Namesake by Sue MacLeod
Series: Standalone
Published: May 1st, 2013
Publisher: Pajama Press
230 pages (paperback)
Genre: Young adult contemporary fiction/historic fiction
Acquired this book: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Warning: May contain spoilers
{GoodReads || Buy this book: Book Depository || Amazon || Chapters/Indigo}
Series: Standalone
Published: May 1st, 2013
Publisher: Pajama Press
230 pages (paperback)
Genre: Young adult contemporary fiction/historic fiction
Acquired this book: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Warning: May contain spoilers
{GoodReads || Buy this book: Book Depository || Amazon || Chapters/Indigo}
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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.
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3.75 stars
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Have you read Namesake? What did you think? Do you like historic fiction? Are you as fascinated with Tudor era England as I am?
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Lovely review Marie! I have been wondering whether or not to give this a go-- as I am wary of time travel/back and forth stories-- but I think I will give it a go! :)
ReplyDeleteThis is one I will definitely read! I love the tudor era and know the Lady Jane Grey story very well. That is my favorite time period. Thanks for such a great review!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great book. The cover is gorgeous, and it's good to know the story lives up to it.
ReplyDelete