it made me think, deeply and whole-heartedly about what it means to love someone. Really love someone.
And I am excited to get my hands on a full copy of this book!
4 stars
Charming, charismatic and thought-provoking A Very Civil Wedding was so much more than I thought.
It presents an interesting premise: what if one of the Royal family of England was gay? Would "their" children be legal heirs to the throne? How would it effect the citizenry? The crown's relationship with the Church of England?
Could it ever be possible?
This book will sure start you thinking. I loved it because of that very fact. I spent nights pondering and pondering because isn't it truly a realistic circumstance?
This book takes place in late 2014, after Princess Alexandra becomes engaged to Lieutenant-Commander Grace Stephens. The problem? They want their civil wedding to be blessed by the church.
Cue the controversy, because it isn't that simple.
What I loved about this book was the fact that I felt everything about it. I could feel the characters, I could feel the stress, the very fraught situation in the air. The electricity of it was amazing!
I love how V.T. Davy was able to show, relay and ponder every angle of the situation from every point of view. We are shown the inside thoughts of every person involved in the process of making it possible.
You will have to read this book to discover its outcome, but I will say that I utterly love this book. The characters were real. Very real. The problem was real too. Mainly, I love this book because it made me think, deeply and whole-heartedly about what it means to love someone. Really love someone.
And I am excited to get my hands on a full copy of this book!
November 1, 2013
In America, the debate on gay marriage continues on a state by state basis. In Great Britain, legislation allowing it has been passed in England and Wales. BUT … what will happen if one of the gay folks looking to get married is a member of the Royal Family? How will that affect the Family? The Citizenry? And what about their relationship with the Church of England - “legal” does not necessarily mean “religously endorsed”?
Author V. T. Davy (short for Vic Tanner) addresses this situation, and its many nuances, in the new novel “A Very Civil Wedding”. I was not sure if this book would hold my interest, given that I am a straight American brought up Roman Catholic – none of which applies to the characters in this book or to their situation. HOWEVER … my fears were groundless. Good characterization and plot points cross national, cultural, gender / sexuality, and other boundaries, and Davy shows a gift for interweaving them into a thought-provoking and interesting novel.
Of course, I shouldn't have been surprised – I thought that Davy's first novel, “Black Art”, was one of the best novels I'd read last year AND the closest to what I consider to be “noir” that I've read in years. A good author is typically not constrained by genre – and Davy is a good author.
Rating: 4 ½ stars, rounded down to 4 stars where ½ stars are not permitted.
Disclosure: I was given a preview copy of this novel in return for promptly providing and posting an honest review.
November 1, 2013
When asked to review this book I was intrigued by the subject the author tackled in the book: a same sex-marriage of the princess that one day will be Queen and Supreme Governor of the Church of England.
I said to myself WOW!. Someone finally decided to face a topic that can, in any near future possibly become reality.
What immediately struck me is the telegraphic, down to earth dairy style of the narration yet deeply supported by a well-documented research of the subtle details of cannon and land law.
The story unwraps itself through three main characters: Princess Alexandra the lesbian first born of the Prince of Wales, an initially unspecified gay young lad and the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Through them we get to know the various aspects of a society in its personal and collective journey to provoke, fear, hate and accept change.
In the name of love that knows no boundaries and the conviction that God's love is beyond heterosexual tagging, the sincere asking of a woman in love with her partner that wishes not only a civil marriage to bind a contract but a blessing from the faith that nurtures her believe in life but whose church refuses acknowledgment of such love.
I highly recommend.
I said to myself WOW!. Someone finally decided to face a topic that can, in any near future possibly become reality.
What immediately struck me is the telegraphic, down to earth dairy style of the narration yet deeply supported by a well-documented research of the subtle details of cannon and land law.
The story unwraps itself through three main characters: Princess Alexandra the lesbian first born of the Prince of Wales, an initially unspecified gay young lad and the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Through them we get to know the various aspects of a society in its personal and collective journey to provoke, fear, hate and accept change.
In the name of love that knows no boundaries and the conviction that God's love is beyond heterosexual tagging, the sincere asking of a woman in love with her partner that wishes not only a civil marriage to bind a contract but a blessing from the faith that nurtures her believe in life but whose church refuses acknowledgment of such love.
I highly recommend.
July 3, 2017
Full of different styles of text-Conversations, blog-posts, articles, interviews; this educational and realistic story is very enjoyable. It you can get through descriptions of different kinds of homophobia you can look forward to a beautiful relationship of the kindest women, based on trust and friendship. I hope the politics in it is real, because the information from this book is now my main source on the structure of government in the UK :)
January 22, 2014
This is a terrific book. I love how the author presents all the ramifications and complications such a wedding would bring to the monarchy, the CofE, and the citizens. Such a clever structure. I highly recommend this book!
February 1, 2019
Too many prayers written out across the pages that could have just been summarized for contextual point
August 14, 2022
Just re-read this little-known gem and was enchanted again: The happenings when the princess marries her girlfriend.
By chance I came across this engrossing novel where Davy explores in quasi-documentary fashion the possible reaction of the Anglican Church to a royal same-sex wedding of the future queen – no less. The novel is fictionally set in 2013/2014. Alexandra, heir to the throne, politely asks that the Anglican Church considers blessing her upcoming same-sex marriage and all hell, ahem discussion, breaks loose!
I particularly enjoyed how the whole novel oozes “Britishness” even the royalist Muslims. The novel is a clever patchwork of blogs, newspaper-clippings, meetings and revolves around the royal couple, the Archbishop of Canterbury on the one hand and a secondary storyline about a gay man on the other hand. The narrative is so life-like that sometimes I had to recall that it is fiction.
The scenes depicting discussions between those “nice chaps”, who are of course as cut-throat though well-mannered as people in power tend to be, or the fictional blogs and comments are a delight to read and Davy exposes the hypocrites very well. There are many chuckles to be had when one considers that the Anglican church came into being to accommodate the not so traditional marriage-habits of Henry VIII.
This is not a romance but a thorough exploration of hypocrisy and discrimination challenged by those with character and morals beyond the mere words of scripture and fanaticism. It is fun to read and entertaining if you want to see how the wheels of power might turn in one of the most British institutions, i.e. the Anglican church and the royal family in the unlikely event of a same-sex royal wedding. Well done!
By chance I came across this engrossing novel where Davy explores in quasi-documentary fashion the possible reaction of the Anglican Church to a royal same-sex wedding of the future queen – no less. The novel is fictionally set in 2013/2014. Alexandra, heir to the throne, politely asks that the Anglican Church considers blessing her upcoming same-sex marriage and all hell, ahem discussion, breaks loose!
I particularly enjoyed how the whole novel oozes “Britishness” even the royalist Muslims. The novel is a clever patchwork of blogs, newspaper-clippings, meetings and revolves around the royal couple, the Archbishop of Canterbury on the one hand and a secondary storyline about a gay man on the other hand. The narrative is so life-like that sometimes I had to recall that it is fiction.
The scenes depicting discussions between those “nice chaps”, who are of course as cut-throat though well-mannered as people in power tend to be, or the fictional blogs and comments are a delight to read and Davy exposes the hypocrites very well. There are many chuckles to be had when one considers that the Anglican church came into being to accommodate the not so traditional marriage-habits of Henry VIII.
This is not a romance but a thorough exploration of hypocrisy and discrimination challenged by those with character and morals beyond the mere words of scripture and fanaticism. It is fun to read and entertaining if you want to see how the wheels of power might turn in one of the most British institutions, i.e. the Anglican church and the royal family in the unlikely event of a same-sex royal wedding. Well done!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews