So, given the recent history that has come forth about MZB, I was hesitant to finish this book. It's hard, trying to balance the worth of a book againSo, given the recent history that has come forth about MZB, I was hesitant to finish this book. It's hard, trying to balance the worth of a book against whether reading it condones the author's views....I really do believe they are two separate things, but it is easy for an authors viewpoints to leak into the book (and they do)
But I decided it was important to read this anyway, even if it was just to make the decision for myself.
Many times, strong women are given a bad rap. If they stick up for themselves, they're bitches, if they go for their dreams, they're selfish. If they indulge in romantic passion, they are a whore.
Can a woman be both strong and admirable? Can Vivan try to save Avalon without making sacrifices of her children? Can Igraine love her husband and Uther Pendragon both? Can Morgause refrain from using her power as Lot's queen to indulge her fantasies? Can Guinivere reconcile her Christian beleifs and the fact she is in love with her husbands best friend? Can Morgaine be true both to Avalon and Arthur?
This is supposed to be a book about strong women, and for the most part, it is. But they are all written in such a way that I came away from the book not liking any of them, and thinking they all deserved their ends.
and of course, it's hard not to think of how MZBs personal belies could not have clouded this book. ...more
What a great classic! I have been meaning to read this for forever, it seems like, and am so glad I finally did. This is the story of young Merlin. HiWhat a great classic! I have been meaning to read this for forever, it seems like, and am so glad I finally did. This is the story of young Merlin. His early life, how he came into his power, and his part in the birth of Arthur Pendragon. The story was wonderful, the writing heavy on description but not overly so. A very enjoyable read!...more
I wish I liked this book more than I did. I should have liked it, it has a lot of stuff I like in it. But it just seemed to go on and on about things tI wish I liked this book more than I did. I should have liked it, it has a lot of stuff I like in it. But it just seemed to go on and on about things that werent pertinent, and then just gloss over things that it seemed should have got more attention. In the end, I didnt care enough when main characters died, because I really wasnt understanding their purpose in this world.... I did like the writing, and I get that this novel is mostly just set up for the rest of the series, but i really wanted to care more( or at least understand)...more
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