The Mists of Avalon

Rating:
Summary: Not as good as they all say
Review: For all the good things I've heard about this book - including the reviews posted here - I am very disappointed. I had hoped to find a compelling read, one that captured my imagination with a vivid and engaging retelling of the Arthurian legend, filled with gracious and heroic characters.

Instead, I find weak willed men, idiotic women, the author proselytizing paganism, and "feminist" viewpoints so outrageous as to be funny. Arthur is an effective king but a weak and nondescript man. Lancelot is annoying, not noble, in his suffering. Gwenivere is utterly pathetic.

Morgaine is the saving grace of this panopoly of dull-wits, but even she fails to connect to a truly intelligent audience of readers for the way she weaves in and out of the story, letting things happen to her and taking no action herself. To me the worst parts of the book were those where the storyteller was not Morgaine.

On the brighter side, the story is fairly well written, and compelling in that I do not know very much about the Arthur legend. I finished reading it so that I could find out what happened more than for any allegiance or interest in the characters.

On the whole, do not buy this book. Or if you do, buy it used as I did. You'll be happier for it.

Rating:
Summary: absolutely wonderful
Review: this is one of the best books Ive read. Its kinda long but every page of the book is exeptional. Its an authurian story but from the female characters points of veiws, it switches from girl to girl. the main character it focuses on is morgain le fay. it shows her sorrows, her happiness, and her fears. unlike other arthurian legends morgause is the sister of the lady Igraine, not the sister of Igraine. another thing I liked about this book is the way it kinda had the point of veiw of the pagans, not just the britons (it did have the britons point of veiw too) Lady of avalon and the forest house are both good, but not as good mists of avalon. its hard to come up with words to describe this fasinating story with. It is definately one of the best books Ive read. I think that everyone should read this book!

Rating:
Summary: Too long but good.
Review: The first thing I have to say about this book: It could have been told in half the pages. That's the only thing I disliked about this book and the reason for only 4 stars.

I really came to love the main character Morgaine (Morgan Le Fey). Presented in a very different light, I'm hard pressed to find more books chronicling Morgaine as the main character in a serious light. Bradley did a good job of drawing me into the book in that her writing elicited an emotional response from me. I felt an empathy for Morgaine throughout the whole book. Depending on which side of the spectrum you're on, you may hate Gwenefeyhr for the first time. Personally, I couldn't stand her! I really enjoyed the intellectual religious arguments and debates, I recall they brought up some interesting points.

If you don't mind a drawn out book, definitely read The Mists of Avalon.

Rating:
Summary: Simply Amazing
Review: This book is one of a kind. I have to admit that I was a little skeptical when I started to read this book. I love the traditional points of the Arthurian legend, but I have to tell you, this is a lot better.

The story is that of the five main women behind the throne. Igraine, Arthur's mother, is trapped in a loveless marriage, and must be unfaithful to her husband in order to fuful her destiny. Morgaine (Morgan le Fay), Arthur's half sister, gives herself to the Druids to follow her family line of Avalon, as she struggles between her duty as a priestess, and being Duchess of Cornwall. Vivaine, Arthur's aunt, is the Lady of the Lake, high priestess of Avalon, must deal with all her people turning to the Christian faith. Morgaue, Arthur's aunt, struggling to be a lady and relative of the king, overshadowed by her attemps to put her sons on the throne, and to always have a man in her bed. Last but not least, Gwenevere, Arthur's wife, struggles to be a pious women, while desperately wanting a child, and the ability to be with Sir. Lancelot.

All of their stories intertwine into a masterpiece. After you read this story, you will never look at the legend the same way agian. But that is the good thing.

Rating:
Summary: Feminist Avalon
Review: Hi, I am from Turkey.When ýo read that book somehing changed in my look to the world.ý seriously began to think about Morgaine's religion and Druids. Morgaine and LAncelot are my favourite characters. Morgaine is powerful and charismatic. also LAncelot is charmful. as a conclusion ý hate Gwenyfar cause she is a liar and Christian more than Jesus....

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely compelling and unforgettable
Review: I found this book absolutely compelling. It is a wonderful tale, beautifully written and gives an original and fresh outlook on a story which has been told so many times before. The characters are all very memorable and defined and carry the reader along with them on a very magical and unforgettable journey through Arthur's lifetime. I have travelled to Glastonbury to see the true Avalon and paid my respects at Arthur's grave. After reading such a book as this I had to see the real places.

I would love to see a film of this book - But i doubt if one could ever do justice. I was very much shocked and upset to hear of Marion Zimmer Bradley's death and feel that it has been a great loss to literature. Please read this book! You won't regret it!

Rating:
Summary: WOW!
Review: I could not put this book down! Five years ago, I read the Once and Future King (which I absolutely loved). My HS Senior yr teacher found out and recommended this book. Since I was not really fond of her, I never bothered looking for it. About a month ago I saw it and couldn't resist. It is so awesome. It is incredibly long, but worth the time. The characters are so life like, and the events unfold naturally. Nothing is forced, not even the ending. It seems like other longer length books have a rushed ending, but not this one. Beautiful descriptions, I could imagine everything! It was a little haunting though. It was creepy at times, but in a way that adds to the effect.

Rating:
Summary: Driuds and Priests
Review: I am not done with this book yet but I love it already. It is such an indept epic of the Arthurian legend I just can't wait how it goes on.

I do like the fact that it is told mostly out of the view of the females in this story - very well done.

I loved the Druids before this book but now I enjoy and adore their religion and believes even more.

The bad part is the raving of the religous and very pious Christians, like Gwynhefair, which is almost too much to endure. I really hope they werent that bad - but considering what came after that time (witch burning and such) I would not be suprised.

Overall a wonderful book and must read for medivial ages or history lovers.

Rating:
Summary: Don't be daunted by the length!
Review: One of the main mistakes people make is passing over "The Mists of Avalon" because of its length. That is such a major mistake! Once you start reading you are happy it's so long, because it's SO good, you never want to put it down! The Mists Of Avalon puts a very new spin on the King Arthur legends- this time from the women's perspective. The story is told mostly from Morgain's point-of-view. This is definatley a girl's book- guys are free to go ahead, but I'm not sure if they'd like it as much. When my friend recommened it, I was a little wary of another King Arthur book,(I had just finished Once and Future King)but decided to try it anyway. It is so utterly different from The Once and Future King! You may have some of the same events, but they are told with totally different circumstances. The characters also have very different personalites. In Once and Future King, Morgain is Morgain LeFay, the evil fairy, but in this book she's the protaganist. If you have any doubts just read 10 pages, and then try to put this book down- that's a challenge!

Rating:
Summary: A new look at King Arthur's Court
Review: I am new to Arthurian legend, but realize that this book portrays an alternative view to the stories. Personally, I enjoyed seeing things unfold from female eyes, and experiencing the depth given to the female characters. I don't think it was too feminist/preachy as another reviewer mentioned, but if you're that sensitive to those undertones, skip this one. I will allow that the author seems judgmental at times; I guess we all have our favorites! I recommend reading this book; I plan to again. Very engrossing, especially if you're interested in the changing religious themes of this time.