Despite the fact that this is most definitely a book for children, it is written with Rosemary Sutcliff's signature magic, and I haven't enjoyed anythDespite the fact that this is most definitely a book for children, it is written with Rosemary Sutcliff's signature magic, and I haven't enjoyed anything so wholeheartedly in a long time. It is a wholesome but engrossing tale of a little girl, set in the early 1500s, during the reign of old Henry the Pervert, and it is a rather beautiful look into a time before their monarchy utterly ruined England....more
This author is magic. Somehow he makes you see his time like you were born there, and guides you through exotic places and introduces you to the most This author is magic. Somehow he makes you see his time like you were born there, and guides you through exotic places and introduces you to the most wonderful people you'll ever meet. They don't make people like Maxime Ste. George these days, let me tell ya! This was a blissful, exotic adventure into what is now history, where you get to visit the French foreign Legion in Algiers and all of the magic of a time long past....more
Surprisingly good. It's either riveting or epic failure with Roman era novels, and this was fsr from an epic failure! Intriguing, fast paced, a touch oSurprisingly good. It's either riveting or epic failure with Roman era novels, and this was fsr from an epic failure! Intriguing, fast paced, a touch of mystery, and for once, a meaningful friendship between a man and woman! It was delightful not to have it debased into lust from 10% in. You actually get to see their relationship develope from polite disinterest to a wonderful friendship!! Rare as a unicorn....more
An old favorite of mine, this book is a sweet, heartfelt and sincere love story from the days when love was real. The characters are fully fleshed andAn old favorite of mine, this book is a sweet, heartfelt and sincere love story from the days when love was real. The characters are fully fleshed and everyone has a part to play. I highly recommend this to anyone who needs an escape from the troubles of the modern day....more
Pretty good children's book. It is written rather simply, so it is a little basic for a more mature reader, but children from 8 to 14 should probably Pretty good children's book. It is written rather simply, so it is a little basic for a more mature reader, but children from 8 to 14 should probably enjoy this immensely....more
I'm not sure when a book has so completely consumed me. Even years after reading it for the first time, it still haunts me. This is a complex and compI'm not sure when a book has so completely consumed me. Even years after reading it for the first time, it still haunts me. This is a complex and compelling story about a boy forced to an extreme level of cynicism and maturity at a very early age, and how he affects the people he comes into contact with along his journey. I highly recommend this, unless you're an old Communist, in which case it might offend you. (David's journey begins with an escape from a concentration camp.)...more
Everything that Nichols Van writes turns to literary gold, and this is no exception. It is whimsical, clever, funny and entertaining, while being histEverything that Nichols Van writes turns to literary gold, and this is no exception. It is whimsical, clever, funny and entertaining, while being historically informative and poignant. I highly recommend it....more
One of my childhood favorites, this book is also delightful for adults who want a look back. (Not that anyone alive today can look this far back, but One of my childhood favorites, this book is also delightful for adults who want a look back. (Not that anyone alive today can look this far back, but still.) It's a wonderful story of a family full of children in the Pioneer days when kids had no toys or outside playmates, and entertained themselves....more
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