They don't know they were married 434 years ago. They don't know they parted on bad terms. Anne has no idea why she has a compulsion to punish him, a man she's only just met, and Henry has no idea why he can't be near her without falling in love.

Threads, a reincarnation fantasy, opens with Anne's death in 1536. Her husband Henry, seemingly in defense of Anne (but more likely acting out of "stubborn perverseness," she observes), has terrorized England and decreed murder after political murder to protect her. Ultimately, to Anne's horror, he made the decision to have her executed as well.

Anne's fury at her husband's betrayal has enough momentum to survive centuries, but in "Threads" she learns that she has been assigned a hard task: she must forgive him. This may prove difficult and take some time. The husband in question is Henry VIII. The narrator is the stubborn, volatile Anne Boleyn, who is not at all inclined to forgive. .

It is a very unusual love story.

2000 William Faulkner Competition Finalist for best novel.

Ms. Gavin is careful to try to maintain historical accuracy about the characters involved even though this is a fictional novel. A short notes section tells readers when she has deviated from accepted history in favor of plot. I can't help but feel that the selection of the historical figure of Ann Boleyn constrained Ms. Gavin's apparent talent. Each additional "character" is by nature a historical figure requiring ever more restraint by Gavin to maintain historical accuracy. Therefore, there are comparatively fewer characters involved throughout the story than there might have been had the main character not been a figure of historical reknown. Character development of Hal and the Chinese mother-in-law, as well as dialogue between Ann and Henry in their American life shows that Ms. Gavin has what it takes to write enjoyable fiction. I would love to see what she could do with her imagination not given such boundaries from the outset.


Threads is an unforgettable novel...   October 15, 2004
 39 out of 43 found this review helpful

Nell Gavin has brought Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII, to vibrant life in her unusual historical novel, "Threads." Anne's path from that of an unloved and abused young girl, to the position of Queen of England, is presented by Anne herself as she looks back upon the circumstances that eventually led to her execution. Although there really isn't a lot of actual historical information about Anne, Gavin has created believable personalities with strengths and weaknesses, imperfections and understandable desires. Using a combination of fact and legend, she tells a story of passion, obsession, and heartbreak that will capture readers with its depth and humanity.

Gavin uses the fictional concept of reincarnation to showcase all of the characters that make up what is truly a tragic tale of love and betrayal. In several different "reincarnations," Anne and Henry, along with family, friends, and lost loves, are placed into different life situations, each one exploring another facet of personality and circumstances. The technique is unique, intriguing, and in the end, beautifully coaxes the dark ghosts of a long dead past into the present for an introduction readers won't soon forget.

"Threads" is a remarkable effort. It is, without a doubt, one of the best historical novels I've every read. I give it my very highest recommendation!





A Terrific Buy!   May 9, 2004
 37 out of 43 found this review helpful

I am a HUGE fan of Tudor England and especially a fan of Anne Boleyn and King Henry. I was facinated by the premise of this story and quickly made my purchase. Please, grab this story now if you love this period, and if you love a good story!

Not preditable at all, the story takes you on a very original ride through the many experiences of these people in past existences! It's great. A.L.F.


This story is a continuing marvel; buy it in hardcover!   February 27, 2004
 34 out of 40 found this review helpful

Never, ever have I even considered writing a review, but this book deserves far, far more praise than it has received. The language is elegant and jewel-like and the story is transcendant. The use of the Hindu concept of reincarnation and the historically notorious relationship of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII are wonderful devices to explore love, trust, betrayal and forgiveness, in all types of relationships, throughout time. "Each society-each group within each society-chooses something with which to assign inferiority. ... Among the powerful, it is the powerless; among the rich, it is the poor; among the men, it is the women. ... Neither side sees the humanity in the other. Both sides are equally wrong in this." There are so many levels to the passionate, intricate and exquisitely expressed stories told here. It is a story of love, forgiveness, choice and redemption with some of the most beautiful contemporary prose I've ever had the pleasure to read. And I'm really glad my copy is hardcover, although I may have to order a softcover to loan to friends. I'm not letting my copy out of the house.


I Loved It!   May 26, 2004
 34 out of 40 found this review helpful

I have read just about every book ever written about Anne Bolyen. I have also read dozens of others about Tudor England and I have to say this one entertained me more than any other I've ever read. When I first saw it I wasn't really interested because I thought I probably needed to buy another book about Anne Boleyn like I needed a root canal, but on a whim and a sale price I bought it and I'm really so glad I did. I enjoyed it immensely. A very unique take on the lives of Anne Boleyn & King Henry.