Scan barcode
chrisnin64's review against another edition
5.0
I love this book, for all of it’s faults. Some parts absolutely drag, especially to a modern audience (me), but in the end, it’s a wonderful story of the Wart, his journey to becoming Arthur and his inevitable fate. It reminds me a lot of mom, because she loved King Arthur (shoutouts to Camelot).
I would love if the “The Ill-Made Knight” was shorter with less Lancelot and more Arthur, but I know that’s kind of the point of that part. Regardless, this book shines the brightest when it focuses on Arthur. Especially the Sword in the Stone.
I give it 5 stars because nostalgia, my love for it, and mom. Is it actually a 5 star book? Maybe not but I don’t care. It is to me.
I also have to say, the narrative in this book is incredible. The way it’s mostly told conversationally by the narrator who definitely felt like “some guy who was just there and here are his opinions, including meta opinions about Sir Thomas Malory” is just wonderful.
I would love if the “The Ill-Made Knight” was shorter with less Lancelot and more Arthur, but I know that’s kind of the point of that part. Regardless, this book shines the brightest when it focuses on Arthur. Especially the Sword in the Stone.
I give it 5 stars because nostalgia, my love for it, and mom. Is it actually a 5 star book? Maybe not but I don’t care. It is to me.
I also have to say, the narrative in this book is incredible. The way it’s mostly told conversationally by the narrator who definitely felt like “some guy who was just there and here are his opinions, including meta opinions about Sir Thomas Malory” is just wonderful.
reveriesama28's review against another edition
4.0
Mythology is a grand thing and one of my secret passions, particularly King Arthur lore. This novel is where all other Arthur lore novels pretty much got their start (aside from "primary" sources), and it certainly captured my heart. It is redolent with hilarity, if you're nerdy enough to spot the jokes, and will spark deep thought in the next instant. For those of you who like the Sword and the Stone, the first part of the book is the basis for that Disney movie.
P.S. I am naming my next pet Glatisant because she was perhaps my favorite character. :)
P.S. I am naming my next pet Glatisant because she was perhaps my favorite character. :)
thejamesbrowning's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
bobkat's review against another edition
4.0
Incredible King Arthur legend from beginning to end. The first part, The Sword and the Stone, is whimsical; the tragic love triangle between Arthur, Gweneviere and Lancelot is aching and not overdone.
alichai's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.75
996tears's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
reflective
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
veralangens's review against another edition
4.0
(4.5 stars) ‘the book of merlyn’ felt out of place but wow what a book
ronitamohan_louisskye's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I’ve been meaning to read this book for years although I didn’t really know how’d I feel about delving into a book written in the 1950s. But having grown up on King Arthur’s stories, I assumed I’d enjoy it.
This is a very long book and it does meander at times. The songs were particularly painful to encounter and some of the characters are extremely annoying.
But I enjoyed myself. I found myself disappearing into it. I loved Arthur’s drive to put aside violence and embrace adventure and exploration. I liked his struggle with the meaning of life and leadership.
Some of the sensibilities in the book were dated but not as much as I would have expected. I would have liked more of the female characters though. Morgan Le Fay is barely mentioned and her machinations are never shown directly, only alluded to.
I didn’t think I’d be able to get through the audiobook but I actually enjoyed myself.
This is a very long book and it does meander at times. The songs were particularly painful to encounter and some of the characters are extremely annoying.
But I enjoyed myself. I found myself disappearing into it. I loved Arthur’s drive to put aside violence and embrace adventure and exploration. I liked his struggle with the meaning of life and leadership.
Some of the sensibilities in the book were dated but not as much as I would have expected. I would have liked more of the female characters though. Morgan Le Fay is barely mentioned and her machinations are never shown directly, only alluded to.
I didn’t think I’d be able to get through the audiobook but I actually enjoyed myself.
madgrambo's review against another edition
5.0
I would call this a masterpiece. A truly magnificent examination of the human condition, using various other species for comparison.
Disney’s The Sword in the Stone trivialises this.
TH White was a conscientious objector during WW2, when much of this was written, and it comes across clearly in parts.
Also I’m a huge fan of the legend of King Arthur.
I first read this book 40 years ago, and enjoyed it even more this time.
Disney’s The Sword in the Stone trivialises this.
TH White was a conscientious objector during WW2, when much of this was written, and it comes across clearly in parts.
Also I’m a huge fan of the legend of King Arthur.
I first read this book 40 years ago, and enjoyed it even more this time.