The Crusader : A Novel

Rating:
Summary: Great Crusader fiction!
Review: Michael A. Eisner's story of a young crusader named Francisco de Montcada was hard to put down. I love history about the Crusades, and as historical fiction this was very palatable. I think that some of the conclusions reached in this book may not be entirely in keeping with the mindset of that time period, but that is easily overlooked. The writing style flows very well and the descriptions make you feel as if you were there. The story being told by a chained Crusader is an interesting literary device. This book will be enjoyed by those interested in the Crusades and even by those who aren't.

Rating:
Summary: Christian/Muslim conflicts - History repeats itself
Review: Eisner's broad perspective of the ease with which humans of all cultures and faiths justify wartime atrocities against their fellows comprises a well-timed context for a closer look at the Crusades.

Rating:
Summary: Lukewarm but interesting
Review: I found this novel to be a very good and intriguing view of the famous fall of the fortress, the Krak des Chevaliers. However, I found the writing to be more passionless than one would expect with such a rich topic, and the main character, Francisco de Montcada, is merely depressed rather than "possessed," lending a dragging, morose sense to the novel. The character of the friar Lucas is too contrived: the author wants him to be a naive, greedy foil for the deeper characters around him, but because of these features the friar never becomes a believable hero, and the end seems entirely contrived, Hollywood-style, with a swashbuckling "good vs. evil" showdown.

The basic aim of this book seems to be the old moral of the story, war is hell. I expected better. And several of the plot storylines are ripped straight from recent Vietnam movies. I was overall more disappointed than I expected to be. However, as a basic historical fiction with an eye for the violence of the time, this was an intriguing read. And the scenes in the prison - a dank, dark pit - were very haunting, where the writing truly came alive.

Rating:
Summary: Good Read
Review: It's all too common for current historians to look at war through modern morality and be able to condemn out of hand actions carried out almost 1000 years ago. While the author tries to avoid this trap he still falls headlong into it, and though it doesn't spoil the story, it doesn't differentiate this from any other modern tales of slaughter and broken promises.

On the whole, many of the characters are a little too 20th century in their thinking, so while the novel is set in 13th century Spain, most of the characters would not look out of place in All Quiet On The Western Front, or Full Metal Jacket. The exception is the Monk-storyteller, whose development through the story is only a sub-plot, but might be among the most entertaining in the novel.

So with the bad points out of the way, on to the strengths; an excellent historic plot, set in the waning years of the crusader movement and the last sqalid years of the Frankish Crusader Kingdoms. Excellent narration of the times, sights sounds and smells which provide a susbstantial atmousphere for the plot.

The plot itself unfolds well, and is paced by the broken mind of Francisco. It's speed seems to increase with his lucidity so the storytelling mechanism feels as though it's part of the book and not simply an author's technique. I had no problem with the slow beggining and accelerated end, it fits with mind of the narrator.

I gave the book 4 stars, not because it's a great book, but because it's a great read and one which should keep you turning the pages and willing the clock to slow down.

My lasting impression was that the book conveys the similarities between young men at war in 1270 and today. Though whether that happens to be true, or is simply the author's wishful thinking will depend on your own opinions.

Rating:
Summary: Readable, Interesting Novel
Review: THE CRUSADER is the story of a deeply tormented Spanish knight whose trauma is revealed through confessions to an ambitious churchman and former friend.

I found THE CRUSADER to be a fairly well-written novel that had some moments of true brilliance, such as the romantic scenes. The plot was easily discerned, the history adequately done, and the characters nicely sketched out. Personally, I found the narrator annoying, but not to the extent that it spoiled the book for me. My big complaint with the book was that the ending sizzled out. It almost felt as if the author got tired of writing it and decided just to report on important happenings instead of fleshing them out. If you are a fan of the Crusades, however, you will undoubtedly find this an entertaining, though not astounding, book.