La freccia nera

This was a reread for me, but my previous experience of the book was back in junior high school. (A lot of it I consciously remembered; much of it I recalled once reminded, and some of it was like a new book to me.) I'd wanted for some time to reread it, both so as to write a better-informed review

Continuing my exploration of Stevenson, this excellent historical fiction novel is set during the War of the Roses and has some strong action fight scenes. However, it was written over 100 years ago as a serial for a publication in 1883. Consequently, the language serves as an impediment to an accur Leggi tutto

I love Stevenson as a writer, yet The Black Arrow had somehow passed me by before now. It’s a medieval Treasure Island , set during the Wars of the Roses and published, like Treasure Island , first pseudonymously as a serial publication (1883), and then as a novel (1888). Like Treasure Island, The Bla Leggi tutto

I am rating this one 4 stars DESPITE the narration. It was a good story. One that tried to tell the tale of honor, love (I think), justice, the horrors of war, and the horrors created by those "leading" a war. It's a classic tale and I'm glad I read/listened to it. But if you are going to do this

I have no idea why The Black Arrow is not canon in the way that Treasure Island or Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hide are. It is a fantastic read, especially if you are like me and are in any way attracted to all things medieval. But there is much to love for anyone who is fond of thrilling adventure and surpr Leggi tutto