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juller's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this book. It is a great adventure story. I know it is billed a romance, but it is not a romance in the modern sense of the romance genre. The characters were stereotypes, but that was part of what made it a fun read. That and the band of outlaws lead by Robin Hood. Oh, and the jester Wamba, who was much more wise than the fool he played. While the story was entertaining, it was not all fluff. For example, the authors use of the stereotypes to make his point, or the criticism of the early church (Drunk friars, unchaste warrior monks).
The only part that was a little disappointing was how one of the characters died. The character shall remain nameless so as not to spoil it for those who have not read the book. But dying because of conflicting inner passions??
I also liked the glimpse it gave into the long-ago era, though I am not sure that the novel is entirely historically accurate. But that just means I am now inspired to learn more about a time I have somewhat ignored.
The only part that was a little disappointing was how one of the characters died. The character shall remain nameless so as not to spoil it for those who have not read the book. But dying because of conflicting inner passions??
I also liked the glimpse it gave into the long-ago era, though I am not sure that the novel is entirely historically accurate. But that just means I am now inspired to learn more about a time I have somewhat ignored.
robdob's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism
crazysecondname's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
mspr2132's review against another edition
2.0
Technically a classic, but not really worth the effort. It's around 200 pages, but still...not worth the effort.
neolx's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.5
The writing was a bit dense but I loved the characters and all of the drama, action, and plot twists!
madfil's review against another edition
4.0
(28 May, 2020)
OK, here goes; medieval England, Templar Knights, Saxon heritage, Norman conquerors, strong women, Jewish bankers, a dispossessed noble, Jean Sans Terre, Robin Hood and his Merry Men, Richard Coeur De Lion (and) an actual Black knight – all in one novel!
There are a few bumps along the way and a ‘WTF’ moment near the end but it did not prevent me from enjoying ‘Ivanhoe’. Some descriptions are tedious but serve a purpose: to highlight Saxon rusticity versus Norman luxury (as in ‘get with the times Cedric!’). There’s action, intrigue, (some) romance, people to hate, some to love and the language was easy to read, verily.
Lastly, being familiar with that time period helped a bit (like knowing what ‘forest’ actually meant at that time) but was a nuisance at times too. All in all, highly recommended.
OK, here goes; medieval England, Templar Knights, Saxon heritage, Norman conquerors, strong women, Jewish bankers, a dispossessed noble, Jean Sans Terre, Robin Hood and his Merry Men, Richard Coeur De Lion (and) an actual Black knight – all in one novel!
There are a few bumps along the way and a ‘WTF’ moment near the end but it did not prevent me from enjoying ‘Ivanhoe’. Some descriptions are tedious but serve a purpose: to highlight Saxon rusticity versus Norman luxury (as in ‘get with the times Cedric!’). There’s action, intrigue, (some) romance, people to hate, some to love and the language was easy to read, verily.
Lastly, being familiar with that time period helped a bit (like knowing what ‘forest’ actually meant at that time) but was a nuisance at times too. All in all, highly recommended.
sk31's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
trin's review against another edition
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.5
Honestly I found this nearly unreadable. 400+ pages of antisemitism, an experience that to me was like being smacked in the face again and again and again. To be clear, Scott seems to (mostly) be saying that antisemitism is bad, but no Jewish character can be on page or referenced without someone calling them "accursed" or otherwise throwing a stereotype or a slur at them. It's exhausting. Scott seems to view Jews as prey animals -- which, I know [book:Maus|15196] plays with the same thing, but it's very different from the perspective <i>of</i> a Jew -- reviled and persecuted by all. Every single character they come across has something nasty to say about them (us), including the supposed heroes.
Ivanhoe himself, meanwhile, is bland as can be; I was waiting and waiting for his famous battle for Rebecca's life and honor and he doesn't even <i>do</i> anything in it! Yet Scott is appalled at the mere thought of him having romantic feelings for the "Jewess" who nurses him back to health, and at the end, the happiest ending he can conceive of for Rebecca is her leaving England, because it's implied that she just doesn't belong there. As the product of Jews and Scots who banged, let me just say a hearty: fuck you!
1.5 stars for all the best bits, which feature Robin Hood and -- forgive my ignorance until recently for not knowing this -- form the basis of the parts of the legend so gloriously displayed in <i>The Adventures of Robin Hood</i> starring Errol Flynn. I recommend watching that: it's much more entertaining and no one talks shit about Jews even <i>once</i>.
Ivanhoe himself, meanwhile, is bland as can be; I was waiting and waiting for his famous battle for Rebecca's life and honor and he doesn't even <i>do</i> anything in it! Yet Scott is appalled at the mere thought of him having romantic feelings for the "Jewess" who nurses him back to health, and at the end, the happiest ending he can conceive of for Rebecca is her leaving England, because it's implied that she just doesn't belong there. As the product of Jews and Scots who banged, let me just say a hearty: fuck you!
1.5 stars for all the best bits, which feature Robin Hood and -- forgive my ignorance until recently for not knowing this -- form the basis of the parts of the legend so gloriously displayed in <i>The Adventures of Robin Hood</i> starring Errol Flynn. I recommend watching that: it's much more entertaining and no one talks shit about Jews even <i>once</i>.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Antisemitism, and Religious bigotry
mzmegara's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25