Helpful Score: 1
A book set in medieval times, featuring the story of Robin Hood and Maid Marian. What a great foundation for a book, right? Wrong! This lightweight and fluffy book takes what should be an adventurous tale and turns it into a cloying and ultimately boring love story. Eleanor of Aquitaine, perhaps one of the most fascinating people in history is given very short shrift in the tale. The Sheriff of Nottingham barely appears, and the romance between Marian and Robin is as bland as white bread. I never cared for the characters, and was barely able to finish this too cute tale of what is supposed to be one of the great love stories of all time.
Helpful Score: 1
For as long as I can remember I have always been a fan of Robin Hood legend. Movies and books alike have told various versions that I have soaked up and loved. Earlier this year I found the best ever with the first two installations of Stephen Lawhead's triology Hood and Scarlet. Those two books being from the perspective of, of course, Robin Hood (Bran) and Will Scarlet. This book fits right in!! I know that Elsa Watson is her own author and nothing to do with the former, but really this tale fits well into the mix. Here you have a version of the historic bard tale written in a way never read before. Of course the setting is different, so don't get me wrong, but what I mean is the perspective.
This book is the retelling from Marian's point of view. Through Elsa's words she is as real as can be. Marian is finally real with thoughts, opinions, dreams, and fears. She brings to you through her inner-most thoughts her life from birth to future and you cannot help but feel with her. Anger and love, pain and joy. It is all there and well shared.
Frankly, this book is fabulous and I could barely put it down. I hate that it was a library book, because I don't want to give it back. I guess I will just have to go and buy it myself now. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and will dream of it for nights to come.
Jump in and explore the adventure and tales of a realistic Maid Marian from a juvenile to a young mistress. Learn the power of a woman in charge from both evil and good. It's just wonderful.
This book is the retelling from Marian's point of view. Through Elsa's words she is as real as can be. Marian is finally real with thoughts, opinions, dreams, and fears. She brings to you through her inner-most thoughts her life from birth to future and you cannot help but feel with her. Anger and love, pain and joy. It is all there and well shared.
Frankly, this book is fabulous and I could barely put it down. I hate that it was a library book, because I don't want to give it back. I guess I will just have to go and buy it myself now. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and will dream of it for nights to come.
Jump in and explore the adventure and tales of a realistic Maid Marian from a juvenile to a young mistress. Learn the power of a woman in charge from both evil and good. It's just wonderful.
For many of us Maid Marian was part of the band headed by Robin Hood but it appears that she does not appear in the earliest ballads of Robin Hood. Wikipedia states that 'she appears to have originally been a character in May Games festivities (held during May and early June, most commonly around Whitsun)... and is sometimes associated with the Queen or Lady of May or May Day." "Both a "Robin" and a "Marian" character were associated with May Day by the 15th century, but these figures were apparently part of separate traditions; the Marian of the May Games is likely derived from the French tradition of a shepherdess named Marion and her shepherd lover Robin." Hence, even though the book I have is labeled historical I am calling it historical fiction.
This tale is the story of a noblewoman whose character is determined to live her own life rather than that of a wife dictated by her father or others for political reasons. After losing her first husband she is betrothed to his brother, again for political reasons. In this story she is rescued by Robin Hood on the day of her wedding and she joins his merry band. It is some time before she realizes she is in love with Robin as the adventures of the two unravel in the book. It's a fun, fun read.
This tale is the story of a noblewoman whose character is determined to live her own life rather than that of a wife dictated by her father or others for political reasons. After losing her first husband she is betrothed to his brother, again for political reasons. In this story she is rescued by Robin Hood on the day of her wedding and she joins his merry band. It is some time before she realizes she is in love with Robin as the adventures of the two unravel in the book. It's a fun, fun read.
