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Summary: It made me Cry!
Review: I discovered this novel roughly ten years ago in a used bookstore and foreshame to the publisher that's no longer printing it. Seven years later, I included it in my graduate thesis on fairytale motifs in romance novels. But this book is so much more than a formula romance. It is, simply, the best retelling I've ever read of the legend of King Arthur. It renders a fresh story from classic legend that will enchant anyone who opens it.
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Summary: A love I never knew!
Review: I have always hated to read, but when requested to read a King Arthur book for my english class, I fell upon this beautiful novel by Wolf. I fell in love in the first page and didn't put it down. I love the passion between the lovely Moragn Le Fay and Arthur Pendragon, the unbreakable relationship between Arthur and his friends, and the view of the historical myth. It completely opened my eyes to a whole new world! I thank Ms. Wolf greatly for writing such a magnificent book!
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Summary: I'm now obsessed!
Review: I have been reading Arthurian books for years, and when i found this book "years ago" i loved it above all others. Today, i finished it for the 3rd time, and after reading it i feel as close to the charaters as if i was there in real life. all i need to do is think about the last line in the book and i cry. Thank you Joan for making this wonderful book come to life in all the glory and pain of the dark ages. and for all those out there who fell in love with Arthur and Morgan, remember to smell the Lavander.......
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Summary: The Road to Avalon
Review: I have been reading Arthurian books for years, and when i found this book "years ago" i loved it above all others. Today, i finished it for the 3rd time, and after reading it i feel as close to the charaters as if i was there in real life. all i need to do is think about the last line in the book and i cry. Thank you Joan for making this wonderful book come to life in all the glory and pain of the dark ages. and for all those out there who fell in love with Arthur and Morgan, remember to smell the Lavander.......
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Summary: I was blown away
Review: I just happened to glance at this book at a used book store and it looked as if it could be pretty good. I love the Arthurian legend and read anything I can about it. Not since Mists of Avalon have I been so blown away by an Arthurian novel. Joan Wolf takes the traditional story and changes it ever so slightly here and there to make this almost all-too-familiar story fresh and new. I developed a new feeling for this tragic story that has become so familiar to me. It's been a while since a book has left me feeling so completely drained of emotion afterwards. I thank the gods that I was at home when I finished it and not at work or on the bus. I broke down in almost gut-wrenching sobs. I didn't realize this book was out of print until I came to write this review. I'm extremely happy that I found it and hope many other people have the same fortune I did. Mists of Avalon will remain my favorite, but this one is a very close second.
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Summary: best of the best
Review: I noticed this book in my school library, and I was itching for some King Arthur stories, so I picked it up... and I was blown away. Joan Wolf certainly knows how to weave her tales seamlessly... it's the best King Arthur book I've ever read. The novel is full of adventure, chivalry, passion, and more... all the components of a really good novel. I've read it twice, and I'll definitely re-read it again sometime.
Rating:
Summary: best of the best
Review: I noticed this book in my school library, and I was itching for some King Arthur stories, so I picked it up... and I was blown away. Joan Wolf certainly knows how to weave her tales seamlessly... it's the best King Arthur book I've ever read. The novel is full of adventure, chivalry, passion, and more... all the components of a really good novel. I've read it twice, and I'll definitely re-read it again sometime.
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Summary: How to rate a good book
Review: If you have read any number of books, you would realize that no two are alike. The novel ROAD TO AVALON by Joan Wolf is an incrediable story that made me laugh out loud, care for the characters more than I thought I would, or could, and actually cry! I had tears streaming down my face as I closed the cover of this heart-felt tale. I have never had the pleasure of crying over a book, and I wish I could convince as many people as possible of its quality so they may experience these feelings as well. The one true way to rate any piece of literature, is whether or not it can move you and your emotions with the author's imagination and the way they express it to the readers. In other words, "was it believable, and more importantly, enjoyable?" it most certainly was and I can't wait to read it again!
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Summary: Possibly the most romantic version yet
Review: Stop the presses! I've finally found an Arthurian novel in which Morgan, Gwenhwyfar, and Morgause are all sympathetic! Not to mention one with no religious bickering! (At one point in the book, a pagan knight criticizes a grouchy monk. Arthur responds, "If we judged all religions by their human representatives, they would all be found lacking." That's the extent of religious debate in this book, and if someone had said it in _Mists of Avalon_, maybe everyone would have wised up a little.)Arthur, hidden away in an obscure village, falls into the hands of an abusive farmer. One day, his life changes when Merlin, a Roman-type noble of the old school, comes to carry him off to the villa of Avalon, to be raised and taught by Merlin and Ector--and to be trained as the prince he never knew he was. Though his life is more comfortable now, he is still scarred and withdrawn. Only Merlin's daughter Morgan, sweet and shy but with remarkable intelligence and emotional courage, can break through his shell and become his friend. And when they grow up, he falls in love with her, never knowing she is his aunt. Arthur ascends the throne, planning to make Morgan his queen, but Merlin forbids the match and tells him why. Arthur is heartbroken. He wants to defy Merlin, or failing that, to kill himself, but Morgan convinces him to be strong for his kingdom. So Arthur marries the Welsh princess Gwenhwyfar instead. Gwenhwyfar is the most celebrated beauty in her homeland, accustomed to men's adoration, and so it is especially hurtful that Arthur--still in love with Morgan--sees Gwen mostly as a friend. The final insult comes when she takes up with the captain of his cavalry--and Arthur doesn't even care. Gwen loves her husband, and hopes that someday he will come to love her. So you can imagine the turmoil that goes through her mind when a mysterious young man appears at court in the company of Morgause of Orkney--a young man who looks just like Arthur, but gazes at Gwen with the passion her husband denies her. The young man is, of course, Mordred, son of Arthur and Morgan, and is accepted as Arthur's heir. He's a nice guy in this book, so everything seems just peachy for a while, but when Arthur goes to fight a battle in Gaul, a villain whom I won't name, acting out of thwarted passion, unleashes treachery, and the Battle of Camlann is fated. Though _The Road to Avalon_ ends sadly, there is something comfortable and comforting about this retelling of the legend. Why? I think it's because it never makes you take sides. It doesn't feel the need to make one of the women sympathetic and the others evil. It doesn't preach any creed or bash any philosophy. It's just a love story about real people, with good and bad qualities, all of whom we can understand. This may not be my favorite Arthurian novel in terms of prose style, but I recommend it. It is beautiful in a simple way, like Morgan in her garden.
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Summary: An different view of Arthur
Review: The Road to Avalon shows us a non fantasy version of the life of Arthur, showing us a more realistic portrayal of this mythical king. It is easy to see the author's knowledge of the legend, with the inclusions of people such as the monk Gildas and Culwch and Olwen. It gives us a completely different portrayal of Morgan and Mordred, and shows Arthur's unending love towards his friends. A great read! I fully recommend it. :-)
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