The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Mists of Avalon
Book Review: A New Twist on an Old Legend
Summary: 5 Stars
The Mists of Avalon is essentially, as my title states, a new twist on an old legend. Bradley takes her ideal of feminism and places it in the book, with the world of Avalon being based around female dominance, and queens having heavy infulence over their respected kings.
But in essense, the book keeps the historic story of King Arthur and adds modern twists that keep the plot fresh and sets new suprises around every corner.
The size of the book is somewhat daunting, as i saw it when i first got the book, but you soon ignore the size, and as you reach the end, you may even wish it were longer. The story pulls you in, detail is very high, letting your imagination roam and gives your mind a tool in which to pull you into the story, making you feel like you really are there.
The story, save for the first hundred pages or so, never dies down, there's always conflict and it dosen't bore you to the point where you want to skip pages. Often I read over pages because a certain scene is so mind boggling or wild that I double-take and read it again.
My only dislike for the book was the prominance of religious speak, which I personally am not a fan about, but can understand it's place in the book, due to the time period. Bradley really did her homework although in this section, there's plenty of Christian vs Pagan arguments where the facts each character throws at another seem so real. I really give credit for her in-depth research of both the story of King Arthur and the religious aspects of that time period.
Book Review: A Novel Take On A Classic Tale - Superb!!
Summary: 5 Stars
Marion Zimmer Bradley's "The Mists of Avalon" is one of my favorite versions of the Arthurian legend. I first read the novel in the early 1990s, right after its publication. I reread it recently and was surprised at how much I enjoyed this extraordinary novel the second time around. I turned the pages more slowly and took more time to savor Ms. Bradley's excellent narrative and fresh version of the legendary saga of the rise and fall of Camelot. Her take on the classic characters gives them new depth and dimension. She tells her tale from a feminine perspective, and while the King and knights of Camelot dwell on war, battles and keeping their golden city and realm safe, along with focusing on chivalric honor, the women have different priorities and concerns.The tale is told from the points of view of the much maligned Morgaine, (Morgana Le Fey), Priestess of Avalon and Gwenhwyfar, (Gwynivere), Christian princess and future queen of Camelot. Although most of the events of the traditional Arthurian legend are presented here, it is extremely interesting how the tale, told by men, changes when viewed through the eyes and experiences of a woman. This is also the important story of the political and religious conflict between the new Christianity and the "old ways" of goddess worship. Believers of each religion seek to control the throne, but ultimately Christianity ascends to be the organized religion of the land. Since Morgaine is a Druid High Priestess, it would explain why she received such a bad rap in Christian civilization. The reader also views other famous female characters from a different vantage point, including Igraine, Morgaine's and Arthur's mother,
Ms. Bradley follows Morgaine from childhood to Priestess in her home on the Isle of Avalon, the center of Druidism and goddess worship since the Roman occupation forced the religion underground, where it remained long after the Roman departure. Mists surround this mystical isle, protecting it and its inhabitants from all who do not have the psychic powers to penetrate the barrier. Morgaine has dedicated her life to preserving her ancient religion and tries to defend it against the growing numbers of her countrymen and the Camelot royalty who exchange the old ways for Christianity. She is also a very powerful person and struggles against the stereotypes which expect her to adhere to more traditional "feminine," (dependent), behavior and roles.
Bradley also follows the lovely Gwenhwyfar from the innocence of her girlhood to her rise as King Arthur's Christian Queen. She deeply fears Druid magic and her terror causes her to miscarry a long awaited baby. King Arthur's acquiescence to his wife's pleas to turn his back on the old ways and adopt Christianity is the beginning of the cataclysmic fall of his reign.
This is a most unique novel and Ms. Bradley's innovative fantasy version of Camelot, Britain during the Dark Ages, and the profound changes which took place in the land and among the people during this period had me riveted until I completed the last page. If you are open to a different take on a classic tale, then I highly recommend this wonderful novel.
JANA
Book Review: A Remarkable Book
Summary: 4 Stars
I enjoyed many of Marion Bradley's science fiction works, particularly some of her Darkover series. However I didn't get around to reading this, her most popular title, until recently. Like most other readers, I found this re-telling of the Arthurian Legend to be absorbing and well-told, and I was sorry to see it end. I was especially impressed by how deeply I came to care about the characters. All of them are deeply flawed and very, very human, and this is what makes them three-dimensional. Rather than a standard heroes-and-villains adventure, "Mists of Avalon" features real people struggling with real issues.
The central conflict of the story is the rapid growth of Christianity, and the struggle of those who follow the ancient Celtic beliefs to turn back the tide and revive the old traditions. The theological discussions are fascinating; although many readers may find the view of Christianity too harsh, there are genuine exchanges of views among the characters. This is not a case of an author using the story to lecture, as Robert Heinlein did so often in his later work.
Bradley is stronger at dialogue than she is at action, and there are places where the story slows somewhat, but these lulls don't last long.
This book has been a bestseller since it was published, and it deserves its reputation. Well worth your time.
Book Review: A Warning For The Men
Summary: 2 Stars
While there's no question in my mind that Bradley is an astounding writer, I urge all men, especially fans of the cold and brutal legends of King Arthur to NOT read this book. Bradley takes romantic reworking to new and rather appaling levels in this retelling from the women's point of view. As an example, she somehow manages to make every rape, including the one of Arthur by his sister, into a beautiful, romantic affair. As an aside, it's notable that much of the book is almost documentary worthy descriptions of Wicca and its practices. Books with this much religious sympathizing of Christian practices are classifiable as "Christian Fantasy". I actually started to feel preached to after several hundred pages of it.Men, read with caution. Or stick with Malory.
Book Review: A Woman Reader
Summary: 4 Stars
This was a beautiful story! I believe that it truly relates to every kind of woman. While encouraging us to become stronger and more independent. What I gained from this book was more than just a wonderfully told story.