Sci-Faith & Fantasy Book Club

Sci-Faith & Fantasy book club meets third Sunday next month (5/18):
Reading Harry Turtledove’s Ruled Britannia

Do you like sci-fi / fantasy novels (and similar genre fiction) that focuses significantly on religion? Then come check out the Sci-Faith & Fantasy Book Group. We usually meet third Sundays. Our next meeting is 7/20, 12:30; in the Bride’s Room (B6). BYOL.

“In this novel of alternative history from best-selling author Harry Turtledove, the Spanish Armada has conquered England, King Phillip holds the English throne, and Elizabeth I languishes as a prisoner in the Tower of London. Meanwhile, in London, a mysterious stranger approaches young playwright William Shakespeare with an offer that could change the course of history.”

Andrew’s take: For my money, the most fun part of this one is the religious foment in the background. The nascent Reformed Christianity which had taken root during the reign of Henry the VIII and his son, and which had briefly reestablished under Elizabeth, is not outlawed– as it had been during the reign of Blood Mary. Now, Roman Catholicism is once again the Established Church of Britain; and most English folk conform to the required observances, whether begrudgingly or sincerely.