Earthly Joys

by Philippa Gregory

In this historical novel, Gregory tells the story of John Tradescant, gardener to English royalty. John designs, plants, and maintains the gardens of such luminaries as Sir Robert Cecil (adviser to King James I), the popular Duke of Buckingham, and King Charles I.

Though he marries and has a child, John's first love remains the garden. And his greatest loyalty is to his master. All of this makes for a sticky domestic scene and some interesting bedfellows.

I found this novel to be less intriguing and less appealing than the others I’ve read by Ms. Gregory. John is a good man, but there is nothing truly compelling about his life or his work.

Not recommended.

12/7/11