Gentlemen of the Road - Michael Chabon

Read for: A Tournament of Reading

Described as a 'swashbuckling adventure', this was hands down unlike anything I have ever read. Bought on a whim in a second hand bookshop purely because I loved the film adaptation of Michael Chabon's Wonder Boys. And because the blurb on the back of this book was unusual enough to pique my curiosity.

Although a very short novel, it took me a while to read. Most likely because the plot was something so very different from what I am used to, and also because of the language.

The titular Gentlemen are Amran and Zelikman, a mismatched duo of comrades travelling the road, living day to day, seemingly lacking any greater plan. That is until they meet the young Filaq, a displaced Khazar prince, and they join the rebellion to return him to the throne.

The language was quite frankly luscious. To begin with I almost felt as if I needed a dictionary and history book in order to understand the plot. But letting this book simply wash over me became the best option, and it was a truly enjoyable romp, whilst managing to also be an intelligent book with interesting characters.

I have now managed to get my hands on a copy of Wonder Boys and am thoroughly looking forward to reading it.

Other reviews:
A Fraternity of Dreamers

Excalibur - Bernard Cornwell

Read for: Arthurian Challenge; A Tournament of Reading

The final chapter of Bernard Cornwell's Warlord Chronicles, and what an ending! Continuing the themes of love, loyalty and betrayal, Excalibur begins with the aftermath of Lancelot's rebellion and the devastating effect on Arthur and Guinevere's marriage.

Without giving too much away, this chapter of the famous legend sees Arthur's greatest victory while many of his promises come back to haunt him. Whilst the tale is narrated by Derfel, we know what fate awaits him, yet how he comes to that point is revealed. Much is left unsaid, as of most great stories, but the true joys of this series are the characters. Cornwell is not afraid to reveal everything about them, including their darker sides, which makes for gripping reading.

This series has rapidly made its way to being one of my favourites. The characters, plot and description of everyday life make this fabulous reading. I can not recommend it enough, and am already pondering which Cornwell novels to read next!

The Warlord Chronicles:
1. The Winter King
2. Enemy of God
3. Excalibur

Enemy of God - Bernard Cornwell

Read for: Arthurian Challenge; A Tournament of Reading

The second book in Cornwell's renowned Warlord Chronicles is possibly even better than the first! Starting off where The Winter King left off, Enemy of God begins with the aftermath of Arthur's victory. The book also focuses on Derfel's romance with the Princess Ceinwyn, and on the burgeoning relationship between Lancelot and Guinevere.

With some truly heartbreaking scenes, and some dark and disturbing descriptions of battle, Enemy of God is an exciting and engrossing read. Although heavily weighted towards politics and warfare, magic still has its place in this series. The powerful Merlin and his damaged and angry priestess Nimue search for the ancient Treasures of Britain which, when united, will bring forth the old gods of Briton, to overthrow the Saxon incursion and the ever-growing number of Christians.

Fact, fiction and legend mingle together so beautifully in this series from the incredibly talented Cornwell, bringing a large array of characters brilliantly to life.

The Winter King - Bernard Cornwell

Read for: Arthurian Challenge; A Tournament of Reading

I wanted to include both the original cover (left) and the new cover of the copy I own (right) for this review, as I really like them both.

Certain bloggers (who shall remain nameless) have been telling me to read Bernard Cornwell's Warlord Chronicles for longer than I can say. Well, I can finally say that I have made a start and finished the first book, The Winter King. And oh boy am I glad I bought all three the same day!

The Winter King is the tale of Britain after the death of Uther Pendragon. This Britain is less a tale of magic and myth, and more one of war and politics. The throne of Dunmonia is reserved for Uther's infant grandchild, Mordred, with several of the senior warlords pledging an oath to protect the child and his kingdom until he comes of age. Arthur, Uther's bastard son, and the most loved warlord in Dumnonia and beyond, makes the pledge and so begins the long struggle to govern and protect the kingdom without a king.

The trilogy tells Arthur's tale, through the eyes of his follower, friend and fellow warrior, Derfel Cadarn. The Winter King introduces us to the elderly Derfel, a monk living in a monastery in Wales, who spends his days chronicling the years of Arthur for his young Queen, Igraine. It is this tale that we get swept up into, brutal and unforgiving. Derfel was a young orphaned boy, adopted by the Druid Merlin, and raised in his home on Ynys Wydryn. Derfel witnesses betrayal of the child king's guardian and his attempted murder, and escapes with the king and some of the survivors. From that moment on, Derfel is plunged into a world of warriors, honour and lies. He becomes close friends with Arthur, who's ultimate aim is to unite the British Kingdoms against the Saxon (Sais) invadors. But peril and intrigue follow them at every turn.

I doubt very much that The Winter King could have been better written. I was hooked from page one and would have been mortified to find myself at the end, had I not already got books two and three in my possession. This is by far my favourite of the Arthurian fiction I have read so far, and I was so excited to read the next book, Enemy of God that I have not been able to write this review until finishing the series! To describe more of the events in this series would likely cause confusion and I imagine would put anyone off reading such a complex tale. So you'll have to find out for yourself...

Other familiar characters making an appearance in this series, include Nimue, Morgan, Lancelot, and Guinevere. Rather than a complete retelling of the Arthurian legends, this is more a reworking, with some of the older legends intermingled with newer ones, focussing more on the power struggles in the aftermath of the Roman exodus from Britain, and on the conflict between the old pagan religion and the new christian one. Sometimes hard to stomach, this book was always gripping and exciting. Thoroughly recommended for anyone interested in Dark Age and Arthurian fiction.

Here Lies Arthur - Philip Reeve

Read for: Arthurian Challenge; A Tournament of Reading

Picked up purely off the back of Nymeth’s review and because I’m having a bit of an Arthurian (and other mediaeval/middle ages/historical literature!) year, Philip Reeve’s Here Lies Arthur did not disappoint.

This tale of the legendary Arthur shies away from glossy cliché, portraying him as a brutish and not particularly intelligent warlord, who travels around the country with his thuggish band of fighters, ravaging villages, seizing gold and land, and generally taking whatever he wants.

The tale is told by Gwyna, a slave and one of the victims of such attacks, who flees in terror from her burning village and escapes by diving into a frozen stream. She is rescued by a mysterious man, who turns out to be none other than Myrddin, Arthur’s bard, who soon factors her into his mischievous plans. Myrddin explains that what others see as magic, are simply tricks and stories weaved from half truths, into something far grander, the stuff of legends. He uses Gwyna to help him weave the tale of the lady in the lake, passing the sword Caliburn (Excalibur!) to Arthur, who himself falls for the trick. Myrddin is then forced to hide Gwyna in plain sight, dressing and passing her off as a boy, Gwyn, who spends several years working for the bard and learning to live as a boy. She finds the life far better than that she had known, and becomes accustomed to male ways, until she is forced to experience the reality of war firsthand. Soon though, she becomes too old for Myrddin to hide her as such, and she is forced to rediscover her womanly ways, in a life she finds boring in contrast.

To say much else would begin to give away some of the fabulously creative ways that Reeve has incorporated the other characters from Arthurian myth. Most notably Guinevere, who is recognisable as Gwenhwyfar, a middle-aged widow, but whose fall from grace is not entirely the tale you will remember.

Although aimed at children and young adults, Here Lies Arthur is incredibly realistic and astute, dealing with the horrors that children of the age would indeed have experienced. Reeve treats his young readers with maturity and respect, and in return creates something I found to be a joy to read. It is work like this that can inspire so many young people to read, especially in this age of videogames and television. This maturity also makes the novel a fantastic read for adults and I found myself completely absorbed in Gwyna’s tale.

Although primarily an excellent spin on the Arthurian legend, the subplots of gender identity and the lines between what makes a story legend or truth, make this tale that bit more unique. But it is Reeve’s writing and storytelling that make this particular tale something special. Highly recommended.

Other blog reviews:
Things mean a lot

A Tournament of Reading

Yes yes, one more challenge she says! But how could I resist one based in mediaeval literature and history. Megan of Medieval Bookworm is hosting A Tournament of Reading, challenging participants to read more medieaval literature in 2010. Challenge genres include history, medieval literature and historical fiction. Medieval, for simplicity of definition, will be from 500-1500, and literature from all over the world is welcome, not just Western Europe. There are 3 levels:

• Peasant - Read 3 medieval books of any kind.
• Lord - Read 6 medieval books, at least one of each kind.
• King - Read 9 medieval books, at least two of each kind.

Participants are not required to make a list or stick to one, but post one if you can. For help, Meghan will be posting some recommendations. You can sign up using Mr Linky on Meghan's challenge post, and enjoy some medieval literature! For now, I am signing up as a peasant, with aspirations of becoming a lord (or rather a lady!), and I will post some titles once I've had a think. Fare thee well good readers!