Virgin and the Crab: Sketches, Fables and Mysteries from the early life of John Dee and Elizabeth Tudor

by Robert Stephen Parry

12 Years, 2 Kings, 3 Queens - the Ultimate Tudor Novel

The brilliant young mathematician and astronomer John Dee has one overwhelming obsession: liberty.
Abandoned and in danger, Elizabeth Tudor has one simple aim: survival.
This is their story.
Against the background of the English Reformation, and threatened by a vengeful and unforgiving Queen, the mysterious brotherhood of the Rose Lodge attempts to guide the nation towards enlightenment and stability. Here, the special alchemy of the Virgin and the Crab works its magic: growing from childhood friendship, through adolescent flirtation, to mutual respect and admiration as together they prepare to sacrifice everything for the world they wish to inherit.

VIDEO TRAILER

‘Robert Parry has blended historical facts with fiction to produce an incredibly believable story. Is it “unputdownable”? – A resounding “yes!”‘ Claire Ridgway, The Anne Boleyn Files

‘…a myriad of familiar characters fade in and out of the scenery…their characterizations are nothing short of masterful. A Reader’s Respite won’t hesitate to recommend this gem of a novel to you.’ Michele Jacobsen, A Reader’s Respite

‘This remarkable novel by Robert Parry is one of the best Tudor novels I have ever read … Parry masterfully weaves fact and fiction, resulting in a completely original and authentic portrayal of the friendship and bond between Elizabeth Tudor and her illustrious mentor … a book to buy, read and cherish – a real Tudor treasure!’ Natalie Grueninger, onthetudortrail

‘From the very first page to the last sentence I was held spellbound!’ Charla Wilson, Book Talk with Charla

‘I highly recommend ‘Virgin and the Crab’ to all historical fiction lovers and especially to all who adore Elizabeth Tudor. It’s an exciting twist on Elizabeth’s path to the throne. Historically compelling and deliciously suspenseful!’ Michelle Miller Historical Fiction Connection and The True Book Addict

‘… captures and holds the imagination long after the book is finished … the reader is transported through time as if witnessing a theatrical masterpiece (which it is!)’ Claudia Robinson, Luxury Reading

'... you get engrossed in the setting, people and events from the opening page. Immediately, you are transported back to the Sixteenth Century and the reader feels as if they are an observer standing off in the corner just happy to be present but hoping to stay out of the frey!' Kimberly Eve, musings of a Writer

‘The descriptions of Tudor England’s social life and customs are rich and well written. The story is excellent and a page turner. A book well worth reading.’ Debra Spidal, Historical Novels Review Online

‘I absolutely adored this book.’ Amanda, A Library of My Own

Genres: Historical Fiction, Tudor Period, British Literature, 16th Century, Magic, Psychology

492 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Robert Stephen Parry is a UK writer of adult historical fiction, bringing you stories from a wide range of time periods - from Tudor & Elizabethan, through 18th-century Georgian, right up to the era of Victorian England and the Belle Époque. Well-researched and vivid historical settings combine with unusual elements of mystery, humour and romance.

On a lighter note, he has also worked with the distinguished Avian writer A.Robin, Esq. in providing illustrations for the book 'The Magnificent British Garden Robin' and, more recently, 'The Robin Almanac' and 'A Robin's Book of Garden Verse'.

For more, visit: robertstephenparry.com

Publications to date:
2019 QUEEN VICTORIA - and the Men who Loved Her
2016 THE TESTAMENT OF SOPHIE DAWES - The Queen of Chantilly and a Scandal at the Heart of Victorian Society
2015 THE HOURS BEFORE - A Story of Mystery and Suspense from the Belle Époque
2014 ELIZABETH - The Virgin Queen and the Men who Loved Her
2013 WILDISH- A story Concerning Different Kinds of Love
2011 THE ARROW CHEST - A Victorian Mystery
2009 VIRGIN AND THE CRAB - Sketches, Fables and Mysteries from the Early Life of John Dee and Elizabeth Tudor

Web: https://robertstephenparry.com

Also, various articles and blogposts by Robert Stephen Parry can be found at https://robertstephenparry.com/endymion/

Reviews

[Michelle Stockard Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I finished reading 'Virgin', I told Robert that it should be recognized by a major publisher. He responded by saying that most publishers will not touch a debut novel of over 100,000 words. 'Virgin' is close to 200,000. It's a shame because this book is one of the best historical novels I have ever read. There's no fluff in the pages of this book. Just straight historical fiction that read almost like non-fiction, but nowhere near as boring. Not that I generally think that non-fiction is boring, but some can be real yawners, if you know what I mean. What I enjoyed most about the book was that I was able to follow what was transpiring with Elizabeth directly parallel to what occurred from before Mary's (Elizabeth's sister) reign and then from the beginning until the end of Mary's reign. I enjoyed the intrigue that was involved in this plot to protect Elizabeth and to ensure that she would someday take the throne. There was a lot of breath holding on my part, even though I already knew the outcome. I liked the way Lady Jane Grey was portrayed here...more as a pawn then a willing participant in seizing the crown. Which made her end all the more tragic. Mary was not portrayed in a favorable light. She comes across as pias, petty and prudish and so full of hatred and the need for revenge for what happened to her mother that she takes religious fanaticism to a new extreme and many people die as a consequence. I'm on the fence about Mary. The character of John Dee was very interesting. I do not know much about him outside of this book, but after reading 'Virgin', I'm compelled to find out more. Perhaps the best thing about this book is that it portrays my favorite historical figure in the best possible light. Elizabeth was an enigma...a skillful and powerful ruler who chose to be married to her country instead of a man. How much of what we know is true? And what do we not know? Here in this favorite quote of mine from the book, Elizabeth speaks about the mystique that surrounds her (and John Dee):

"Men say he has his darker side. And many, I know, go in fear of him. Like Us, a mystique has surrounded our friend, John Dee. It is good that this has occurred, and We shall keep it so. But really, in truth, he is a darling of a man - and no more a Crab than I might be a Virgin - though we'll say no more of that!"

I highly recommend 'Virgin and the Crab' to all historical fiction lovers and especially to all who adore Elizabeth Tudor. It's an exciting twist on Elizabeth's path to the throne. Historically compelling and deliciously suspenseful! I'm looking forward to Robert's next novel!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book starts out with a List of Players which, thank you Robert Parry, I definitely used. I love history but am not a huge Tudor fan as some others out there. So when they refer to, say, the Earl of Devonshire, I know exactly who they are talking about. The time span follows Elizabeth as a small child, through the death of her half brother Edward VI, King of England, to the fateful reign of Jane Grey, to the succession of Queen Mary and through her death to Elizabeth's ascension.

This book is so originally written. I mean, it reads like a play. Not like Shakespeare or anything but it's written in present tense, which as odd as that sounds totally works. There are main chapters but a lot of the chapters have Acts and Interludes which I really enjoyed.

Basically what this all means is that I remember this book like I've seen it played out before me. For instance, when John Dee first meets Elizabeth when they are just children. Elizabeth is crying over the recent death of Katherine Howard by her father, Henry VIII. That scene is just awesome. Then later after they are much older there is a scene I love. John Dee had taught Elizabeth how to send secret messages through groupings of flowers. So when Queen Mary is on the throne and Elizabeth is pretty much under house arrest, Dee sneaks into to see Elizabeth disguised as one of the many gardeners. There they pass flowers back and forth wordlessly and you know they are sending each other messages. I just loved scenes like this in this book.

It also does an amazing job of telling the whole story by not just following John Dee or Elizabeth but by following most of the characters. I found this gave me such a well-rounded view of all the tension and politics going on at the time. It's absolutely amazing that history turned out the way it did. It's shocking all the events these characters went through and survived how they did.

Towards the end of the book, Robert Dudley says something that I just chuckled at because it so fit this book.

"And yet I do wonder how it has all come to pass just as you and Cecil said it would," Robert observes, "like the unfolding of some great drama or history play! It is astonishing!"

I absolutely adored this book and can't wait to read another book by Robert Parry. My only disappointment with this book is that with so many other books on this subject, this gem might get overlooked.

[Charla Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was by far one of the best books I have ever read! It was the best book I have ever read about Queen Elizabeth I. From the very first page to the last sentence I was held spellbound! I usually do not like for a movie to be made of a great book, but in this case, I would love, love, love to see a movie made of this book. I think it would be a box office hit, if it was done well. The story is awesome and it is from such a different angle from the usual Queen Elizabeth story that I think it could be the most interesting movie ever made about Queen Elizabeth I. After all, it was the most interesting book I have ever read about her.

This is the story of John Dee, An Astronomer, and a mathematician as well as a host of other abilities, and his friendship to Queen Elizabeth I. Their friendship began at an early age and lasted a lifetime. It is a story of devotion, a fight for survival and the struggle for freedom.

King Edward, Henry VIII's only son is a sickly King that finally succumbs to his illnesses. This left his sisters, Mary and Elizabeth in line for the throne. Mary, the daughter of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon takes the throne. She then has Elizabeth, the daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, imprisoned in the tower, in the very room occupied by her mother while she awaited her execution. Mary is a very disturbed lady. She is obsessed with putting the Catholic Church back into power and will do just about anything to make it happen. She earns the name 'Bloody Mary' because of all the people she had executed while she reigned. The execution method of choice started as beheading (just like her father), but then became burning people at the stake. So many were burned during her reign that the air was constantly filled with the smell of burnt flesh. I found it interesting how Robert Parry portrayed her. Not only was she a very devout Catholic woman, but she seemed to be obsessed with the teachings of the faith and her beliefs became toxic. She was also very afraid of having sex. Her biggest fear in marriage was the wedding night. Her beliefs were not just a self interest, but she believed everyone should feel as she did. She did finally marry. She married Prince Phillip of Spain. Soon afterward she became pregnant. At least that is what everyone was led to believe. After her due date came and went and still no baby, it was finally determined that she was not pregnant.

Most everyone knows that Elizabeth did finally become Queen of England. But not everyone knows just how close she came to being put to death, not just once, but many times. This story gives us a look at Queen Elizabeth from an angle not ever seen before, at least not to my knowledge. It is an angle that I found intriguing. It is told by John Dee and he is truly the hero of the story. This is the first story that I have ever heard mention him and yet he played a very important role in Queen Elizabeth's life. He is such an interesting character that I cannot believe I have not read about him before.

This story is full of Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense, Horror, Jealousy, Determination, and Devotion and I just did not want to put it down. When you add all of those things to Historical fiction as well as Historical facts, it just adds up to a perfect story. I did find myself wondering how Robert Parry can write such stories that hold you captive. He writes almost as if her was there when these things took place. Then I remembered one of the characters in the book was named Thomas Parry. I looked Thomas Parry up and found that he was the the Comptroller of the Household for Queen Elizabeth I. So, then I realized that he may be one of Robert Parry's ancestors and maybe this helps Robert write such awesome stories because it is in his blood!

Robert's book, "The Arrow Chest" is just as good as this one. So, if you haven't read that one, you are in for a real treat! I will miss reading this book as I almost hated for the story to be over. I do hope he is working on another one and when it comes out, I will be the first in line to buy it!

[Tudor Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

A The Tudor Book Blog Review(http://www.thetudorbookblog.com).

The Virgin and the Crab by Robert Parry is an intriguing look into the lives of John Dee and the young Elizabeth I during the tumultuous reigns of Edward VI and Mary I.

Synopsis:

The main plot of the story focuses on the relationship between Dee and Elizabeth. Their relationship and, subsequently the story, begins with their first meeting. Dee discovers the young Elizabeth hiding and crying over the death of Henry VIII's fifth wife, Katheryn Howard. This meeting sparks a friendship that lasts throughout both their lives. Throughout the story, which spans from the end of Henry VIII's reign to the beginning of Elizabeth's, John Dee and the Brotherhood of the Rose Lodge work tirelessly to protect Elizabeth and ensure her succession to the throne. Over time the members come and go, either dying of natural causes or, more often, by the executioner's ax. Throughout the novel, Parry inserts side stories involving many important Tudor figures such as Mary I, Lady Jane Grey, and Robert Dudley. A good example of this is at the end of the story which doesn't focus on Elizabeth or Dee per say. It is set during the banquet after Elizabeth's coronation, and though Dee and Elizabeth are present and meet, this section of the novel is seen from the point of view of a few unimportant courtiers commenting on various people at the banquet, as well as the omnipotent narrator who focuses on the subtle exchanges between Dee and Elizabeth.

The strange title is derived, ingeniously, from the star signs of the two main character: The Virgin (Virgo) for Elizabeth and the Crab (Cancer) for Dee. Since the story delves into Dee's profession of building and reading astrological charts, such as nativities, it makes sense that the title would reflect this. I have never dealt much with astrology, but found it easy (and fun) to follow Dee and Elizabeth as they constructed and read astrological charts. I especially found the nativities (charts made fomr the setting of the stars and planets on the date/time of the birth of a certain person) fascinating.

Review:

I don't want to give away too much about the book, but I must point out these things I absolutely loved:

I really loved this story for its originality. Yes, it takes a popular period with well known characters, but is done in a new way. Parry certainly creates a new spin on things. He uses third person narative, uncommonly used in a lot of fiction today. I personally love this narrative as it allows the reader to see multiple points of view, rather than just one. Though Parry focuses on Dee and Elizabeth, he is able to play with other characters, like John Dudley, Jane Grey, Mary I, and Edward VI to name a few. Though not the main focus of the story, Parry did not skimp on developing these off shoots. For example, Mary I is terrifying, while also completely insecure and stressed. I found myself becoming stressed when reading about her. He also portrays Thomas Wyatt the Younger as confused and unsure when riding through London during his rebellion. The reader is experiencing the same thing as the character, as the descriptions are confusing, adding to the full affect of the scene.

I also like that throughout the story the safety of Elizabeth is paramount, however we see her little. The story mostly focuses on Dee and his adventures in her service. There is a strong bond between these two characters, a bond Parry illustrates well through their symbols of communication. For example, in their first meeting they exchange gifts; a promise of a lock of hair from Elizabeth (which Dee eventually receives to his surprise) and a lovely pearl necklace from him, which she wears throughout the story. These items bring both characters strength through their tribulations, as they rarely see each other. They also send each other encrypted messages, such as a bunch of flowers arranged in a special way, rather than a hand written letter.

I also feel that Parry completely captures Tudor England during this time with his eloquent and visual descriptions. My favorite part of the novel revolved around the banquet scenes which were alive with description. It was east to imagine the smells of the food, the noise of the music and courtiers, and the visually appealing tapestries and costumes with his descriptions.

Though I loved this novel, I must, as a fair reviewer, say something negative about it. It does take some brain power to read this novel because of the constantly changing points of views as the narrative goes from one character to another. However, I don't consider this a negative, really. I think it is the sign of a really good, and original, novel as it takes something out of you to read. This keeps my interest and keeps my mind from wandering and losing focus on the book.

Conclusion:

I give this book 5 out of 5 Tudor Roses.

It was above and beyond what I thought it was going to be. It is a MUST READ for those who enjoy Tudor History, or just a good book! Parry is an excellent author. I cannot wait to read his next work!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me begin by saying I have been aware of Virgin and the Crab for quite some time, maybe since its release. I think I looked at the cover, the subtitle, and thought it was a bit too much on the mystical side of things for my liking. With my hand on my heart, I apologise for having judged your book in such a way Mr Parry. And now........ BRAVO!!!!

I have read much Tudor period historical fiction, so I am familiar with the people and events. Here I felt as if new life was breathed into the story. The thing that really stands forth when reading this book, is the power of description. By the pen of (ok......keyboard) Mr Parry, we have an almost cinematic view of the time. The beginning of scenes often start out as sweeping views, then focusing in on passing sights, sounds, smells, business etc, before honing in on the true focus of the scene. I could really see these scenes in my mind, on the big screen or TV. Reminds me of the descriptions of Thomas Hardy in Tess of the d'Ubervilles. This......is the kind of descriptive prose that I woud desire to write, if I ever set myself to write a novel.

Previously, think of John Dee, and I thought of that sketch of him as old man, looking somewhat Gandalf like. But of course, old men were once young, and the choice of John Dee as the central figure is illuminating. In the Virgin and the Crab, young Mr Dee is the key member of a group sworn through good principles to protect the Princess Elizabeth, waiting for the time told in the astrology charts of better times to come. Mr Parry's selection of John Dee, amongst this group of Tudor movers and shakers, allows for personal glimpses of many people and events. He moves though the perilous times of Queen Mary's reign, not without some trouble it must be said, but his positioning in the story, and the third person narrative, gives the power to get up close and personal with the most of the central figures, glimpsing motives, personalities, hopes and fears.

A little of the mystical side of John Dee is of course covered. As a person who really doesn't get into the realm of fantasy fiction, I can say that I didn't mind it all.

Again, deepest apologies to Mr Parry for having overlooked your book many times so lightly. I made the mistake of judging a book by its cover in some regard. Not that it is a bad cover at all...... I just passed it over too lightly. This book ranks up with some of my favourite books of the period and I don't hesitate to recommend it to other Tudor readers. If Mr Parry chooses to continue the adventures of Mr Dee, after all, there is lots of fodder for new adventure through the reign of Elizabeth, I would be diving into it!

[Natalie Grueninger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This remarkable novel by Robert Parry is one of the best Tudor novels I have ever read. At various points throughout the story, I asked myself ‘How?’ How can a person who has never experienced life in Tudor England bring it to life so spectacularly?

The novel revolves around John Dee, a brilliant mathematician, astronomer, astrologer, navigator and consultant to Elizabeth I. Although a respected scientist, Dee was also dedicated to the study of alchemy, divination and essentially, magic. Add master of disguises and spy to this list of credentials and you have a very intriguing central character!

Just as Dee manages to blur the boundaries between science and magic, Parry masterfully weaves fact and fiction, resulting in a completely original and authentic portrayal of the friendship and bond between Elizabeth Tudor and her illustrious mentor.

The journey begins with the death of Henry VIII and ends at the accession of Elizabeth I. While you may know the main historical events that took place during this tumultuous time, you have never journeyed like this before.

A tale of intrigue, plotting, magic, love, loyalty and betrayal coupled with a vast array of Tudor personalities including Lady Jane Grey, Thomas Wyatt, Queen Mary, Robert Dudley and William Cecil produce an astonishing story and a must read for lovers of historical fiction or 16th century England.

At first glance, the 480 pages might seem like a heavy read but at no point was I struggling or skimming over pages. On the contrary, I was captured from the first page and completely immersed in the story. I basked in every delicious detail and lost myself in the magic and in the stars. On several occasions I laughed out loud (usually at Queen Mary’s expense.)

When Elizabeth finally ascends the throne, I whooped with joy. So much had I become a part of the dangerous, violent and volatile reign of Queen Mary and of Elizabeth’s plight for survival, that once Mary was gone I felt as though a weight had been lifted off my shoulders and light returned to the world.

Robert Parry has breathed life back into Tudor England and made time travel very possible. This is a book to buy, read and cherish – a real Tudor treasure!

Read my interview with Robert Parry at On the Tudor Trail here:
http://onthetudortrail.com/Blog/autho...

[Maggie Secara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book for the first little while. And yet somehow I just stopped about half way through (52% says Kindle) and never returned. Actually I had stopped once before, around 25%, I think. I read a number of other books and worked on my own. One day I decided to look in again and got caught up in the story. Maybe the pacing is off, I'm not sure because truth to tell I put it down the second time some months ago. But it was still sitting here marked as if I was reading it, so I thought perhaps I'd say something as I change shelves.

I like John Dee's character, very much. I think the author knows him very well indeed. I have my doubts about the youthful relationship with the Princess Elizabeth, but okay, it's not impossible. What bugs me more than I can say is the proofreading. Either the author relied entirely on his spellchecker or his editor/proofreader(s) did. Over and over a word is used that sounds like the right word in its place but is spelled differently and is, in fact, a whole different word that means something quite different. Most of us make errors with they're/there/their from time to time, or two/to/too. But those are things you're supposed to catch before sending a book to the printer. It's not okay to get them wrong. At best, they make a writer look foolish; at worse such errors betray actual ignorance. And these are the kinds of things that slip through when you let the spell checker do all your work for you.

The computer can't read. It has no concept of context. All it does is compare ever discrete set of letters to its dictionaries and if that pattern is there, hey presto, it's okay. If you mis-spell a word, it will offer you some options. The first one is not always the right choice. These are the things you have to do yourself, or else hire someone knows the difference between allusion and illusion, adverse and averse, hone and home, prescribe and proscribe. Now sadly, I thought I had marked some of the troublesome words in this book, but apparently not, so I have no actual examples which is probably just as well.

I may pick this book up again at some point, though I doubt it.

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many books about the Tudors that it seems almost impossible to find a fresh, untold story set in Tudor times. The author of this book, Robert Parry, has managed to do just that! In this novel, he tackles the relationship between the young Elizabeth Tudor and one of her great supporters, John Dee, a renowned astrologist and mathematician. The writing style is not stuffy in the least - I love the way Mr. Parry broke up his story into "acts" and "interludes." I found it very refreshing to read a historical fiction novel written in modern-style prose (at least to me) but was still able to give this reader a very visual and tactile journey through the harrowing years of Edward VI's and Mary I's reigns.

While many books chronicle the love relationship between Elizabeth Tudor and Robert Dudley, I was especially interested in the relationship between Dee and Elizabeth, which is a platonic one based on respect, admiration and mystical connection, but almost with the devotion of a romantic one. John Dee is portrayed as an interesting, multi-dimensional character and his story is one that needed to be told. Fresh characters, fresh story, even the cover for the book is such a nice change from the current trend of headless heroines in period clothing gracing the covers of historical fiction novels.

I can't say enough positive things about the book! It's a must-read captivating adventure through Tudor England!

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book covers the relationship between Elizabeth Tudor, later Queen Elizabeth I and her friend and tutor, the astronomer and astrologer John Dee. It starts just before the death of her half-brother Edward VI and then moves through the short reign of Lady Jane Grey and on to probably the hardest period of Elizabeth's life - the time under the reign of her half-sister, Mary I. The novel shows how the relationship between Elizabeth and Dee developed over time and through quite a staggering amount of adversity.

The style of writing is quite different at times to many of the fictional works available that cover this period and it did take me slightly longer than normal to get in to, but I did not let this put me off and I am so glad I persevered. The favourite sections for me were the history plays and the way they were composed. The writing style flows and I admire the decision to put in the acts and interludes, for me it gave the book an added dimension and sets it apart from the other works on Elizabeth I.

The research the author undertook was clear to see and I also thought the List of Players and Locations Maps were a nice and unexpected touch. This is the second of Robert Parry's books I have read and I strongly look forward to the next book which is already on the way.

[BookAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably one of the best books I've read in the last 12 months. Written about the lesser known John Dee during the years after the death of Henry VIII, through the reign of Bloody Mary and up to the coronation of Elizabeth I, it tells the story of those that were instrumental in Elizabeth's survival and triumph, including Robert Dudley and William Cecil to name a few. If it were just for the history itself it would be wonderful but it was the Puckish Shakespearean narration that truly captivated me. It breezes along at such a pace that you get swept up in 16th century England; the sights, the smells, the cadence of life, and the craziness of the politics. I am a confirmed Tudor junkie and given everything that has been written about this family, you'd think there wouldn't be anything left to tell and you'd be wrong. Robert Parry does a truly amazing job here in deftly melding the sublime and the ridiculous with true scholarship and humor, all the while providing new insight into just how dysfunctional families can be. His portrayal of Mary is truly frightening, and the reader gets a very different view of William Cecil and other. I just cannot say enough about this book, so I think I'll shut up now, lest I ramble on incessantly.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the novel begins a young John Dee, who is visiting his sick father, a gentleman server to King Henry Vlll, has a chance encounter with a sobbing young girl. It is the young Princess Elizabeth Tudor, who is mourning the beheading of her father's fifth wife, Katherine Howard. In an attempt to comfort the girl, who is also remembering the death of her own mother, Anne Boleyn, he makes shadows on the wall to make her smile. Thus begins the lifelong friendship of John Dee and Elizabeth Tudor, sealed with the gift of a tiny pearl button.
Most people know the story of Elizabeth Tudor, who went on to become one of history's most famous queens. But this story was my introduction to the real life character, John Dee, a mathematician, astronomer - and SPY, master of disguise,loyal servant to Elizabeth, the Renaissance equivalent to the modern day Sidney Reilly and James Bond. After reading "Virgin and the Crab" I went on to read more about this amazing man.A consultant to Elizabeth, this navigator and cartographer trained those who went on to lead the great explorations of the day. He amassed one of the largest libraries in England. "Virgin and the Crab" is a rich, well written historical novel that will keep you enthralled until the last page is read. A definite must read!

[Ελίζα Νάστου · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply adored "Virgin and the Crab". First of all, the story takes place in a really interesting Tudor period, after Henry VIII's death and just until Elizabeth I's accession to the throne. I didn't know as much about these years as I did about Henry's reign, but now I do: they were fascinating times. The story is breathtaking: rebellions, deaths of Kings/Queens, plots, spies, imprisonments, obstacles in the way of poor Elizabeth who found herself constantly in danger. Elizabeth is portrayed exquisitely and so is John Dee, my favourite character in the book! Of course many characters were likeable and even the "evil" ones were portrayed with more than one dimensions, as they deserve.
I particularly loved the subtle touches of humour, even in the most difficult moments. On one page I would laugh and on the next I would shed a tear and so on. For example, we have Elizabeth's plight in the Tower and then her secret rendez-vous, so well prepared- how I laughed!
I was totally drawn into the book and its world and I feel that's the most important thing when you read fiction. I have read all the author's books and I wholeheartedly recommend them!

[Kilian Metcalf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This enjoyable collection of vignettes from the lives of Elizabeth I and the astronomer John Dee offers a fresh perspective on their long, loving relationship. The essential loneliness of Elizabeth's life is highlighted by looking at the pitiably few people among the throngs surrounding her that she could trust. Kat Ashley, Robert Dudly, William Cecil, and John Dee. There may be a few more, but these are the names we remember. I enjoyed this book very much, and while I'm sorry there weren't more true friends for Elizabeth, I'm glad for her that John Dee was one of them.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I admit to being put off by the title at first, but once I realized it referred to astrology, I opened it up and could not put it down. Few books discuss the time between the death of Henry VIII and the rise of Elizabeth I, a fascinating time in English history. And learning about John Dee was such a treat. Such an interesting person to have as a narrator of the story. Anyone who enjoys Tudor history will want to read this book.

[Connie Jagodzinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Virgin and the Crab plunged me into the sights, smells, and sounds of Queen Mary's time. Robert Parry has a knack for details and subtle backstory. His research is impeccable and intriguing. For instance, I had no idea how many times Elizabeth avoided the axe. Anne Boleyn's and Henry VIII's daughter navigated the deadly political traps set by her own fanatically Catholic sister, Mary, and her Council, for they knew that, as queen, she would return the country to the Protestant faith.

Mr. Parry wrote a fascinating book. He unearthed learnings and doings that were critical to Elizabeth's survival and put those who practiced these 'suspect' and 'heretical' scientific processes in danger of being burned at the stake. True bravery, for they were determined to see Elizabeth survive and ascend to the throne of England. Small deeds of daring made the difference between life and death. A true political thriller.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘And what of we two, master Dee?
Our nativities are oddly matched, are they not: the Virgin and the Crab.’

- Excerpt from Virgin and the Crab

Virgin and the Crab transports the reader back in time beginning with the death of King Henry VIII through to the accession of his daughter, Elizabeth I. Though a familiar tale, this novel revolves around the little known tale, that of the relationship between Elizabeth Tudor and her tutor, John Dee.
Robert has a remarkable way of being able to transport the reader back in time, his story envelopes the reader, the lines between reality and fantasy seemingly blur; allowing the reader to truly envisage the tumultuous times of Tudor England.
Our main character, John Dee is simply an amazing man; mathematician, astrologer, navigator, scientist, alchemist, magician, master of disguise and confidant to Elizabeth I, this is surely a man you would wish to have by your side. A member of the mysterious brotherhood, the Rose Lodge he devotes his life’s essence into guiding England towards enlightenment and realisation that the Lady Elizabeth is vital in order to bring about England’s Golden Age.
A tale full of intrigue and magic, it draws the reader into its powerful web introducing Tudor England and all its accompaniments; of the plotting courtiers out for their own self gain, of the betrayals and also the loyalty, love and friendship sealed by years of shared ups and downs and of the importance of these relationships, even in the darkest of times, Elizabeth’s guiding light.
This novel manages to portray the rise of Elizabeth I without daunting the reader, Robert managing to retell the story in a mere 480 pages. Coupled with the usual suspects including; William Cecil, Robert Dudley, Jane Grey, Thomas Wyatt, Queen Mary, Philip of Spain along with all the subsidiary characters associated with them, this novel is undoubtedly a must read for anyone who loves Tudor historical fiction and whom wishes to experience the masterful Robert at his theatrical best.
This novel brings to life the relationship shared between Elizabeth Tudor and her friend and tutor John Dee. Robert breathes life into an untold story; he manages to blur fact and fiction resulting in a truly believable portrayal of their relationship, leaving the reader with much to ponder long after the last page has been turned.

[Bridgett · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Thoughts --

The story reads like a play, and written in a narrative style, as if it were presently happening.

If you are not used to this style of writing, it can throw you off a little.

But I didn't mind it at all and I think it would be really great to see this book made into a movie. I think it would be famously remembered.

In fact, when I look back on this book in the future, I will remember the different scenes in it, just as I would Romeo and Juliet, or Hamlet. It was such a unique style and I commend the author's creativity.

John Dee's character is very complex and interesting, and I like that the author really brought him to life for us. It was a promising story of the relationship between Dee and Elizabeth. Some of the scenes were truly heart warming.

I did wish that Mary had been a more likable character though. She is always portrayed in a darker light than I'd like to see her in.

Elizabeth's character was enjoyable, especially the scenes between her and Robert Dudley. I found myself not wanting those scenes to end :0)

There are so many Tudor books out there, and it is hard to find a new variation to the stories, but the author did a splendid job.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a "fresh take" on Tudor England.

[Jemidar · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had heard nothing but good about this book so when I finally got around to reading it, it was quite disappointing because I found the characterization cardboard and shallow, and it included every Tudor cliche out there. And I kept waiting for the story to begin properly but it never really did, instead there was a series of scenes that loosely tied together but unfortunately didn't amount to a cohesive story or strong narrative.

The author really needed to do more extensive/better research to add some depth and the book needed a really good edit (which is a common problem with self published books) but it wasn't beyond repair and there was a glimmer of something that kept me reading, albeit not all that enthusiastically.

If you know nothing about Tudor and Elizabethan history, and don't mind cardboard characters and cliched situations, then this book could be for you, but as an experienced Tudor reader, it drove me nuts. It was one of those books that took me me forever to read because I could only stomach it in small installments, and when I was finally done, I was truly grateful!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won a copy of "Virgin and the Crab" by Robert Parry through the Goodreads Giveaway Contest.This novel represents historical fiction at its best.I loved this book from beginning to end.

The story set in the 1550's outlines the historical facts and fiction of Tudor England, and shows the bond between Elizabeth Tudor and her mentor. We begin with the death of King Henry through to the accession of his daughter, Elizabeth I. This novel revolves around the relationship between Elizabeth Tudor and her tutor, John Dee.The reader really feels they are living the fantasy and fiction as it happens.

The main character, John Dee is an amazing man;philosopher, astrologer, navigator, scientist, and confidant to Elizabeth I. A member of the mysterious brotherhood, the Rose Lodge he devotes his life’s essence into guiding England towards enlightenment and realisation that the Lady Elizabeth is vital in this process.

A very enjoyable read.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall I really enjoyed reading this. I love historical fiction about this time period in general and I appreciated the way this story unfolded. Sometimes it was like reading a play and other times as if you were a fly on the wall. It could have used a more careful copy editor though since I noticed several typos.

[Tanzanite · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://shelfandstuff.blogspot.com/201...

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well researched, suspenseful and moving historical fiction in present tense.

[Carol Denby · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a history fan, especially Tutor history, this is very informative and entertaining.

[Indra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite unusual and very enjoyable read.