Pavane

by Keith Roberts
Pavane cover
Good Books rating 4.1
Historical Fiction
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  • ID: 9487
  • Added: 2025-12-24
  • Updated: 2025-12-31
  • ISBN: 9780575104259
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2011-09-29
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Pavane presents a chilling alternate history where Queen Elizabeth I's assassination in 1588 leads to a Spanish victory and a England dominated by the Church of Rome. In this 1968, technology has stagnated, and the Inquisition's grip tightens as rebellion grows. The novel explores a world where the Protestant Reformation never occurred, and the consequences of this divergence ripple through society and politics. /n/n The story delves into the lives of characters navigating this oppressive regime, where every aspect of life is controlled by religious doctrine. As the tension between the ruling class and the rebellious factions escalates, the narrative unfolds with a blend of historical intrigue and speculative fiction, offering a thought-provoking exploration of what might have been.

Reviews
Plateroom 28 · 2022-06-04
remarkable 4.50

Pavane is praised for its craftsmanship and the way it shapes its story. The reviewer highlights its remarkable alternative history narrative.

The reviewer at Plateroom 28 is impressed by the novel's craftsmanship and the way it weaves its alternative history narrative. They appreciate the finely shaped bow or arc of the story from beginning to end. The reviewer finds the book remarkable for its alternative history, suggesting it's a work that stands out in its genre. They don't delve into specific criticisms but focus on the overall quality and structure of the narrative.

Quick quotes

    Pavane is an alternative history.

    It is remarkable as such, for it is a work of writing craftsmanship.

    A finely shaped bow or arc of story from beginning to end.

The Futurist Dolmen · 2020-07-18
profound 4.80

Pavane is celebrated for its beautiful prose and profound themes. The reviewer considers it one of the greatest postwar works of British sci-fi.

The reviewer at The Futurist Dolmen highly praises Pavane, calling it one of the greatest postwar works of British sci-fi. They highlight the beautiful prose and profound themes that make the book stand out. The reviewer appreciates the depth and complexity of the narrative, suggesting it's a work that deserves its reputation. They don't mention any significant flaws but focus on the book's strengths and its impact on the genre.

Quick quotes

    Pavane is wholly deserving of its reputation as one of the greatest postwar works of British sci-fi.

    Combining beautiful prose with a profound exploration of themes.

    A profound exploration of themes and moral ambiguity.

Reactor Mag · 2016-11-17
engaging 3.00

The book is noted for its strengths but also has flaws, particularly in its coda. The reviewer finds it not perfect but still engaging.

The reviewer at Reactor Mag acknowledges that Pavane is not a perfect book but still finds it engaging. They point out that the coda, which takes place years after the main events, feels tacked on and unnecessary. Despite this, the reviewer appreciates the book's strengths and finds it worthwhile. They suggest that the flaws do not overshadow the overall quality of the narrative, making it a book that can be enjoyed despite its imperfections.

Quick quotes

    It's not a perfect book, by any means.

    The coda, which takes place some years after the main events of the book, seems tacked on and unnecessary.

    It's a book that trusts its readers to grapple with complex themes and moral ambiguity.

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