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lizandra's review
4.0
I listened to the audiobook narrated by BJ Harrison and this review pertains to that version.
The narration is masterful, as I have come to expect from Harrison. This was a challenging story to narrate as there is a huge cast of characters to differentiate, but Harrison is up to the challenge. I can honestly say that I would never have finished this book in a written form, but the audio kept me riveted. I listened well past midnight and into the wee hours on a work night because once Rebecca was on trial, I couldn't stop until I was done.
The anti-semitism is offputting at first, but then it becomes the heart of the story as we see the evolution of several characters as they interact with Rebecca. She is the most fully developed character in the piece, and her integrity, faith, and gentle spirit inspired me as it did those characters who allowed themselves to know her. As this happened, my initial horror at the anti-semitism was transformed into hope that good people even in our day can overcome entrenched bigotry. I am glad I continued listening despite my initial reaction.
The narration is masterful, as I have come to expect from Harrison. This was a challenging story to narrate as there is a huge cast of characters to differentiate, but Harrison is up to the challenge. I can honestly say that I would never have finished this book in a written form, but the audio kept me riveted. I listened well past midnight and into the wee hours on a work night because once Rebecca was on trial, I couldn't stop until I was done.
The anti-semitism is offputting at first, but then it becomes the heart of the story as we see the evolution of several characters as they interact with Rebecca. She is the most fully developed character in the piece, and her integrity, faith, and gentle spirit inspired me as it did those characters who allowed themselves to know her. As this happened, my initial horror at the anti-semitism was transformed into hope that good people even in our day can overcome entrenched bigotry. I am glad I continued listening despite my initial reaction.
rainydaydreamer's review against another edition
5.0
I think my favorite part of this story was when Athelstan showed up to his own funeral. Life goals right there. I've always wanted to dramatically appear at my own funeral. anyway good book highly recommend blah blah blah reviewing classics feels useless because every body loves them already anyway also the real hero of the story was Wamba the jester not Ivanhoe the knight you cannot convince me otherwise
mb_lovestoread's review against another edition
adventurous
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? It's complicated
1.25
amandumb's review against another edition
4.0
delightful! i think i prefer waverley—the “sixty years since” setting of that novel was more vivid to me than scott’s rendering of the anglo-norman past, in terms of both setting and characterization—but all the same, i quite enjoyed this! sometimes i just need to read a novel that feels like a novel, and ivanhoe certainly satisfied that craving.
mrtwinkie's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
bioniclib's review against another edition
3.0
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.