Ride: A Novella

by Octavia Randolph

In the 11th century one of the most powerful women in England shed her clothes, pulled herself on her horse's back, and rode, in broad daylight, through the town of Coventry. No one forced her to do so. Yet she was compelled to this act by an irresistible force, drawing her on...

Godgyfu of Mercia was a real woman, living in one of the most tumultuous and dangerous times in England's history. Born into wealth and privilege, she would die the year following the Battle of Hastings, and all her vast holdings be forfeit to the new Norman conquering king. Yet she did something which was never forgotten.

Here is Ride, Godiva's own story, imagined by the author of the beloved Circle of Ceridwen Saga.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical

72 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 25, 2014

About the author

I write the kind of book I want to read myself. I write about history as a way to better understand my own times. I write about people who are far better, and (I hope) far worse than myself. And beautiful objects inspire me: the hand-carved combs, skilfully wrought swords, and gemmed goblets of the world of The Circle of Ceridwen Saga. Almost everything interests me; I've studied Anglo-Saxon and Norse runes, and learnt to spin with a drop spindle. My path has led to extensive on-site research in England, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, and Gotland - some of the most wonderful places on Earth. In addition to the Circle Saga, I've written the novella Ride, a retelling of the story of Lady Godiva, and The Tale of Melkorka, based on the Icelandic Sagas. I've been the fortunate recipient of fellowships at the MacDowell Colony, Ledig House International, and Byrdcliffe.
Hearing from readers is a special pleasure and I always answer my letters. So write to me! www.octavia.net Author photo by Barbara Simundza

Reviews

[Charland Garvin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is easily a 3.5 read. I read this novella because I had enjoyed the author's The Circle of Ceridwen and I had always been intrigued by the story of Lady Godiva. It was well researched, well written and very interesting, filled with details of the particular time period.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful novella. I consumed it in one sitting and ached when it ended.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dreamy retelling of the Godiva legendary event that plays with time and motivation as we see the event from her point of view.

Godiva strips down, gets on her horse and rides across town.

During the ride, we stay in her head as she thinks back not just on her own life and major events of England during her lifetime, but also the lives of her heroines: the Virgin Mary, Mary Magdalene, and Saint Monica, mother of Saint Augustine - all women who centered their lives around a man.

Godiva can sympathize, being genuinely in love with her husband, but she believes he's not following the True Path, and has taken matters into her own hands to change things in the humble town of Coventry.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly puts you firmly in the mindset and landscape is 10th century Saxon England. The tale’s perspective and narrative is perfect blend of present and past of the Lady in question. Godiva in her full power as christian, saxon, Earl’s wife, and landed property owner in her own right. Well researched - always a plus in my book.

[Ronnie Pastecki · Rating 3 out of 5]

A 3.5 rating. Well-researched, meditative reading .

[Libby Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story. An entirely captivating retelling of the legend of Lady Godgyfu, otherwise known to us as Lady Godiva.

[Sue Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous book. Spiritual story about a queen deeply connected to her subjects willing to go to extreme lengths to care for them. Beautifully written historically unproven but wish it were true.

[Ellen Ekstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I think of Lady Godiva, I think of the chocolates, then I think of the Peter & Gordon pop recording, and finally, Maureen O'Hara - all of this dates me as much as the era in which the story unfolds, but rather than the bits of fluff I described above, "Ride" was and is an amazing story as far as this reader is concerned.

In 11th century England Godifu (or Godyfu, or Godiva), wife of Leofric, earl of Mercia, takes up her husband's challenge - that he will not tax the village of Coventry, one of Godifu's holdings, if she rides naked on a horse through the village. Godifu rides. During this ride, she is observing and thinking and we are privy to the images and thoughts. She ruminates on her own vanity - her extraordinary blonde hair with strands of silver starting to show - her life of priviledge, and her faith and saints and holy people that have helped shape it. She notices minutia about the village, the dye-stained hands of a craftsman, an unwed mother big with child, the housewives and laborers who stand amazed as she rides by and walk beside her. In legend, the people of Coventry were commanded to stay inside their homes and shops during this ride, but there are a brave few who venture out. If you ever wonder where the nickname "Peeping Tom" comes from, now you know - but that story isn't a part of this one. This is the story of a solitary, brave and pious woman protecting her villagers, her village and her property. She is a woman 38 years old, not a spunky, defiant, teen. She is Godifu, and she rides.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

So happy to have gotten this book on Amazon Unlimited and I enjoyed it tremendously. It was a decent length with all the additions by the author which included: a preface from Flores Historianum written before 1236, the novella itself, the historical Godiva, the legend of Godiva and the religious observances in The Ride and other very fine historical data by this excellent author.

I wish it was mine to keep, but that is not the way Amazon Unlimited is set up. I am going to reread it today, I enjoyed it so very much.
Recommended for all who enjoy reading about the Norman Conquest and the immediate periods before and afterwards.

Godiva, or Godgyfu, as the name was given in that time and her husband Leofric were pivotal in our knowledge of pre and post Conquest England.

[Lynda Critchfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, that was interesting