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Author
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Comment
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rosyelf
Registered User
(12/15/04 12:37 pm)
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Two fantasy novels based on Arthurian mythos
I have come across 2 interesting-looking novels on Amazon and wonder if anyone here has read them ? The first is I AM MORGAN LE FAY by Nancy Springer-N.S. is mentioned in another current thread here-and the second is ISOLDE, QUEEN OF THE WESTERN ISLES by Rosalind Miles. The second book is the first of a trilogy. I am not looking for a slavish retelling of the original Arthurian tales, but I am looking for an authentic FEEL to the books.
Can anyone help ?
love
rosyelf
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aka Greensleeves
Registered User
(12/15/04 8:00 pm)
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Re: Two fantasy novels based on Arthurian mythos
Well, what's your definition of "authentic?" NS's MORGAN is set in Roman Cornwall, and the landscape and atmosphere are very strong--almost characters. I think her I AM MORDRED is better known, although I've only read MORGAN. It is a middle-grade novel (kids), and it is about Morgan's childhood, so that's one thing to keep in mind.
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AliceCEB
Registered User
(12/16/04 8:14 am)
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Re: Two fantasy novels based on Arthurian mythos
Rosyelf, I haven't read either book. But a version I've liked is Marion Zimmer Bradley's Mists of Avalon told from the point of view of the women in the legend.
Best,
Alice
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Laura McCaffrey
Registered User
(12/16/04 8:20 am)
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Re: Two fantasy novels based on Arthurian mythos
Nancy Springer's are a psychological exploration of character. By this I mean that she explores what it would be to be the bad mistrusted son in I AM MORDRED, or the girl, Morgan, whose father was killed by Arthur's father.
I haven't read the other book.
LauraMc
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rosyelf
Registered User
(12/17/04 7:20 am)
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fantasy novels
Thank you, all, for your responses. Greensleeves, when I say "authentic" I suppose I mean the sort of thing you mention-brooding landscape that is almost a character in itself, a sense that the author has plunged deeply into the place and time of the story.
As for Morgan le Fay, obviously my reading level is above middle
grade (at least, I hope so-I'm 38) , but the CHILDHOOD of Morgan
sounds absolutely fascinating. I'm also keen on following up the
Mordred book, for similar reasons.
THE MISTS OF AVALON is a book I love, especially the way it delves deep into the lives of the Arthurian women.
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