The Walking Drum by Louis L'Amour Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Walking Drum
Book Review: Excellent Historical Novel
Summary: 5 Stars
Louis L'Amour breaks from his tradition of writing fantastic western stories in The Walking Drum.Our hero, Mathurin Kerbouchard, embarks on a quest to rescue his father from the dangerous and evil rulers of the Fortress of Alamut.
On the way, Kerbouchard meets many new friends, as well as making many new enemies. He becomes not only a scholar and a warrior, but also a lover, becoming close to many beautiful women.
This is a very satisfying book - I was actually forced into reading it with school, but I enjoyed it.
Book Review: Exceptional history, predictable characters
Summary: 3 Stars
While I enjoyed the setting and characters of the book, not to mention the historical aspects, it was just too predictable. Kerbouchard was a likeable character most of the time, except when it came to the women in the story. Each "love" interest he meets becomes a damsel in distress that owes him much favor. He becomes separated from them, and forgets them long enough to venture on to the next adventure. Towards the end of the book, he boldly professes that he loved them all. The most absurd rendezvous was that of Sundari. They met, and within the following hours, fell deeply in love with one another. The book was a really good read with the exception of the romantic aspect. I would advise reading it, but don't get too wrapped up in Kerbouchard's current love interest, because she won't be around very long.Book Review: Exciting Adventures of the Middle Ages
Summary: 4 Stars
L'Amour offers an exciting adventure story in The Walking Drum and also provides readers with a vivid history lesson. The era of this story, the Middle Ages, covers events and times that I have been unaware of for the most part. L'Amour shares events, leaders, and cultures of the historical era that bring it alive to readers.
The story brings about one adventure, conflict and romance after another. The story's hero Kerbouchard is perhaps too ideal, being a warrior, scholar, theologian, medical specialist, and ladies man, but he does suffer defeats and routs. He always finds his way to get back on top and outface his enemies of which he makes many.
The story builds steam to the climax and leaves the reader wanting more. L'Amour throws in a bit of philosophy and life lessons into the mix as well.
Book Review: Fast, Furious and Educational Read
Summary: 4 Stars
To sum it up quickly, The Walking Drum is what you call a page turner. It is truly a book you can't put down. So be warned and be sure to set aside plenty of time for this one.
There are many reviews already written but I just had to express myself here and I will try to be brief. The best quality this book has is its historical setting and L'Amour's obvious expertise on the subject matter. Not only are you taken to crystal clear recreations of Crusade era lands, cities, societies, religions and cultures but it is done in such a way where you actually learn a thing or two. The attention to detail is amazing and accurate.
Even a page turner such as this has its downsides though. Still a must read, but it is hard to grow attached to the main character. If there ever was a Renaissance man, this is it. Forget Leonardo da Vinci or Michelangelo, Kerbouchard outshines them both combined. He is a Navigator, Astronomer, Physician, Philosopher, Geographer, Druid, Pirate, Scholar, Soldier, Gentleman and Ladies Man all in one. The reader can understand why others in the book are jealous of him! His qualifications are almost comical. The only thing he can't do is write poetry, but he certainly tries to talk like a poet. You will not relate to this man due to his omnipotence but at the same time you learn much about the historical world through him. The narrative is in first person and this all knowing being brings every aspect of his world to life. The author could have used multiple characters to have a similar effect. Instead of one there could have been two or three brothers who each sought skills in specific areas to help in the search of their father (this search being the central plot). One could have been the Adventurer, one the Scholar and another a Scoundrel; each seeking out different paths of knowledge to later put together as one. Having multiple points of view may have slowed down the pace of the novel but at least we would have had more sympathetic and realistic protaganists.
At times the monologues are a little long winded with philosophical preaching. I found myself drudging through extended soliloquies ready to smack the pages and scream, "all right I get it already, you're smooth with words!" One of these speeches he gives to a beautiful woman who the author would have you believe is enthralled with every word but you will be convinced her eyes have glazed over with boredom.
Other than these two gripes, this is an excellent read. It has its flaws but in the end you will be satisfied if not hungering for more. Sadly the author died before any sequels could be written but this novel stands alone just fine.
Book Review: Favorite Book Ever--Hard to Put Down!
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is full of adventure and suspense. The hero is an adventurer, yet a philosopher and a seeker of knowledge. I loved the historical era this book was set in, because it is a time not much written about in fiction. It was the perfect balance of adventure and thought provoking philosophy, with a hint of romance to boot.