Helpful Score: 5
If you're looking for a typical historical fiction/romance, this may not be the book for you. This is a very witty, complicated book written in the style of the age of Courtly Love, and it's very title is a pun on a novel very popular in that era called "The Romance of the Rose." Galland is a master at mimicking that period's language and providing us with accurate historical detail and manner. Her heroines are strong and feisty and her heros are strong, yet sensitive - something that could be seen as an anachronism by those who are not schooled in the history and traditions of Courtly love espoused by none other than Eleanor of Aquitaine herself, who rode off with her husband on Crusade with her own (and some say bare-breasted) Amazon army of noble women.
This book is not necessarily an easy read if you wish to catch every nuance of Galland's subtle humor and artistry, but it is definitely worth the effort. I suspect that perhaps even Eleanor herself would have been amused by this book!
This book is not necessarily an easy read if you wish to catch every nuance of Galland's subtle humor and artistry, but it is definitely worth the effort. I suspect that perhaps even Eleanor herself would have been amused by this book!
Helpful Score: 4
I read "Revenge of the Rose" by Nicole Galland. It is an interpretation or re-imagining of a 13th century poem by Jean Renart called "The Romance of the Rose or Willem of Dole". It is written in the true style of courtly love and features deeds of daring, tournaments, brave if obtuse knights, wronged children, an extremely clever minstrel, and ladies both highborn and low who are cleverer by half than all the men in the tale put together. Each chapter is written in the style of a literary or rhetorical conceit and I have to marvel with admiration at the author's ability to carry the whole thing off with humor and panache. In my opinion, Ms. Galland could easily take her place with the best troubadours of the era.
Helpful Score: 3
what fun turns and twists thru out kept me on the edge of my seat.
the medieval settings was done in a way that was believable; you could almost see the people and events-what a exciting movie this would make-maybe a mini series so you would not miss anything!!!
the medieval settings was done in a way that was believable; you could almost see the people and events-what a exciting movie this would make-maybe a mini series so you would not miss anything!!!
Helpful Score: 2
A very enjoyable book. I could hardly put it down.
Helpful Score: 2
This book has turned out to be one of my favorites! I have finished it in only day, simply because I could not put it down. It is a very entertaining story, filled with very witty conversation. I highly recommend it!
Helpful Score: 1
This book has several secret romances going on... it is the 2nd book by this author. It is interesting and witty, but not as good as The Fool's Tale (her first book).
I really like books from this period. This is a good one.
It's pretty good, couple of dubious plot items but if you like historical fiction you'll probably like it.
