Mists of Avalon Abridged

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Summary: A beautiful retelling of the rise and fall of Arthur
Review: In her book, Bradley introduces an orignal way of retelling the timeless tale of Arthur -- from the point of view of the women of Camelot. It begins with Arthur's mother, Igraine, trapped in a marriage she hates and a religion she doesn't follow. New light is spread on Morgaine (Morgan le Fay), as her character is developed as a misunderstood priestess, and, though readers' sympathy goes mostly to her, she does commit her share of evil, making the story a shady gray, with no stark good-evil, white-black. Gwenhwyfar is depicted as an overly-pious, simpering queen, with a hatred for Morgaine so strong that it becomes something else, almost sisterly love. All male characters too, are recreated and given new breath. tMoA is a beautifully told tale of love, betrayal, war, magic, the battle of religion after the fall of the Romans, and, in the end, remembering who you were, and thus who you are.

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Summary: Absolutely addictive--beautiful, tragic, and triumphant
Review: I just reread The Mists of Avalon, and it was even better than I remembered it! And I loved it the first time, several years ago. Not only are the story and characters wonderful, but Bradley beautifully describes the Celtic culture and religion. Rereading the book has rekindled my interest in Paganism and Celtic folklore, as well as rereading Bradley's other books. It is a beautiful convection of true history and mystical fantasy, and the conflict between Paganism and Christianity is transferable to any culture which hesitates to lose its traditional religion and/or beliefs while knowing that the new way of thinking is inevitable. The novel's not perfect--Morgaine is the true heroine here, as Gwenwyfar is usually unsympathetic and somewhat hard to believe at times (I felt like it never explained why Gwenwyfar was so fanatically religious and narrow-minded). Part of me wishes Bradley had presented her as Morgaine's equal and opposite instead of a symbol of what Bradley dislikes about Christianity. But perhaps I feel this way because I have not read much other Arthurian legend. Bradley apparently has, and this is her criticism of traditional views of women and religion as well as the King Arthur tale. She takes the traditional lore and turns it upside down, shaking it up so that out falls a unique and thought-provoking story, hopefully creating a tradition of its own. This book is definitely one of the best I have ever read!

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Summary: A New Perspective is unfurled
Review: Marion Zimmer Bradley has got to be my favorite author. The hate, the love, and the compassion shown through the eyes of Morgaine really got me thinking of how women were of little signifigance at the time. I cried, I rejoiced, I resented. The character I hated the most was Gwen. What a bitch! To lead Arthur to betray everything he has been faithful to. I wanted to kill the frail a** ****! I recommend this book to anyone who is willing enough to witness a magical story through the eyes of the unimportant.

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Summary: very good, highly recommend
Review: I loved this book, finally an Arthurian legend which does not portray its women as villians. This is the definitive novel on Camelot as told through the eyes of a woman.

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Summary: This is quite possibly the best book I ever read!
Review: I really loved this book. It gave me a totally new insight as to the importance of woman in medival times, and gave new meaning to the legend of King Arthur. Everyone should read this book at least once, and I know that I am going to read it many more times throughout my life!!!

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Summary: Never before have I loved a legend like this one!
Review: I have never fallen in love with characters like this. I borrowed the book from a friend and I got through the first hundred pages and had to buy it!!! It might be slow at first but well worth it if you stick with it!!!!!!

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Summary: One of the best books I've ever read
Review: Lolita...The Age of Innocence...The Mists of Avalon? Sure! This is one of the best books that I've ever read. The language that Bradley uses in this book evokes such a melancholic, peaceful mood that I am afraid to re-read it, for fear of corrupting it's magic. I felt all of the characters like they were a part of my own soul, and Morgaine's sadness was my own, watching the Isle of Avalon dissappear into the mists forever...

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Summary: It makes you want to BELIEVE...
Review: Eventhough the research behind the story is not close to actual story, I found the story very enjoyable to read for a fantasy book. The characters are very real and detailed. If you like a good fantasy this is the book for you. For all you historians who found the book lack truth, go read a text book.

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Summary: I liked this book very much
Review: I had heard about this book for a long time and bought it because I was feeling sorry for myself. It was a lucky purchase, I loved the book. I have read many versions of the Arthurian legend. The point of view has always been that Morgaine was out for 'revenge' and that's why she seduced her half brother Arthur. Ms. Bradley's version is believable, and plausable. The saga of the romance between Lancelet and Gwenhwyfar is breathlessly romantic and heartbreaking. The book could stand on its own as 'simply' a romance novel. However, it is so much more than that. How the lives are interwoven, and the relationship between Avalon and Camelot, are detailed. There is also, if you take the time to notice it, a commentary on early Christianity and the insistence that it be the 'one true' religion. Ms. Bradley has obviously done her historical homework, and for this reader that is very important. This is an enthralling book.

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Summary: Feminine perspective on the Authurian Legend
Review: Excellent novel. Recounts the Authurian legend from the female viewpoint. Sequel to Forest House and prequel to Lady of Avalon.