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3.55 AVERAGE
3.55 AVERAGE
You'd think the eponymous character would play a large role in the the book, but Ivanhoe really wasn't a big part of the story. That said, the story was pretty entertaining. The story takes place in England after 1066 and thus a big theme is Saxon vs. Norman people in England. Then there's the Jew vs Christian theme. It always makes me uncomfortable how horrible Jews are treated in classical literature. Mr. Scott, though, seems to imply how ridiculous it is that Jews are treated as 2nd rate citizens. He goes back and forth between insulting the Jews and insulting Christians. It's a complex tale, more so than I would have guessed.
The prose is quite poetic, too, and Wamba is a fool in the grand trickster tradition who spins many a pretty turn of phrase. Oh, and Robin Hood and his Merry Men are part of the story, too. Knights a-plenty give the reader some good battle scenes. Finally, in another unexpected bit of enlightenment, women, specifically the "Jewess" Rebecca, aren't always treated as dainty daft dames. While not completely able to shake off the shackles of misogyny, Mr. Scott does include at least one strong woman character. All in all, it is a pretty progressive work with a great writing style. Not the easiest read, it's definitely worth a shot, though.
The prose is quite poetic, too, and Wamba is a fool in the grand trickster tradition who spins many a pretty turn of phrase. Oh, and Robin Hood and his Merry Men are part of the story, too. Knights a-plenty give the reader some good battle scenes. Finally, in another unexpected bit of enlightenment, women, specifically the "Jewess" Rebecca, aren't always treated as dainty daft dames. While not completely able to shake off the shackles of misogyny, Mr. Scott does include at least one strong woman character. All in all, it is a pretty progressive work with a great writing style. Not the easiest read, it's definitely worth a shot, though.
I truly enjoyed the riveting prose, but wish that Ivanhoe would have ended up with Rebecca.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
medium-paced
If you would think that the main character of this book is Wilfred of Ivanhoe, you would be logical, based on the title. You would also be wrong.
Also Holy Anti-semitism Batman! (There is two kinds, the sort intentionally put in by the author for his characters to show the time period, and the sort that the author just drops from which we can see the prejudices of his day. On the whole, the Jewish characters are sympathetic, and I feel like the intent was ultimately well-meaning)
Also Holy Anti-semitism Batman! (There is two kinds, the sort intentionally put in by the author for his characters to show the time period, and the sort that the author just drops from which we can see the prejudices of his day. On the whole, the Jewish characters are sympathetic, and I feel like the intent was ultimately well-meaning)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Antisemitism
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I understand why this is such an important work. However, it is not for me. Struggled through it and am glad to check it off my list, BUT am also glad to know where all of these stories and cliche's come from! NOW, I shall SALLY FORTH from hence, never to return! And yes, I do mean -- in a sudden, energetic AND violent manner.
The downside to this novel is that the language is antiquated, and was antiquated even in Scott's time (he wrote it around 1819/1820) because he was portraying events from many centuries earlier, right after the end of the Crusades. The upside is that the book is jam-packed with action: nobles traveling in disguise, jousting, archery contests, kidnapping, threats of torture and rape, a witch trial, a daring rescue, a madwoman in the belfry. I thought this was a fun read, overall, and I'm curious to watch one of the movie adaptations of it now.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Awful translation and editing work. Couldn't fully enjoy the book.