Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Threads

by Nell Gavin (Goodreads Author)

3.75 of 5 stars 3.75 · rating details · 437 ratings · 103 reviews

In 1536 a woman dies and the story begins...

Henry and Anne are bona fide soul mates, bound to each other through eternity.

Still, in 1536, they are at the mercy of influences outside of their control, explosively incompatible, and caught in a marriage that ends in a betrayal so shocking that Anne requires lifetimes to recover.

"Threads", a reincarnation fantasy, opens with...more

Paperback, 372 pages

Published April 20th 2002 by Infinity Publishing (PA) (first published 2001)

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

Kindle Authors

13th out of 183 books — 130 voters

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

Best Time Travel Fiction

221st out of 627 books — 2,147 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 971)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Apr 06, 2012 Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~* rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Anne Boleyn was the first historical figure that really drew me into historical fiction and the Tudor period. I always like books on her and reading an authors "take" on this much talked about woman.Now one may think this is a story of Anne Boleyn going into the body of another woman,and meeting Henry in the body of another man and they find their HEA. Not so at all,this story begins at the end of Anne's life: "I sensed there were tears,but his face was stone and tears would not be shed"."He wou...more

like 9 likes · see review

Dec 28, 2012 Jennifer rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

My only complaint about this book is that it wasn't longer. I would've been happy to keep reading forever and ever about all the lifetimes of Anne and Henry. The subject of reincarnation is one that fascinates me, and especially with this novel being about Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII, whom I've read historical fiction on and find very interesting. I know its impossible to know how the real Anne Boleyn felt and what she was thinking when these events happened, but this book really made me sympathi...more

like 6 likes · see review

Feb 22, 2012 Diane rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: historical fiction lovers, fans of stories about Henry, Anne, etc.

Shelves: 4-star, kindle, free-or-bargain-kindle, historical-fiction, 2011-read

I didn't think I would like this book as much as I did (I mean, I consider myself a liker of Serious Historical Fiction). I really enjoyed this take on Anne and Henry (and other characters) and I found each segment of Anne's past lives (as she remembered them) to be interesting and entertaining new takes on characters that have been pretty much set in stone by history. Do not go into this book thinking you are going to be reading a thick, densely historic Margaret George book because you aren't....more

like 3 likes · see review

May 06, 2013 Beverly Diehl rated it 5 of 5 stars

In 1536 woman dies and the story begins...

Starting a story with the death of the main character is not done successfully very often. Anne Boleyn has just been lawfully, if not fairly, executed on the orders of her husband, King Henry VIII. This novel takes an unusual look at the events that led up to this; not just in Anne’s just past lifetime, but in the many lifetimes she and Henry have shared for centuries.

Anne’s task is to understand, to learn where she has failed, and to forgive what seems...more In 1536 woman dies and the story begins...

Starting a story with the death of the main character is not done successfully very often. Anne Boleyn has just been lawfully, if not fairly, executed on the orders of her husband, King Henry VIII. This novel takes an unusual look at the events that led up to this; not just in Anne’s just past lifetime, but in the many lifetimes she and Henry have shared for centuries.

Anne’s task is to understand, to learn where she has failed, and to forgive what seems unforgivable, her murder by her once-beloved husband and soulmate.

Then I will return to try again, to see if I can overcome my faults and repay my mistakes... I see also that I have woven my own tapestry thread by thread from the beginning of time, and have no one to blame but myself for the pattern and the outcome.

If this is the very first book someone is reading about the story of Anne Boleyn and King Henry VIII, it would probably be very confusing. The story is told in first person, in some places with little dialogue, but to me it still flowed smoothly. The author makes some interesting choices - there are several “facts” about Anne Boleyn’s life, about which some historians say Point A is true, and others say that Point A is demonstrably false. Historians now are in agreement that Henry did not have syphilis, as is given here as reason for his growing derangement; however, he may well had other diseases or conditions which affected his brain.

She also gives Anne a history of being raped, as a child in France. This experience returns to Anne after the birth of Elizabeth, in the form of nightmares. She shrinks away from Henry’s lovemaking, which he takes badly, as a personal rejection, and things continue to go downhill from there.

I very much liked the threads of other lifetimes, and other stories, woven into this one. The time as troubadours/circus performers was especially delightful. The idea that many of the most important people in their lives were also present in past lives: Katherine, Emma, Hal Percy, Princess Mary, as their children, parents, spouses, siblings was very interesting. I also loved the vision of Henry as an ancient Egyptian homosexual prostitute, who tenderly helps care for Anne’s children.

What I liked about this is suggestion that there are forces and influences under the surface of what people choose to say and do. Past lives? Or simply experiences and traumas from this one that no one knows about? Of all the books that I’ve read about the Tudor period, this is one that has stayed with me.(less)

like · see review

Feb 01, 2013 Tahlia Newland rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical, metaphysical-fiction

Threads is a unique look at the life of Anne Boleyn from the vast perspective of a disembodied soul. It is a sensitive, well written novel with strong metaphysical themes. There is much here to provoke contemplation about the purpose of life, or lives. A truly delightful read on many levels.

Anne has been beheaded, and after her death reviews not just her past life with Henry the 8th, but also many previous lives that she shared with him and others that played major roles in her life as Anne. Wit...more Threads is a unique look at the life of Anne Boleyn from the vast perspective of a disembodied soul. It is a sensitive, well written novel with strong metaphysical themes. There is much here to provoke contemplation about the purpose of life, or lives. A truly delightful read on many levels.

Anne has been beheaded, and after her death reviews not just her past life with Henry the 8th, but also many previous lives that she shared with him and others that played major roles in her life as Anne. With another soul to help her, Anne sees the lessons she has been learning in her series of lives and begins to understand how the actions she has taken in one life have affected other lives. When she has been hard on others, she will one day be in the situation of those she had been harsh with, receiving the same kind of abuse from others as she gave out herself. In the same way, the situation she found herself in in her life as Anne were due to her actions in previous lives. She understands that the lessons will continue until she, like all souls, learns to cherish all beings equally.

Ms Gavin paints Anne as a victim of her time and of a man who grows unbalanced in his later years. But the experiences of and decisions made in her other lives also play a part in creating the Anne that made the choices that lead to Henry's dissatisfaction and eventual betrayal. This is a multilayered story, rich with interwoven threads of colour - an apt title indeed. The section on the very young Anne and Henry from their life as travelling players was truly delightful, especially the scene where Anne discovers sex, and decides they must make sure it fits before they commit to marriage.

The historical era of Anne's life and reincarnation as a plot device makes this story very suitable for the omniscient viewpoint which Ms Gavin uses here. The soul of Anne has the clairvoyance usually attributed to souls between lives, so she can understand others motivations, desires and insecurities, or strengths, carried with them from previous lives. This allows her to put her and others behaviour in a greater perspective. In order for her soul to move forward on her journey (to enlightenment/union with God) she will one day have to forgive Henry for having her beheaded, but she is not ready . . .not yet.

The writing is mostly expositional, but it is a relevant way of writing this particular story, after all, Anne is looking back at her lives, she is no longer in them. The emotional distance in telling her story rather than writing it as if she were living it now is necessary for her to be able to review her lives with equanimity. Some readers will find this less than engaging, and the book probably would have been better with a more immediate approach to the actual lives, but, for me, it works here. The thrust of the book is, after all, not so much the life of Anne Boleyn as the review of all lives relevant to that one.

The book ends with her in a later life meeting Henry again. She is no longer a disembodied soul, so she has forgotten all those other lives, but she has a feeling, one that draws her to him at the same time that it makes her want to flee. We are left wondering what her choice will be, to share another life with Henry, or to walk away. The question is, is she ready to forgive. How many lives does it lake to forgive your beloved turning on you so completely that they order your execution?

This is one of those rare books that offers readers much more than a great story, it also offers wisdom - the kind honoured by all spiritual traditions - and rouses compassion for all those who find themselves in difficult circumstances. I recommend it for anyone who enjoys historical literature with a metaphysical slant, but be warned, it is not your ordinary historical fiction focused on action and intrigue, or even on one story. Its focus is contemplative and its scope that of several seemingly unrelated lives.

I received this book free in return for an honest review.
(less)

like 2 likes · see review

Aug 13, 2012 PJ Swanwick rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, spiritual

Richly textured spiritual novel explores karmic balance, stays true to history

Rating: 4 1/2 out of 5 stars
Why did King Henry VIII nearly destroy England and create a new religion in order to marry Anne Boleyn, only to have her executed three years later? Nell Gavin's fascinating, well-written spiritual novel makes the compelling case that his nearly incomprehensible behavior is explained by the karma created throughout their many lifetimes together.

Story: In 1536, Henry and Anne are at the mercy...more Richly textured spiritual novel explores karmic balance, stays true to history

Rating: 4 1/2 out of 5 stars
Why did King Henry VIII nearly destroy England and create a new religion in order to marry Anne Boleyn, only to have her executed three years later? Nell Gavin's fascinating, well-written spiritual novel makes the compelling case that his nearly incomprehensible behavior is explained by the karma created throughout their many lifetimes together.

Story: In 1536, Henry and Anne are at the mercy of influences outside their control, explosively incompatible, and caught in a marriage that ends in betrayal so shocking that Anne requires lifetimes to recover. "Threads," a reincarnation fantasy, opens with Anne's execution. Her fury at her husband s betrayal has enough momentum to survive centuries, but she learns that she has been assigned a hard task: she must review their history together through a number of past lives, and find it within herself to forgive him. From amazon.com)

Spiritual/metaphysical content: High. In the opening chapters, Anne finds herself in a "place of peace" after her execution. There she reviews her life with Henry VIII in England, as well as a dozen other lifetimes that she and Henry, along with other family and friends, share in various combinations. Gavin suggests that the crux of Anne and Henry's tumultuous relationship partly results from Anne's abandonment of her child (Henry) in a previous life. Henry pursues her and obsesses over her beyond all reason, she says, "as only a lost child could or would."

Gavin carefully constructs the "place between lives," where words are physical beings with vibrant form, color, and substance. With the help of the Voice, Anne begins to understand the complex interactions within this group of souls, which choose to incarnate together across three millenia. She focuses on the emotional relationships within the group, what lessons they need to learn, and what contributes to or hinders their growth. Toward the end, she feels herself "grow small with understanding" as she glimpses the true nature of reincarnation.

Gavin offers an interesting approach to understanding karma: Success earns us karmic cash, while failure forces us to borrow. We "pay for what we take and are paid for what we give" across lifetimes. If a person successfully completes their assigned job, says Gavin, that success can be used "like currency toward the next existence on earth. The tally determines destiny, good or bad, upon one's return" to the place between lives.

My take: This elegant literary novel, rife with imagery and insight, focuses on the emotional and spiritual relationship between Anne and Henry, emphasizing psychology over history. I was grateful that I had read several of Philippa Gregory's excellent novels about the English Reformation, which helped me follow Gavin's minimalist portrayal of events and time lines. The historical details are painstakingly researched, and Gavin offers fascinating psychological insight into how karma and reincarnation nicely account for the almost inconceivable manner in which Henry VIII pursued and then discarded Anne.

Gavin is a skilled and powerful author, and "Threads" is an elegant tapestry of Henry and Anne's many lives together. Gavin develops her characters more fully than most books can, not only exploring the physical and psychological dynamics of their relationship, but also projecting those dynamics across 3,000 years of shared history. This adds a rich spiritual dimension to her characters that is not possible in many novels. I highly recommend this historical novel to readers interested in learning how reincarnation may influence their own relationships.

For more reviews of spiritual/metaphysical novels, see Fiction For A New Age.(less)

like · see review

Sep 20, 2011 Barbara Silkstone rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Threads, The Reincarnation of Anne Boleyn is a vividly imagined tale of the lure of what might be illicit love, or may be a confirmation of the existence of reincarnation. Nell Gavin is a gifted storyteller, layering the thoughts of a young woman, who for eight years kept a king... waiting. The book has the feel of a lovely painting, the details both natural and startling, the overall effect is surreal.

Gently erotic, this is a novel of mesmerizing beauty, a story of love and loss. As you surren...more

like · see review

Jun 26, 2011 Janet rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, kindle, spirituality

This book surprised me. I tend to have low expectations for low-priced Kindle books, but this was very well written, deftly weaving historical fiction with a strong but compassionate spiritual message about the importance of learning lessons of compassion and justice.

This Anne is a likeable but flawed person, someone lacking both the intellectual and emotional maturity to handle the attentions of Henry VIII, much less successfully navigate the complex world of court life. At the same time, she...more

like · see review

Jun 15, 2011 J.A. Clement rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: indie-authors

Threads is a work that can be read on many levels; it is a complex and very unusual book. If you're looking for a rumbustious bodice-ripper, this may not be the book for you;the story as it deals with Anne and Henry's relationship is more an assimilation of the information from several different autobiographies, put together thoughtfully and with a real attempt to sieve through the gossip and slander and make sense of both characters in a very human and sympathetic manner.

On a separate level, Th...more

like 1 like · see review

May 27, 2011 Gerri Leen rated it 2 of 5 stars

I got this because it was billed as Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII meet 400 years later (as different people) and have things to work out. I buy reincarnation, I dig Anne Boleyn, and I'm a Tudor nut, so why not give it a try, I figured. Okay, first off, it's mis-billed in the way it's marketed. The part that's AFTER Anne dies is rushed and in an epilogue that makes little sense and is not in any way moving . In fact, the whole book, with only a few exceptions, was not moving. It was all tell, no sho...more

like 2 likes · see review

Mar 18, 2013 Sarah rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

(This review may contain spoilers).

When I was much younger, I had an interest in the Tudors and particularly Henry VIII. I could probably still name each one of his wives - and I know that little rhyme off by heart. Also, although I personally don't believe in it, the idea of reincarnation has always been a fascinating one. I couldn't say where that fascination comes from. Like reading and making up stories, it seems to have always been there.

So this book combined those two things - Tudor times...more (This review may contain spoilers).

When I was much younger, I had an interest in the Tudors and particularly Henry VIII. I could probably still name each one of his wives - and I know that little rhyme off by heart. Also, although I personally don't believe in it, the idea of reincarnation has always been a fascinating one. I couldn't say where that fascination comes from. Like reading and making up stories, it seems to have always been there.

So this book combined those two things - Tudor times and reincarnation. I bought it for my Kindle a while back, but only recently decided to try reading it.

The idea of a soul looking back on her life - at both the good and bad times - was quite an interesting one, as was the idea of punishment and reward for bad and good done in that current life (presumably in the next life, though I was never quite certain of that). I liked the way Anne Boleyn was presented in the story - not a perfect saint and not an evil woman; just a person who did both good and bad things and had both good and bad things happen to her.

I did think there were a few liberties taken with the historical aspect. For instance, the way Anne Boleyn came across as manic depressive. Some of what she did (shrieking with laughter in the middle of the court, for instance), didn't strike me as how a young woman brought up in those times would behave.

I thought it was interesting and particularly well done how, in the book, many of Anne's hardships came from actions she had committed in her previous lives. For instance, how she had Elizabeth and not any other child and particularly a son because of her preference for male children, strong enough to affect her with female children. And how, after the life in Egypt, she'd made fun of one person for having six fingers - and as Anne Boleyn, had the not-quite-sixth finger almost as payment for what had happened.

I was a bit confused with how, in the previous lives, everyone was called by the same names, even though they must have had different names then. I understand why it was the case, but it was still confusing - even though having many of the same people cast and recast was quite confusing at times.

All in all, I liked this book. I don't know if I'll read it again, though. As much as I liked it, I have the feeling that, for me, this book will be a one-time-only read.(less)

like · see review

Apr 26, 2011 Sarah rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This is a historical fantasy with the underlying theme of reincarnation, forgiveness and love. I would say that it doesn't require a belief in reincarnation for you to like this book - just read it with an open-mind and you may even find yourself half-convinced by the end of it (or wanting to believe in it, like I did). I think that this will probably require another read through to help me fully understand and interpret each section of the book, but this is my opinion on the first read through....more This is a historical fantasy with the underlying theme of reincarnation, forgiveness and love. I would say that it doesn't require a belief in reincarnation for you to like this book - just read it with an open-mind and you may even find yourself half-convinced by the end of it (or wanting to believe in it, like I did). I think that this will probably require another read through to help me fully understand and interpret each section of the book, but this is my opinion on the first read through.

The historical part of the story is based on the story of Anne Boleyn, and it is Anne who narrates the story to us. It starts with her execution, after which she finds herself with a spiritual mentor who guides her through her memories of this life (and previous ones) to understand, learn and forgive.

It is an extraordinary story. It is told in parts, each having a theme of it's own, a thread if you will. Anne examines her upbringing, her time with Hal (Lord Percy), her courtship with Henry, her marriage, her child... We see glimpses of past lives and how this has shaped her most recent life. It is a lesson, a series of lessons, and all these lead to an inevitable conclusion. Anne and Henry are bound, soul mates for eternity, and she must learn to forgive him. The point of this story is not how it ends, but how we get to the end!

The best part of this book was the reincarnation theme, and the parts which seemed quite philosophical in a way. I liked the idea (even if I don't believe in it and it might be viewed as silly by some) that we are tied to certain people, to certain souls, and that in each life we find these souls again. I liked the narrative. Anne as a character is quite fascinating and neither completely likeable or unlikeable. I also liked the research that has clearly been done. Though some liberties have been taken with the story (the deformity, for example), it does not take away the fact that the author has clearly done her research and managed to portray and explain Anne Boleyn in a very honest way. My favourite part of the story is Anne's fondness for her life as a "traveller" in twelfth century Flanders.

The worst part, I think, was simply getting into the story. For those not interested in Tudor history, or in Anne Boleyn, they might find it slow-going, lacking in dialogue or repetitive. I found it a little slow-going at first (and contrary to what this site reports, I did not start it two days earlier, I only put it on as a currently reading book on that day). However, when I got about a third of the way through it became much more easy-going. I don't mind lack of dialogue, and the dialogue that does exist seems true to the times and not just put in for the sake of it. Also, it wasn't really repetitive so much as it told different "threads" of the same story. There was the basic story told in the beginning, and then each subsequent part took a section of that story and examined it further, in more detail.

I would definitely recommend this book, and am already working on getting my family to read it! (less)

like 2 likes · see review

Aug 11, 2011 Alicia added it

This book is both thoughtful and though provoking.

We know so much about Henry VIII but oftentimes his wives are just passing pieces of knowledge.
I think this book was beautifully written.

It is more fantasy than non-fiction, and it was very clever to begin the with the execution of Anne Boleyn.

I say it was thought provoking because it has never occurred to me how dangerous it is to be the object of Henry VIII's affection. When I think about how he had six wives and two of them were beheaded it be...more This book is both thoughtful and though provoking.

We know so much about Henry VIII but oftentimes his wives are just passing pieces of knowledge.
I think this book was beautifully written.

It is more fantasy than non-fiction, and it was very clever to begin the with the execution of Anne Boleyn.

I say it was thought provoking because it has never occurred to me how dangerous it is to be the object of Henry VIII's affection. When I think about how he had six wives and two of them were beheaded it begins to make some sense. Watching Anne Boleyn's life with her was extremely sad and at times brought tears to my eyes.

I particularly liked the past lives and the future lives being brought in. Though at times it made me feel suffocated knowing that you never meet anyone else, it was interesting to think of Henry VIII as a transgender man in one life and a circus performer in another.

What particularly touched me was the treatment of Anne Boleyn in the court of Henry Tudor. I found it hypocritical that she was claimed to be a whore, yet Jane Seymour was loved. But, and this will get the goats of women everywhere, if they have one, it is mainly the blame that is placed upon women when they either can't get pregnant or they have a girl instead of a boy.

One of the best points about the book is the build up of fear that Anne Boleyn has when she realises that her time is up. It starts off with denial, and the fact that the book is written from the view point of Anne Boleyn adds to the emotion of it. Her short sentences have an even bigger impact than some long heart felt poem. There is one particular line that made me burst into tears, the beauty is in the simplicity of it. Anne Boleyn finally realises that she is going to die and that Henry is not going to save her, though she holds onto this hope right up until the end. But in this one moment she begins to loose her mind in grief and says of being insane "It hurts."

So simple, so small, yet so touching.

I recommend it, I really do.(less)

like · see review

Jun 09, 2011 Joy rated it 5 of 5 stars

How does Anne Boleyn forgive Henry VIII for his betrayal of her trust and her murder? Can she do it over lifetimes in order to grow as a soul and return to the love they have always known? These are the questions asked by this book, which takes the ideas of reincarnation and soul companions and applies it to the well-known story of Anne and Henry. The first third of the book sets up Anne's life as it is interpreted for this novel, from her childhood through to her marriage and death, as she is v...more

like · see review

Sep 22, 2012 Jen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I picked up this book due to my interest in the Tudors. The description was vague enough to stop me from judging or guessing the entirety of the book. Despite repeated exposure to Tudor history, I liked "Threads". It is hardly a retelling of Anne's life. It focuses on the motivations of her actions and soul. I was initially taken aback by the heavy philosophy and twining into Anne's deep (very deep) past. However, I agree with how Gavin tied the story together. I found more difficulty in buying...more

like · see review

Jul 28, 2011 bkjunkie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle-shelf

This was an intresting perspective of Anne's life. The entire book is told from first person view which I do not normally like however, with this story it would be difficult to tell it any other way. It has several layers. The main theme throughout the different stories ever evolving around Anne, Henry, and the important people in thier many lives, is learning from our mistakes and not repeating them, not judging others by artifical means, and treating others with love and respect and digging de...more

like · see review

Sep 24, 2011 Nanci de Suffren rated it 3 of 5 stars

Anne Boleyn is in that place just past death on earth where she must look at her life and figure out what happened and who she became. A Voice is there to chide, encourage and soften the truth that she comes face to face with. She is allowed to put herself in other lives to see how it may have been different or maybe the same. This is an interesting book to read as it demonstrates what the impact of a true self-awareness might look like. Things we might be ashamed of and regret could be softened...more

like · see review

Sep 14, 2011 Anne rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was a book that sounded very interesting-- the reincarnation of Anne Boleyn! I've always found her an interesting historical figure, but I've never read much fiction that took on her story. This book, however, is not interesting. Most of it is exposition, Anne Boleyn speaking to the reader from the afterlife. The best thing about fiction is the show aspect of it. I want to be shown the story, shown the meaning within the story, through the character's actions. This is all tell. And tell. An...more

like · see review

Mar 03, 2013 Tara Guthrie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I chose to read this book as I am forever fascinated by Henry v111 and his life. I did enjoy the book but found that I was not engaged by the Ann portrayed in this book. I never felt immersed in her world and found much of the book repetitive. As Ann journeys through he lifetimes I felt flogged by the heavy handed way the "lessons" she was supposed to be learning were illustrated then spelled out again and again by the "voice" that mentors Ann throughout the book. I did not enjoy being told what...more

like · see review

Sep 11, 2011 Crystal rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, general-fiction

Really, I would say 2.5-2.75 stars. Parts were good, but other parts I found tedious. In many books that I've read lately, I think the concept is a good one, it just lacks a little in delivery for me. In the author's letter at the end of the novel, she talks about the different layers of the novel and the weaving of the tapestry, which ties in the title - I like the title, but I don't see where the layers are all that deep.

There were definitely moments where I thought Yes! Exactly! For example,...more

like · see review

Jun 17, 2008 Elizabeth rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: really-liked

I am a Tudor literature buff and have read many books written about that era. Gavin puts a very fresh twist on the complicated relationship Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII shared. It goes beyond Tudor England and into other parts of the world and other places in time.

like 1 like · see review

Feb 18, 2013 Victoria Munden rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: tudor-fiction, historical-fiction-read, kindle, myths, would-never-read-again

This could've been so good. It's such a good idea for a story. Unfortunately, I didn't find it good. I thought the past lives were ridiculous and far fetched. I thought the fact that the whole court was also involved in each past life was silly. In every life, Henry, Henry Percy, Katherine, Mary Boleyn, Princess Mary, Thomas Whyatt, her father and so on.
One particular low point was the prostitution in ancient Egypt. Anne was trying to feed two small children and the only way to do so was to turn...more This could've been so good. It's such a good idea for a story. Unfortunately, I didn't find it good. I thought the past lives were ridiculous and far fetched. I thought the fact that the whole court was also involved in each past life was silly. In every life, Henry, Henry Percy, Katherine, Mary Boleyn, Princess Mary, Thomas Whyatt, her father and so on.
One particular low point was the prostitution in ancient Egypt. Anne was trying to feed two small children and the only way to do so was to turn tricks. However, next thing we know, Henry turns up. As a man (obviously). He is also a prostitute. Dressed as a woman, with kohl around his eyes. I just stopped and thought, this is outrageous.
Other previous lives included a Flanders traveller, a farmer's wife in 17th century China, a Victorian era American woman.
As the book is focusing on Anne looking back at previous lives, there isn't much dialogue.
I didn't like the way Katherine was portrayed as a spiteful woman and also a bit of a bully. That goes against anything I've ever read about Katherine.
Anne was apparently raped by a priest in France at a young age. This is why she wears a close fitting necklace, to cover a scar from her attacker. She has flashbacks to these attacks which I feel the author uses to excuse some of Anne's behaviour as queen.
The thing I did like about this book is that it deals with some quite deep emotions and harrowing situations, like the order to kill her newborn child in China, as its a female.
Also, Anne looks back on her previous lives and sees where things go wrong, she learns from her mistakes and she understands why things happened.
Had this book been written entirely as fantasy fiction, I think it would've worked much better. Instead of basing it on two very real figures in history, whom we know a lot about, I think fictional characters would have made for better reading. I found myself picking apart the chapters about Tudor England, thinking, that didn't happen like that or that didn't happen at all.
If fantasy is your bag then give it a read. If history is your choice of genre, perhaps give it a miss. (less)

like 1 like · see review

Apr 18, 2011 Susan added it

Shelves: did-not-finish

This novel has an interesting premise--Anne Boleyn and Henry meet each other, in various guises, throughout the centuries. Unfortunately, I couldn't get past the first few chapters--and I got through them only because I was on a train and didn't have anything else to read. Anne, who narrates, is tiresome and preachy. There's very little dialogue, and what there is of it is reminiscent of a Renaissance Faire--lots of "mayhaps" and the like. Catherine of Aragaon is a horrible person--we know becau...more

like 6 likes · see review

May 06, 2013 Dorothy Abrams rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

If you take this as a work of contemplative fiction, than the fact that the writer uses a good deal of expository writing won't bother you. If you are looking for a griping characterization of the people in Henry's court, then you may be disappointed.

I liked the book because it was about multiple lives of the soul who was Anne Boleyn--in a fictional treatment of course. It deals head on with the infinite question of how we forgive our enemies. It points out that our enemies in this life are not...more

like · see review

Jul 03, 2012 Alicia rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy-sci-fi, historical-fiction

I love Anne Boleyn, reincarnation, and the idea of a historical figure considering her life/lives and self in such a manner.

Unfortunately I didn't love the book. It contains parts that were enjoyable which gave me hope the whole book would pick itself up and turn out to be wonderful; however, over all the aspects I didn't care for kept rearing their ugly heads.

The writing never found it's real pace. Anne's spirit either waxed poetic to the Universe for too long that it bordered on whining more...more

like · see review

Sep 19, 2011 Melanie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I enjoyed the subject and complexity of this book. I did not care much for the flow and writing style. I think what bothered me the most was the switching between "modern" English and the author's rendition of Tudor English. I felt that Anne's life in the Tudor period is the only time the author used this dialogue technique. Everything bounced all over the place and would have made better sense if it was pieced together differently. I had no sense of time but I think that may have been the point...more

like · see review

Jul 29, 2011 Sharon Tillotson rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: boomer-lit, visionary

I began this book not knowing what to expect. I’d been wanting to read it ever since being introduced to the story when I met Nell on the Amazon threads and our own Boomer site. Reincarnation is a big theme with me and I purchased the book because it was so highly regarded.

Threads is not a quick read. It is a work of literature whose threads are to be savoured and pondered. I truly believe this story could become a classic.

For the full review, go to: http://boomersandbooks.wordpress.com/...

like · see review

Mar 05, 2013 Donna Gaumond rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I never thought a story of reincarnation (I've never read one before) could be so multifaceted. I have never read anything about Anne Boyle before and looking at her supposed lives through the eyes of Anne and the subtle messages for the reader about the affect your life has on others is intriguing. It makes almost, but not quite question whether or not you've lived other lives. A fascinating first person account of numerous lives with the same characters interwoven in her life through the ages....more

like 1 like · see review

Dec 07, 2007 Lanzamarie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Damn good read!

like 2 likes · see review

Apr 12, 2011 Laura rated it 3 of 5 stars

Much like the real life story of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, Nell Gavin's "Threads" is full of intrigue, lust, love and betrayal.

One great strength of this novel is the author's use of detail, especially when delving into the thoughts and emotions of her principal narrator, Anne. Gavin envelopes her readers in Anne's thoughts and feelings and gives us insight into the possible motives of a woman who was greatly misunderstood in her real life. Also, this detail helps us see the true love and bon...more

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 32 33 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend it | Stats | Recent status updates

combine
Other Editions (8)

More editions...

Genres

Historical Fiction

31 users

Fantasy

9 users

European Literature > British Literature

4 users

Science Fiction

2 users

Adult Fiction

2 users

Romance

2 users

Fantasy > Paranormal

2 users

Science Fiction > Time Travel

2 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Nell Gavin

"Threads: The Reincarnation of Anne Boleyn" was inspired by a stint of working for Renaissance festivals when I was in my 20s. Writing the book was also a way of unloading the stress of my job at that time. I would come home and dump it all onto the page! Prior to that, I had no real aspirations to write, but I couldn't sing or play an instrument, and I was miserable at sports, so writing was my o...more

More about Nell Gavin...

Books by Nell Gavin

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Threads: The Rein...

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

Quotes from Threads: The Reincarna...

“We are all on the same road, some ahead of us and some behind. We do not always recognize ourselves as being among those who are struggling farther back, and misunderstand, scorn, and even persecute the ones who move ahead of us. History is littered with such as these: eccentrics, geniuses, idealists among those most noticeable. These change the world by force, though the change most often does not take place during their own time, they are so far ahead of it and therefore so rarely understood.” — 4 people liked it

“What we should see is that there is none among us with nothing to give, and that giving is our purpose.” — 3 people liked it

More quotes…

title link	preview: Threads
avg rating	preview: Threads Goodreads rating: 3.75 (437 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/256959.Threads?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348979454l/256959.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/256959.Threads?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Threads by Nell Gavin[/url]

Threads

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website