Hood -
The King Raven Trilogy, book oneby Stephen Lawhead
copyright 2006
Challenge: None - For My Own Reading Enjoyment
From the backcover of Hood:
For centuries, the legend of Robin Hood and his band of thieves has captivated the imagination. Now the familiar tale takes on new life, fresh meaning, and an unexpected setting.
Robin Hood is probably my most favorite folklore. I have been captivated by the telling. When I saw Hood on Amazon.com and read the back cover, I knew I needed to read this book.
Hood is a familiar tale, captivated my imagination and did take on new life, meaning and the setting is far different than that traditionally told.
Hood is set in Medieval Britain - Wales. Wales proved to be a great setting for Hood. It had mystic and the surroundings were vividly described as a place far from civilization, an untamed so to speak terrain. As Lawhead said in his book - Hood, "Wales of the March borderland was primeval forest...a fearsome wilderness...he could have lived for years in the forests of the March and never been seen or heard." pgs.489-490 I loved the setting. I thought it was very fitting.
"New life, fresh meaning" was certainly read from the beginning to end. I thoroughly enjoyed the author's approach to Hood. I enjoyed learning about the "backdrop", the life of Hood before he became Hood. I felt as if the book, Hood, gave me a feel of the life, trials and tribulations surrounding the people of The March and that of Hood. There was diversity. It gave me insight as to why Hood took on the role of an outlaw, why he fought "to right the laws of England and curb the powers of an overbearing monarchy." p.492
Hood is fast paced with adventure and intrigue.
Affixed to a tree beside the road was what appeared to be the figure of a man with huge hands and an enormous misshapen head, drenched in blood, his arms stretched as if to welcome passersby with a grisly embrace. A second glance revealed that it was not a man at all, but a statue of cloth and straw affixed to a scaffold of tree limbs and topped with the head of a boar. The hideous thing had been drenched in blood and was covered with flies. "Merde," Guy spat, urging his mount forward once more. "Pagens."
You must read on to know the true extent of what was to come. The story of Hood provided a great adventure. There are many twists and turns. It kept me reaching for the book...to read more...more...
The language in the book was fascinating. Lawhead put a pronunciation guide for the old Celtic words in the back of the book. It proved to be helpful in understanding how a word was spoke. I also liked the use of French words/phrases intertwined within the story. For example, "Yeux de Dieu" means Eyes of God. "Merde" is a slang for Sh@t. A bit humorous. The phrase most often read was not French but Latin - "Pax vobiscum" which means "Peace be with you". They, the Cymre (the people of Wales a Briton) used this phrase as a greeting.
Speaking of phrases used as greetings, the one that I loved the best was used much by Merian and her mother, "Joy and Peace to you this day." This phrase I have decided to use with my family as I send my children off to school, as a way to lay a blessing over them. I find this phrase of "Joy and Peace to you this day" to be my biggest "take away" from the book. Love it.
The characters held my attention.
Hood. He was intriguing to me - we learn about the negative aspects of Hood as well as his positive aspects. He is a hero with flaws. As the story progresses, we see Hood develop and grow. We see him gain purpose for his life. I really enjoyed the part in the book where Hood is convalescing. This is where much of his character growth occurs. The one area of disappointment to me is that the story jumps from his moment of realization, of where he fits and his role in life, his loyalty to his people to that of becoming Hood. I wish the story gave a bit more insight to the moment of his realization. However, that did not deter me at all in liking the story.
Little John. The story tells a bit of who he is but not much. There is enough about Little John in the story to know he is very loyal and a good friend to Hood.
Friar Tuck. Tuck seems to play a greater role in this story than Little John. I find him interesting as he left a life of stability and entered one of an outlaw. He has his reasons.
Merian. She is by far more interesting in this story, Hood, than any other story I have read of Robin Hood. I feel, we get a deeper insight to Merian. I appreciate her and look forward to reading more of her...I hope.
The Political System. This area encompasses all those in power and in the Monarchy. Mostly,as far as a character, we learn of Baron Neufmarche. We do read and learn much about the politics of the time. It is very well written, did not bore me at all with the details.
Cel Craidd. Ahhh... the area of where the outlaws live within The March primeval forest. This setting greatly intrigues me. I so want to read more on how the people lived here and their surroundings.
The prologue and the chapter: Robin Hood in Wales? are must read sections. The prologue sets up the story. Robin Hood in Wales? gives an overview to the history of the time and the reasons why Lawhead feels Robin Hood is set in The March of medieval Britain. Very insightful.
A Great Read!
Recommended for those who enjoy Robin Hood and/or a terrific adventure book.
I now am looking forward to reading, Scarlet - book two in The King Raven Trilogy.
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