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1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 Huh. Didn't see that coming. Apr 24, 2010
This is about the fifth or sixth Gregory title I've read, and I enjoyed all previous to this. She certainly makes (her version of) history come alive, and her characterization is usually rich and intriguing. Many reviewers have covered the surface of the plot of this book neatly for you. I'll add that I really enjoyed Gregory's use of the main character, Tradescant, to explore questions of the time: feudal loyalty, feudal loyalty defining religious thought, daring on the split between Church of England and the Puritans. There were good questions, and good stuff, and then... SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER!! GET YER SPOILERS HERE! All of a sudden, the simple gardener tumbles into bed with the Duke of Buckingham. Gregory offers two pages of passionate account of their lovemaking. I was honestly a little shocked by this! More shocking, however, was what I perceive as Gregory dropping the ball after that happens. The inner monologue of the main character basically negates everything that went before in the story: "Oh, all those questions about the righteousness of my feudal loyalty, my hatred of treason vs. my wife's hatred of blasphemy, so much conflict of loyalty to lord vs. loyalty to family, and the questions of the nature of duty? Whoops. Silly me. Looks like I was just gay the whole time. Guess that answers everything." It seemed like a really cheap cop-out. The questions were good ones. I intend to read the sequel, Virgin Earth, and I wonder if perhaps it will add some closure to the Pandora's Box of questions opened with this book.
0 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 Earthly Joys-A Keeper Dec 16, 2009
When I decided to order this book I was not certain I would enjoy it. But, since I love the author, Phillippa Gregory I took a chance.
It is thoroughly interesting reading and I am expecting to read the next one Virgin Earth. The author gives a very clear view of the time
(1600's) with much description. You will love this book.
Always like these books! Aug 13, 2009
I have to disagree with others who are disappointed in this book; I have found every one of Philippa Gregory's books well worth reading. I am aware they are fiction, and as in watching movies or television, we must be careful to not get "facts" from fictional portrayals. Having said that, these books are always a good read and make the characters come to life. A history student can, and should, look up more; the contrast between fiction and fact will prove an interesting study in itself. These books provide insight into historial times, even though fiction, that have inspired me to want to learn more about the "facts." I seem to retain fictional information more easily; perhaps historical writers of all genres could learn to make their work more interesting.
0 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Earthly Joys - Gregory's historical drama continues Apr 05, 2009
Earthly Joys picks up shortly after The Other Queen leaves off, during the rule of King James I, son of Mary Queen of Scots. Our protagonist, John, is the gardener for the next generation of Cecils...but his loyalty and ability to see and speak the truth make him much more than a gardener to Cecil and the other masters he serves. As always, Gregory's characters are imminently believable, but this book takes a deeper and more questioning tone than her others, as John, his wife, his son and his masters grapple with discontent among the starving masses in the face of a frivolous court and whether a man has any right to serve himself rather than a lord.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 "The Gullible Horticulturalist" Jan 04, 2009
... is a more apt title for this book. Though the story is very well written and historical facts well researched - two of the qualities that keep me coming back to Gregory's works - I found it impossible to find any sympathy for John Tradescant, the main character of this story, who, all told, is a spineless fool despite his distinguished reputation as a gardener and horticulturalist unmatched in talent.
The latter is his most redeeming quality - one can appreciate the dedication and passion with which he approaches his craft and the careful, painstaking detail he uses in planning and maintaining the opulent royal gardens. He's also patient, earnest and unassuming, which earns the trust of his masters to the degree that he is even "consulted" on matters of state at more than one of his posts.
There is no question that Tradescant deserves his position at the top of his trade in England, however, the poor, clueless man mistakes his employers' insecurities - from Robert Cecil to George Villiers, the Duke of Buckingham to King Charles I - as friendship when they would occasionally seek his opinion on lofty matters. He seems to be the only one who doesn't realize that however trustworthy and competent he may be as a gardner and servant, his "advice" is ever only sought to assuage fear, as Tradescant never utters a single word his superiors do not want to hear, however contrary the truth might have been (and often was).
Early on, the reader learns that Tradescant has no sense of smell, which is referenced several times throughout the story - he appreciates the beauty of his blooms in all their colorful splendor, yet, he cannot smell them. This seems to be an allegorical reference to the fact that he is completely content to enjoy the beauty and splendor of his masters while not being able to sense the rank odor of their dishonesty, cruelty, selfishness and the dozens of other detestable qualities so apparent to everyone else.
The story spans his entire adult life as a royal gardener and servant through to his death as an old man. Had Tradescant eventually come to a realization - or at least admitted that he recognized the corruption and greed and injustice perpetuated by the royal subjects he worked so hard to serve, some of whom robbed him of every ounce of his own dignity - perhaps then the reader would be able to cleave a small bit of sympathy and forgiveness for Tradescant and be able to finish the book without wanting to slap this tragic man completely senseless.
I am curious about the sequel, "Virgin Earth," which chronicles the adult life and travails of Tradescant's apprentice son, however, I am hesitant. Many of the reviews indicate that he's equally as impossible as his father albeit in different respects. The leaf doesn't fall very far from the tree?
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