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Guinevere #1
Child of the Northern Spring
In the tradition of The Once and Future King and Mists of Avalon, Persia Woolley has created a rich, highly readable, startlingly original recreation of the tale of Arthur--seen from Guinevere's point of view. Previously published by Poseidon.
In an age alive with portents and magic, a spirited young beauty rode out of the rugged Celtic lands to wed the great warrior king, Arthur. Now, at last, Guinevere herself unfolds the legend.
Born a princess, raised to be a queen, Guinevere traveled the length of England protected by the wise enchanter Merlin. As Britain struggled out of a long darkness, scattered armies raised the cry for war and old gods challenged the new in combats mortal and immortal. And Guinevere encountered her destiny in the fabled dreams of her king. She would reign as High Queen of all Britain, but her most perilous adventure was yet to come...the journey from royal innocent to passionate lover.
In an age alive with portents and magic, a spirited young beauty rode out of the rugged Celtic lands to wed the great warrior king, Arthur. Now, at last, Guinevere herself unfolds the legend.
Born a princess, raised to be a queen, Guinevere traveled the length of England protected by the wise enchanter Merlin. As Britain struggled out of a long darkness, scattered armies raised the cry for war and old gods challenged the new in combats mortal and immortal. And Guinevere encountered her destiny in the fabled dreams of her king. She would reign as High Queen of all Britain, but her most perilous adventure was yet to come...the journey from royal innocent to passionate lover.
428 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1987
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
March 29, 2021
A beautifully written and engaging book about the beauty and heroine of Arthurian legend, Arthur's queen Guinevere, and one of the best Arthurian novels I have read together with the Merlin series by Mary Stewart. The Queen of Camelot series by Nancy Mc Kenzie is also good but this series by Persia Wooley was one of the first to explore the Arthurian saga through the eyes of Guinevere. Better than The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley, Rosalinde Miles Guinevere Trilogy and Bernward Cornwell's Arthurian books, all of which give negative portrayals of Guinevere, either as an insipid and confused wimp as in The Miles series, or a shrewish harlot as in the books by Cornwell and Zimmer Bradley.
Full of fully fleshed out romance and adventure, and a portrayal of 5th century Britain under siege from Saxon hordes, Viking raiders and Irish pirates, while the Celts were being torn apart by internal power struggles. An appealing, strong and intelligent Guinevere is portrayed here, with interesting insight into Avalon and the priestesses. Depicts the struggle in the 6th century Britain between Paganism and Christianity without vilifying the early Christians as Miles and Zimmer Bradley do, or giving us a Christian perspective as in the Stephen Lawhead Pendragon Cycle. Thoroughly enjoyable, engaging and exciting and gives us a life affirming and powerful insight in Arthurian Britain, with real flesh and blood characters. A historical novel rather than a fantasy filled with magic, but with some prophecy by the Seer Merlin and the priestesses of Avalon
Full of fully fleshed out romance and adventure, and a portrayal of 5th century Britain under siege from Saxon hordes, Viking raiders and Irish pirates, while the Celts were being torn apart by internal power struggles. An appealing, strong and intelligent Guinevere is portrayed here, with interesting insight into Avalon and the priestesses. Depicts the struggle in the 6th century Britain between Paganism and Christianity without vilifying the early Christians as Miles and Zimmer Bradley do, or giving us a Christian perspective as in the Stephen Lawhead Pendragon Cycle. Thoroughly enjoyable, engaging and exciting and gives us a life affirming and powerful insight in Arthurian Britain, with real flesh and blood characters. A historical novel rather than a fantasy filled with magic, but with some prophecy by the Seer Merlin and the priestesses of Avalon
November 4, 2010
I authored this book
November 21, 2016
Many pros and cons in this book: overall a good read. This one has not been categorised on GR as YA as was Gillian Bradshaw's series - yet this one reads more YA and Bradshaw's not at all. Epitomizing, really, my confusion around what on earth does YA actually consist of?
Allowing for the writing style that says YA to me, it's an excellent read. What spoils it are the myriad historical howlers and casual modern language that pops up. I have no problem with a writer using modern language in HF but there are phrases that jar and don't belong there. So, Arthur says "Shall we go for a walk?" and Guinevere responds "Sure." That jars. The historical howlers I forgive because of the good storytelling but it would be better without them. Tea in a teapot - oh, she tells us it's chamomile but it's too late....and then she references the teapot. Tea in any form is not available in the Dark Ages so nor is the word 'tea'. This sort of thing is so constant that there is no point giving more than one example.
I do recommend this as an Arthurian story but do make yourself clear that you will need to let the anachronisms go or you'll be constantly annoyed. I will be reading the two sequelae.
Allowing for the writing style that says YA to me, it's an excellent read. What spoils it are the myriad historical howlers and casual modern language that pops up. I have no problem with a writer using modern language in HF but there are phrases that jar and don't belong there. So, Arthur says "Shall we go for a walk?" and Guinevere responds "Sure." That jars. The historical howlers I forgive because of the good storytelling but it would be better without them. Tea in a teapot - oh, she tells us it's chamomile but it's too late....and then she references the teapot. Tea in any form is not available in the Dark Ages so nor is the word 'tea'. This sort of thing is so constant that there is no point giving more than one example.
I do recommend this as an Arthurian story but do make yourself clear that you will need to let the anachronisms go or you'll be constantly annoyed. I will be reading the two sequelae.
December 5, 2015
Ginevra è un personaggio difficile da amare: l'infedele moglie di Artù, la donna che tradisce il marito, catalizzatore per la fine della Tavola Rotonda.
Perfettina ed inutile finchè non causa il disastro, e poco importa se la relazione con Lancillotto c'è stata per amore e non per noia o che Artù abbia creato la propria nemesi da solo.
Quando hanno iniziato ad esserci retelling più moderni, quelli che si degnavano di reiterpretare anche i personaggi femminili... ecco che uno dei più famosi a livello internazionale è Le Nebbie di Avalon. Che svolge un lavoro notevole su Morgana, ma per la miseria se non rende impossibile provare anche solo una scintilla di simpatia per Ginevra: è quel genere di libro che ti lascia quel retrogusto di antipatia per il personaggio così forte che a prescindere da cosa tu stia leggendo, sotto sotto lo sai che è una stronza.
Tutto questo per dire che questo libro l'ho preso perchè avevo letto una recensione estremamente positiva, al punto da avermi fatto passare sopra l'antipatia per la regina (a onor del vero già mitigata da Mary Stewart, ma quelli saranno dei post a parte se avrò tempo), e ho fatto bene: Persia Woolley ha preso i pregiudizi causati da Marion Zimmer Bradley e li ha lanciati fuori dalla finestra.
Adesso cominciamo: il libro è in prima persona, narrato da Guinevere, e salta tra il presente e il flashback in un modo che è l'unico vero difetto che ho trovato qua dentro.
Non te lo dice, non c'è modo di prevederlo: da un capitolo all'altro può cambiare la linea temporale su cui ti stai muovendo, quando pensi che forse si va a capitoli alterni ecco che ne hai due o tre nel passato - o nel presente. Dopo un po' ci si fa l'abitudine, e diventa molto meno fastidioso di quanto sembra... ma all'inizio è totalmente random. È anche un libro completamente introduttivo (e per questo il più lungo della trilogia): ci presenta Guinevere, la sua infanzia, il suo regno. Ci mostra a situazione politica e culturale della Britannia, chi sono i nemici e perchè, e anche una parte molto faiga sulle difficoltà di un povero disgraziato che vuole diventare unico re di una nazione composta da micro-regni senza twitter, o facebook, o un telefono, o un piccione viaggiatore (Arthur è sempre in giro per parlare e discutere e concludere qualcosa).
Quando finisce il flashback di Gwen, comincia quello di Arthur: un racconto nel racconto, in cui la principessa in viaggio si fa narrare da Bedivere le imprese del futuro marito per capire che tipo sia. Insomma, non succede moltissimo per quanto riguarda gli eventi del presente, ma abbiamo di tutto e di più per gettare le basi del mito.
A questo si aggiunge che Persia Woolley è molto brava a tratteggiare i personaggi: Guinevere è una principessa celtica, cresciuta in un ambiente relativamente povero dove la nobiltà si rimbocca le maniche. Per lei una regina governa e consiglia, gode di una libertà negata alle donne di altre regioni ed è fiera del proprio retaggio. Pur consapevole di essere destinata ad un matrimonio combinato, è poco meno che sgomenta all'idea di un matrimonio che la porterà lontano dal suo regno e che la metterà - potenzialmente - al di sotto del marito... e accetta non per ambizione ma perchè, a livello pratico, non c'è molto altro che possa fare: un rifiuto (o la fuga, che per un paio di minuto valuta anche quella) umilierebbe la sua famiglia, e altri pretendenti politicamente degni di essere presi in considerazione non ce ne sono.
Il matrimonio tra Ginevra e Artù si prospetta subito come uno che si baserà sul rispetto, sull'affetto, sulla stima reciproca. Ma non sulla passione, e questo imho permetterà un bel gioco e tanto dramma quando entrerà in scena Lancillotto.
I personaggi secondari funzionano molto bene: dei Cavalieri veri e propri si vede poco, Bedivere e Gawaine sono quelli più sotto i riflettori, e nel caso del secondo ho apprezzato come la Woolley non si sentisse legata alle 'impressioni iniziali'. Gawaine pre-adolescente è un ragazzino con difetti difficili da sopportare, ma questo non intacca il suo buon cuore, e la possibilità di diventare un adulto degno di rispetto.
Bedivere è il classico migliore amico, tipologia di personaggio che mi intenerisce sempre un po'.
Tuttavia, a spiccare di più in questo volume sono le donne: le dame di Guinevere, ognuna col suo carattere e il suo retaggio. Lavinia, la matrona romana chiamata per fare della principessa una vera dama. Brigit, cristiana ed irlandese, pratica come pochi al mondo, che diventa la migliore amica - nonchè sorella putativa - di Gwen. Igraine, con la sua dignità e il suo dolore. Morgan, composta da passione ed estremi.
In un libro dove la protagonista è fuori dal suo ambiente, loro per me sono diventate il cuore pulsante della narrazione.
E se questo è il primo volume, quello dove ancora ci troviamo su un terreno sicuro, i prossimi saranno ancora migliori.
Perchè nei prossimi si entra nel vivo, e si inizierà a raccogliere tutto quello che è stato seminato.
Perfettina ed inutile finchè non causa il disastro, e poco importa se la relazione con Lancillotto c'è stata per amore e non per noia o che Artù abbia creato la propria nemesi da solo.
Quando hanno iniziato ad esserci retelling più moderni, quelli che si degnavano di reiterpretare anche i personaggi femminili... ecco che uno dei più famosi a livello internazionale è Le Nebbie di Avalon. Che svolge un lavoro notevole su Morgana, ma per la miseria se non rende impossibile provare anche solo una scintilla di simpatia per Ginevra: è quel genere di libro che ti lascia quel retrogusto di antipatia per il personaggio così forte che a prescindere da cosa tu stia leggendo, sotto sotto lo sai che è una stronza.
Tutto questo per dire che questo libro l'ho preso perchè avevo letto una recensione estremamente positiva, al punto da avermi fatto passare sopra l'antipatia per la regina (a onor del vero già mitigata da Mary Stewart, ma quelli saranno dei post a parte se avrò tempo), e ho fatto bene: Persia Woolley ha preso i pregiudizi causati da Marion Zimmer Bradley e li ha lanciati fuori dalla finestra.
Adesso cominciamo: il libro è in prima persona, narrato da Guinevere, e salta tra il presente e il flashback in un modo che è l'unico vero difetto che ho trovato qua dentro.
Non te lo dice, non c'è modo di prevederlo: da un capitolo all'altro può cambiare la linea temporale su cui ti stai muovendo, quando pensi che forse si va a capitoli alterni ecco che ne hai due o tre nel passato - o nel presente. Dopo un po' ci si fa l'abitudine, e diventa molto meno fastidioso di quanto sembra... ma all'inizio è totalmente random. È anche un libro completamente introduttivo (e per questo il più lungo della trilogia): ci presenta Guinevere, la sua infanzia, il suo regno. Ci mostra a situazione politica e culturale della Britannia, chi sono i nemici e perchè, e anche una parte molto faiga sulle difficoltà di un povero disgraziato che vuole diventare unico re di una nazione composta da micro-regni senza twitter, o facebook, o un telefono, o un piccione viaggiatore (Arthur è sempre in giro per parlare e discutere e concludere qualcosa).
Quando finisce il flashback di Gwen, comincia quello di Arthur: un racconto nel racconto, in cui la principessa in viaggio si fa narrare da Bedivere le imprese del futuro marito per capire che tipo sia. Insomma, non succede moltissimo per quanto riguarda gli eventi del presente, ma abbiamo di tutto e di più per gettare le basi del mito.
A questo si aggiunge che Persia Woolley è molto brava a tratteggiare i personaggi: Guinevere è una principessa celtica, cresciuta in un ambiente relativamente povero dove la nobiltà si rimbocca le maniche. Per lei una regina governa e consiglia, gode di una libertà negata alle donne di altre regioni ed è fiera del proprio retaggio. Pur consapevole di essere destinata ad un matrimonio combinato, è poco meno che sgomenta all'idea di un matrimonio che la porterà lontano dal suo regno e che la metterà - potenzialmente - al di sotto del marito... e accetta non per ambizione ma perchè, a livello pratico, non c'è molto altro che possa fare: un rifiuto (o la fuga, che per un paio di minuto valuta anche quella) umilierebbe la sua famiglia, e altri pretendenti politicamente degni di essere presi in considerazione non ce ne sono.
Il matrimonio tra Ginevra e Artù si prospetta subito come uno che si baserà sul rispetto, sull'affetto, sulla stima reciproca. Ma non sulla passione, e questo imho permetterà un bel gioco e tanto dramma quando entrerà in scena Lancillotto.
I personaggi secondari funzionano molto bene: dei Cavalieri veri e propri si vede poco, Bedivere e Gawaine sono quelli più sotto i riflettori, e nel caso del secondo ho apprezzato come la Woolley non si sentisse legata alle 'impressioni iniziali'. Gawaine pre-adolescente è un ragazzino con difetti difficili da sopportare, ma questo non intacca il suo buon cuore, e la possibilità di diventare un adulto degno di rispetto.
Bedivere è il classico migliore amico, tipologia di personaggio che mi intenerisce sempre un po'.
Tuttavia, a spiccare di più in questo volume sono le donne: le dame di Guinevere, ognuna col suo carattere e il suo retaggio. Lavinia, la matrona romana chiamata per fare della principessa una vera dama. Brigit, cristiana ed irlandese, pratica come pochi al mondo, che diventa la migliore amica - nonchè sorella putativa - di Gwen. Igraine, con la sua dignità e il suo dolore. Morgan, composta da passione ed estremi.
In un libro dove la protagonista è fuori dal suo ambiente, loro per me sono diventate il cuore pulsante della narrazione.
E se questo è il primo volume, quello dove ancora ci troviamo su un terreno sicuro, i prossimi saranno ancora migliori.
Perchè nei prossimi si entra nel vivo, e si inizierà a raccogliere tutto quello che è stato seminato.
November 16, 2010
2.5 - 3 star read ...
Arthurian legends have held the aura of mystique for quite a few years, but the recent releases of Anna Elliott's Avalon series have helped me to quench the thirst for more stories of the period. There are several popular authors of the Arthurian genre such as Marion Zimmer Bradley, and Helen Hollick's Kingmaking series, and we also have the Guenevere novels by Rosalind Miles that I have wanted to read for awhile. Instead the opportunity came to review this reissue of another Guinevere/Guenevere trilogy, starting with Child of the Northern Spring by Persia Woolley.
The story starts with Woolley's Guinevere as a young woman about to be wedded to Arthur. On the excrutiatingly long journey to meet with her new husband, Guinevere's thoughts are full of reflection and the author recounts previous experiences in her life which makes the story jump back and forth in the timeline. This was not received well, as all I wanted was for Arthur and Guinevere to get married as promised upon the opening of the novel, and she doesn't become queen during this novel although the event was alluded to many times.
Irritatingly slow and dry was Guinevere's early story, and I found it difficult to want to pick up the book many a times. This is definitely something that you have to be ready to sit down and enjoy the atmosphere along with the young Guinevere as she sees and hears it for the first time, but if you are waiting for the dramatics and mystical realms of the Arthurian legends you are setting yourself up for disappointment. I feel that the author does a fine job of weaving Arthurian nuances throughout the many different characters in the story, but I wanted more of Guinevere's character and not the entire realm as it occurred around her and before her time as Queen. The cast of characters seemed complete though, with Arthur, Merlin, Morgan Le Fey and Mordred as well as several kings, soldiers and family members.
If you are the type of reader that gets put off by jumps in time (like I am) this will be a thorn in your side. To be fair, I have read that the later installments in Woolley's trilogy were much better received than this first piece, and perhaps those installments as a whole achieve what I was looking for here. And the last half of book one was better than its first, but it was slow going getting there. Alaine at Queen of Happy Endings did thoroughly enjoy Child of the Northern Spring, you can read her review here and get a difference in our two opinions. I think you need to be willing to immerse yourself in the setting of Arthurian legend, just as Guinevere herself tries to unwind the tales and customs, in order to enjoy the story. I have heard great things about the other Guenevere trilogy by Rosalind Miles and I have those waiting for the gift of my time and for when I am brave enough to delve back into Arthurian fantasy. It could be that I have worn out the welcome for Arthurian tales and not all that intrigued by he and his family any longer. Coupled with that and the time jumps within this story, this just wasn't the right moment for me to be able to thoroughly enjoy this novel.
Arthurian legends have held the aura of mystique for quite a few years, but the recent releases of Anna Elliott's Avalon series have helped me to quench the thirst for more stories of the period. There are several popular authors of the Arthurian genre such as Marion Zimmer Bradley, and Helen Hollick's Kingmaking series, and we also have the Guenevere novels by Rosalind Miles that I have wanted to read for awhile. Instead the opportunity came to review this reissue of another Guinevere/Guenevere trilogy, starting with Child of the Northern Spring by Persia Woolley.
The story starts with Woolley's Guinevere as a young woman about to be wedded to Arthur. On the excrutiatingly long journey to meet with her new husband, Guinevere's thoughts are full of reflection and the author recounts previous experiences in her life which makes the story jump back and forth in the timeline. This was not received well, as all I wanted was for Arthur and Guinevere to get married as promised upon the opening of the novel, and she doesn't become queen during this novel although the event was alluded to many times.
Irritatingly slow and dry was Guinevere's early story, and I found it difficult to want to pick up the book many a times. This is definitely something that you have to be ready to sit down and enjoy the atmosphere along with the young Guinevere as she sees and hears it for the first time, but if you are waiting for the dramatics and mystical realms of the Arthurian legends you are setting yourself up for disappointment. I feel that the author does a fine job of weaving Arthurian nuances throughout the many different characters in the story, but I wanted more of Guinevere's character and not the entire realm as it occurred around her and before her time as Queen. The cast of characters seemed complete though, with Arthur, Merlin, Morgan Le Fey and Mordred as well as several kings, soldiers and family members.
If you are the type of reader that gets put off by jumps in time (like I am) this will be a thorn in your side. To be fair, I have read that the later installments in Woolley's trilogy were much better received than this first piece, and perhaps those installments as a whole achieve what I was looking for here. And the last half of book one was better than its first, but it was slow going getting there. Alaine at Queen of Happy Endings did thoroughly enjoy Child of the Northern Spring, you can read her review here and get a difference in our two opinions. I think you need to be willing to immerse yourself in the setting of Arthurian legend, just as Guinevere herself tries to unwind the tales and customs, in order to enjoy the story. I have heard great things about the other Guenevere trilogy by Rosalind Miles and I have those waiting for the gift of my time and for when I am brave enough to delve back into Arthurian fantasy. It could be that I have worn out the welcome for Arthurian tales and not all that intrigued by he and his family any longer. Coupled with that and the time jumps within this story, this just wasn't the right moment for me to be able to thoroughly enjoy this novel.
March 17, 2011
I really wasn't impressed by Persia Woolley's version of Guinevere's story, to begin with. The transitions between past and present were clumsily done, and this version of Guinevere wasn't anything particularly new. It reminded me very much of Mercedes Lackey's version of the story, Gwenhwyfar: The White Spirit, except that this Guinevere is less of a warrior-type. They had definite similarities, though, with the deaths of their mothers, their links to Epona, etc.
However, as it developed, I came to enjoy it much more. The prose never really rose above mediocre, in my opinion, but the characters were well presented, and their relations to each other well thought out. The glimpse of a young, angry Gawain was fantastic, though too brief for a Gawain-lover like myself, and I particularly liked Bedivere. The relationship between Arthur and Guinevere also felt real, and I sort of don't want to read the rest of this trilogy, because it will separate them. Although not inevitably, I suppose: Sarah Zettel's books sidestep that issue, why can't others?
Another thing I appreciated was her care in the author's note regarding the choice of place names and such. She chose to call the Welsh people the Cumbri, which is nice, given that the word "Welsh" actually comes from the Saxon word for "foreigner". I think she navigated that well.
So, all in all, surprisingly satisfying -- I think I will track down the other books.
However, as it developed, I came to enjoy it much more. The prose never really rose above mediocre, in my opinion, but the characters were well presented, and their relations to each other well thought out. The glimpse of a young, angry Gawain was fantastic, though too brief for a Gawain-lover like myself, and I particularly liked Bedivere. The relationship between Arthur and Guinevere also felt real, and I sort of don't want to read the rest of this trilogy, because it will separate them. Although not inevitably, I suppose: Sarah Zettel's books sidestep that issue, why can't others?
Another thing I appreciated was her care in the author's note regarding the choice of place names and such. She chose to call the Welsh people the Cumbri, which is nice, given that the word "Welsh" actually comes from the Saxon word for "foreigner". I think she navigated that well.
So, all in all, surprisingly satisfying -- I think I will track down the other books.
June 16, 2022
2.5, rounded up.
If I'm remembering correctly, this is one of the first 'Arthurian legend for adults' books that I read, way back when, and it actually belonged to my mum, not me. As I seem to say about many books, I probably enjoyed it more then than I did now (but I'll still confess to a fondness for the rather ridiculous cover with the chap in full plate but with bare hands leading his lady on the horse).
This novel is the first person account of Guinevere, and mostly covers her early upbringing via a series of reminisces as she travels south to 'Camelot' for her (arranged) marriage to Arthur. It tries to be a historical retelling with a thin veneer of myth/magic over the top; as far as I can tell (I'm not an expert on this time period) it does reasonably well. Some people have criticized the author for using modern place names (York rather than Eboracum, Bath rather than Aqua Sulis), but I suppose that's reasonable enough given that there's no map provided. Some of the modern slang the author uses is something I would usually find more offensive, but the author explains her reasons in a note at the start of the story, so it didn't irritate me as much as it usually would.
It's okay; it's a reasonable effort. If you like Arthurian myth and am curious about this one, then by all means find a copy if you can (I've no idea whether it's still in print). I think this was one of the first books to showcase Guinevere's point of view, and for what it's worth I prefer it to the over-hyped Mists of Avalon.
If I'm remembering correctly, this is one of the first 'Arthurian legend for adults' books that I read, way back when, and it actually belonged to my mum, not me. As I seem to say about many books, I probably enjoyed it more then than I did now (but I'll still confess to a fondness for the rather ridiculous cover with the chap in full plate but with bare hands leading his lady on the horse).
This novel is the first person account of Guinevere, and mostly covers her early upbringing via a series of reminisces as she travels south to 'Camelot' for her (arranged) marriage to Arthur. It tries to be a historical retelling with a thin veneer of myth/magic over the top; as far as I can tell (I'm not an expert on this time period) it does reasonably well. Some people have criticized the author for using modern place names (York rather than Eboracum, Bath rather than Aqua Sulis), but I suppose that's reasonable enough given that there's no map provided. Some of the modern slang the author uses is something I would usually find more offensive, but the author explains her reasons in a note at the start of the story, so it didn't irritate me as much as it usually would.
It's okay; it's a reasonable effort. If you like Arthurian myth and am curious about this one, then by all means find a copy if you can (I've no idea whether it's still in print). I think this was one of the first books to showcase Guinevere's point of view, and for what it's worth I prefer it to the over-hyped Mists of Avalon.
September 2, 2007
I truly can't understand why this book appears to be out of print. I blame it on poor marketing, because I believe the book itself is incredibly compelling and the story well-knitted.
A book on King Arthur's reign from Guinevere's perspective, this story offers insight into who the mythic figures right-hand-women was, and how that influenced him. It also delves into religious beliefs common at the time, and how they play into the story. Love, loss, courage and humanity are all part of this story.
The two sequels to this story, Queen of the Summer Stars and Guinevere: The Legend in Autumn, are also well worth your time.
A book on King Arthur's reign from Guinevere's perspective, this story offers insight into who the mythic figures right-hand-women was, and how that influenced him. It also delves into religious beliefs common at the time, and how they play into the story. Love, loss, courage and humanity are all part of this story.
The two sequels to this story, Queen of the Summer Stars and Guinevere: The Legend in Autumn, are also well worth your time.
April 27, 2008
Woolley's trilogy is almost unknown in the U.S., which is a pity. These are sweeping, engrossing tellings of the Arthurian legend from the perspective of Guinevere. Ignore the "bodice-ripper" covers - that's how they appeared in the U.S. The British editions (Woolley is British) are gorgeous. These are books I never lend - for fear they won't come back and I'll never find them again.
March 26, 2021
Традиційно, в час наближення свого дня народження, читаю щось із Артуріани. Бо має ж бути в житті щось певне.
Хоча книга починається із заручин Гвеневери та Артура, численними флешбеками авторка показує життя майбутньої королеви до того, як вона з'явилася в полі зору Короля. Зазвичай, її біографія (щораз інша) укладається в пару стрічок чи абзац, а жити вона починає тоді, коли на неї падає погляд Артура або Ланселота, відповідно до уподобань автора. В цій книзі Гвеневера - жива людина, зі своїми смаками та поглядами, з характером, але біда в тому, що наволо Темні Віки, а вона дівчика, тож у не має варіантів крім як вийти заміж, різниця лише в тому, за кого. Вона не хоче заміж за Верховного Короля, просто інші варіанти ще гірші. Але все ж захоплюється ним, коли вони знайомляться. Це історія про те, що відбувається за кадром біографії героїв та магів, красива, вдумлива. Авторка підкреслює, що магії немає місця в її книгах, проте щось містичне трапляється постійно, що природно - ми дивимося на світ очима людини, що жила(?) півтори тасячі років тому. Тінями по тексту пробігають класичні артуріанські легенди - вбивство Баліном Володарки Озера, гопитва Пеллінора за білим зайцем, а потім Оленем, Ескалібур, звичайно і але все це - в досить реалістичному ключі.
Хоча книга починається із заручин Гвеневери та Артура, численними флешбеками авторка показує життя майбутньої королеви до того, як вона з'явилася в полі зору Короля. Зазвичай, її біографія (щораз інша) укладається в пару стрічок чи абзац, а жити вона починає тоді, коли на неї падає погляд Артура або Ланселота, відповідно до уподобань автора. В цій книзі Гвеневера - жива людина, зі своїми смаками та поглядами, з характером, але біда в тому, що наволо Темні Віки, а вона дівчика, тож у не має варіантів крім як вийти заміж, різниця лише в тому, за кого. Вона не хоче заміж за Верховного Короля, просто інші варіанти ще гірші. Але все ж захоплюється ним, коли вони знайомляться. Це історія про те, що відбувається за кадром біографії героїв та магів, красива, вдумлива. Авторка підкреслює, що магії немає місця в її книгах, проте щось містичне трапляється постійно, що природно - ми дивимося на світ очима людини, що жила(?) півтори тасячі років тому. Тінями по тексту пробігають класичні артуріанські легенди - вбивство Баліном Володарки Озера, гопитва Пеллінора за білим зайцем, а потім Оленем, Ескалібур, звичайно і але все це - в досить реалістичному ключі.
August 7, 2017
I don't remember how I got this book, but I guess it was at a bookmarket. The first half of the story is quite boring, and the second part is nicer, but still not too well written. It took me a long time to read, apparently I am not too attracted by this writing style.
I guess the popularity of the subject (Arthur's round table) makes it possible that a book like this got published. A lot of information is delivered in the story, as well as assumptions as to how Guinevere has lived. I am not sure how much research has been done for this book, but when an author takes so much effort into describing everything that happened in that era, then the storyline of the main character should be correct too, and I think most of it is made up. That is fine, but then one should not pretend to 'know' it all..
I guess the popularity of the subject (Arthur's round table) makes it possible that a book like this got published. A lot of information is delivered in the story, as well as assumptions as to how Guinevere has lived. I am not sure how much research has been done for this book, but when an author takes so much effort into describing everything that happened in that era, then the storyline of the main character should be correct too, and I think most of it is made up. That is fine, but then one should not pretend to 'know' it all..
June 29, 2024
Child of the Northern Spring was written by Persia Woolley and was published in 1987. It is the first book in a trilogy. This a retelling of Arthurian legends from Guinevere’s point of view. This first book in the trilogy tells the story of Guinevere’s journey as she travels to wed Arthur the high king of Britain. We get flashbacks from her childhood along the way. The book concludes a short while after Guinevere and Arthur are married.
I have a special love for Arthurian legends. I’ve read the 15th century Mallory rendition and I’ve loved retellings such as the Once and Future King book series and the 1960’s movie Camelot. I was so excited to find a series from Guinevere’s point of view. I was so in the mood for this type of thing right now too.
This did not disappoint! I absolutely ate this up. I loved getting a backstory for Guinevere to make more sense of her as person and her later choices. I also thought this was a portrayal of Guinevere that was kinder. Sometimes she’s not painted in a very nice light. This Guinevere was a kind, strong, passionate, intelligent, humble and free spirited person. Her relationship with Arthur is painted in a way that makes you understand them both. Admire them both. Really like them together, but yet it’s painted in a way that makes sense as to why Guinevere is going to commit adultery later on. It was so fun getting to see the portrayals of many other characters I remember from the other books also Gawain, Pellinore, Queen Igraine , Morgan le Fey, Merlin, Nimue, King Mark, Tristan etc. There were new characters as well and they were just as wonderful.
This book was written to be more of a historical novel rather than a fantasy one, which I found interesting. Although of course with Merlin and the priestesses there was a touch of mysticism. It was interesting learning more about 6th century Britain. The invasions from Saxons. A fading Roman past. Paganism and Christianity existing side by side. A civilization on the brink of change, but not yet willing to give up the old ways. I particularly loved the parts about the old ways. The druids, priestesses, legends of the fey, connection to the ‘goddess’ and the holidays celebrated at the different turning points of the seasons.
This was such a treat and I can’t wait to get my hands on the other two books in the series. If you love Arthurian legends this is a must read!
I have a special love for Arthurian legends. I’ve read the 15th century Mallory rendition and I’ve loved retellings such as the Once and Future King book series and the 1960’s movie Camelot. I was so excited to find a series from Guinevere’s point of view. I was so in the mood for this type of thing right now too.
This did not disappoint! I absolutely ate this up. I loved getting a backstory for Guinevere to make more sense of her as person and her later choices. I also thought this was a portrayal of Guinevere that was kinder. Sometimes she’s not painted in a very nice light. This Guinevere was a kind, strong, passionate, intelligent, humble and free spirited person. Her relationship with Arthur is painted in a way that makes you understand them both. Admire them both. Really like them together, but yet it’s painted in a way that makes sense as to why Guinevere is going to commit adultery later on. It was so fun getting to see the portrayals of many other characters I remember from the other books also Gawain, Pellinore, Queen Igraine , Morgan le Fey, Merlin, Nimue, King Mark, Tristan etc. There were new characters as well and they were just as wonderful.
This book was written to be more of a historical novel rather than a fantasy one, which I found interesting. Although of course with Merlin and the priestesses there was a touch of mysticism. It was interesting learning more about 6th century Britain. The invasions from Saxons. A fading Roman past. Paganism and Christianity existing side by side. A civilization on the brink of change, but not yet willing to give up the old ways. I particularly loved the parts about the old ways. The druids, priestesses, legends of the fey, connection to the ‘goddess’ and the holidays celebrated at the different turning points of the seasons.
This was such a treat and I can’t wait to get my hands on the other two books in the series. If you love Arthurian legends this is a must read!
November 10, 2010
Plot:
The story about Queen Guinevere, her childhood, and how she met and married her king Arthur.
My thoughts:
This story felt a bit truer than some as the author tried to keep the real facts in mind. The Romans have left, Saxons are invading, England, and Wales are made up from different kingdoms and under Ambrosius, Uther and no King Arthur they have a high king. Old Ways are meeting the new Christian church.
This first book was not really about Arthur yet, instead she grew up and had flashbacks, and while riding to her wedding a friend of his explained recent events, and from that the reader learnt what has been going on. They do meet at the end of the book and marries. But that is it for now.
Gwen then, well I did like her, but one thing annoyed me and that was how people constantly mistook her for a page, first, if that happened to me I would get upset, but even Arthur laughed it of.f I guess he liked having a woman who can be mistaken for a boy. Nice that she was no spoilt princess but still, even in pants a woman can look like a woman. As for Arthur, I did not get to know him so much in this one so can't say much about him. But there was some other nice characters, Bedivere, and her childhood friend Kevin, I still wonder what happened to him.
Not much happened here, it was more a prelude to bigger things to come. The book felt ok, and there was no magic, and I do like reality when trying to understand the myth.
Recommendation and final thoughts:
For Arthur fans. Will I read more, well that is the question, I could, but as it is now I like where it ended. With them happy and married. And I can imagine them getting babies and living happily ever after. Instead of no babies, Lancelot, torment, agony and death. Here I got my happy ending. True fans can muster on.
I liked the beginning, the second part may have struggled on a bit since not much happened. And I may have been hoping Lancelot would show up ;)
Reason for reading:
I was curious about this ever so depressing story.
Cover: meh
The story about Queen Guinevere, her childhood, and how she met and married her king Arthur.
My thoughts:
This story felt a bit truer than some as the author tried to keep the real facts in mind. The Romans have left, Saxons are invading, England, and Wales are made up from different kingdoms and under Ambrosius, Uther and no King Arthur they have a high king. Old Ways are meeting the new Christian church.
This first book was not really about Arthur yet, instead she grew up and had flashbacks, and while riding to her wedding a friend of his explained recent events, and from that the reader learnt what has been going on. They do meet at the end of the book and marries. But that is it for now.
Gwen then, well I did like her, but one thing annoyed me and that was how people constantly mistook her for a page, first, if that happened to me I would get upset, but even Arthur laughed it of.f I guess he liked having a woman who can be mistaken for a boy. Nice that she was no spoilt princess but still, even in pants a woman can look like a woman. As for Arthur, I did not get to know him so much in this one so can't say much about him. But there was some other nice characters, Bedivere, and her childhood friend Kevin, I still wonder what happened to him.
Not much happened here, it was more a prelude to bigger things to come. The book felt ok, and there was no magic, and I do like reality when trying to understand the myth.
Recommendation and final thoughts:
For Arthur fans. Will I read more, well that is the question, I could, but as it is now I like where it ended. With them happy and married. And I can imagine them getting babies and living happily ever after. Instead of no babies, Lancelot, torment, agony and death. Here I got my happy ending. True fans can muster on.
I liked the beginning, the second part may have struggled on a bit since not much happened. And I may have been hoping Lancelot would show up ;)
Reason for reading:
I was curious about this ever so depressing story.
Cover: meh
August 1, 2013
I can't believe I've spent lots of time writing a review and then lost it... thanx goodreads, thanx!
Okay, let's start all over again.
I liked this book. Yet, it didn't entirely satisfy me, hence I couldn't give it more than three stars.
The major problem of this book is the lack of major original plot twists. It's a pretty standard retelling, this one, made precious by the ability of the writer to give life to both characters and historical setting.
I was able to understand what kind of guy Arthur was more from his own body language and actions than by Guinevere's comments on him, and I really got the feeling of the "troubles times", with everything roman decaying, with the cities emptying...
Yet, unfortunately, the author losts herself in those cliches that haunt this kind of novels (christianity only starting to settle in Britain, far fetched celtic religions... or cliches about the characters. There is a remarkable exception for what concerns the characters..and I'd have loved all the book was like that!).
So… I really expected more from this book, and I hope the next installments of the series will get better and better
Anyway, let's see things in detail now.
THE PLOT
The book starts with Guinevere who is about to leave her home in Rheged (yeah, Leodegrance is king of Rheged here. You would wonder why, as I did, since it's an historical fact that Uriens was a real king of Rheged, and Owain his heir) to go South to marry Arthur. She is firmly opposed to this wedding, first because she doesn't want to leave her homeland (also because she thinks southrons are all decadent roman dandies, and she sees the south in general as something very different from her home. Which is realistic considering that she never got outside the borders of Rheged all her life) , then because she doesn't want to marry an unknown guy for interest and not for love (Gosh, when will we stop thinking that all those girls want was marrying for love? .-. they are not modern girls. they are girls who see marriage as a mere contract as much as their parents saw it. Love was something that either came after the wedding or outside the wedding!) She tries to avoid the wedding, both trying to escape and trying to convince her dad not to send her south, but it doesn't work, so, she is bound to leave.
The trip south is full of flashback sequences of Guinevere's childhood and of Arthur's kingmaking (the last ones told by Bedivere to Guinevere). I haven't quite adored this plot device, but it was functional, since maybe having all that stuff narrated in chronological order would have been worse.
Then, finally Arthur and Guinevere meet -in apretty unortodox way since they engage in a horse race basically after being introduced- and the trip stops including flashback sequences, so we go straight to the wedding -a very rushed and unorthodox one- and to the creation of the round table.
WHAT I LIKED
-As I said,the book gives me a right feeling about the historical setting. The author tries -and gets it almost perfectly- to give the reader the right impression about the historical setting arthur could have lived in. I found extremely accurate the fact that people were fleeing from the cities into the countryside, that many buildings and whole cities were left rotting and decaying away, and the general feeling of insecurity and frightness that haunted the people of those times. Also the loss of identity feels accurate to me. They are not romans anymore, they can't be what they were before anymore..what are they now? What didn't strike me as accurate, instead is:
a) the use of modern names for towns and areas. I mean, with some research she could have learned the original names and used them. It is important for an author that claims her goal being historical accuracy
b) the continue use of "Celtic" to describe britons. Guinevere is, for example, a "celtic queen", everything in british cultural heritage is described as "celtic"...Now, celtness is a rather farfetched concept itself. Born in th 19th century, if I'm not wrong, it's something that never quite existed. What i mean, is that while the fact that Celts existed, they never thought of themselves as Celts. Celts are more of an ethno-linguistic unity, including many different populations accomunated by the fact that they spoke a symilar language and had symilar costumes. Basically, Celts were what now are Neo-Latin speaking countries or german languages speaking countries. Do you think germans and english are the same, even if they speak languages with a symilar origin? or that Spanish people and italian people are culturally identical just because we speak a neo-latin language?
it's not like that.
Britons at that time would have referred to themselves as britons, and would have claimed NO RELATIVENESS with Irish or bretons, even if they were all descendents from an original bronze-age culture that spreaded from turkey to Austria to the british isles.
c) again that farfetched religion. Gosh, WHY, WHY do I have to read that stuff EVERYWHERE?? it simply didn't exist, period. Thanx, MZB...it's all your fault.
-I liked her way to write about the characters so that the reader could understand them even from few gestures.
-I liked her take on Balan/Balin's story. THAT was brilliant. If only all the book was so original...
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
-The fact that many elements, especially of the characters, were standard and not really original. MAny characters are just characterized the same (but written better, tbh), as in other books I've read.
like:
-the far-fetched celtic religion.
-Morgan as the “high priestess/lady of the lake"-I would like to know when Morgan started to be associated with the lady of the lake… cause this association is nowhere to be found in the sources!
First of all, the lady of the lake never was a priestess. She was a witch, an enchantress, a fairy, but NEVER a priestess. And there has always been only ONE lady of the lake: Vivian/Nimue. She does many things that seem contrasting, in the original stories, like seducing and trapping Merlin, being Arthur's best consuleur, being Lancelot's adoptive mother...but she's always ONE person. Morgan never had anything to do with her (I think Vivian even spoiled some of Morgan's plans to kill Arthur).
Second, Morgan never was a pagan priestess. Morgan never was pagan. Morgan was a witch, an enchantress,queen of Gore/Rheged..but NEVER a pagan priestess. And I am sick and tired to see her described as one. I guess we have to thank MZB for this too.
-Guinevere as the feisty celtic tomboy.I’m rather sure this was also featured in “queen of Camelot" and in"Kingmaking", tho Kingmaking’s and Child of northern springs’ Guineveres are more believable in their being tomboys. I can see the sense but..why do we need this all the times? Is it seriously the only interpretation you can give of Guinevere? What about a strong willed, intelligent, bright, smart woman that was not a tomboy? I understand this is some sort of answer of rejecting the Guinevere from mists of avalon but..est modus in rebus, there is a whole world to be explored between the tomboy and the stuck up/snob/delicate princess!
-the whole sending someone to fetch Guinevere. It was Bedivere also in queen of camelot, and Lancelot in “Mists". As far as I remember, Arthur and Guinevere met before they married, and it was in this occasion that he saw her, fell for her, and proposed. Why can't we have this on the books? Why can't we have them both agreeing on marrying?
Overall, anyway, I liked Arthur and Guinevere's relationship in this book. It's pretty much how I figure it to be... and FINALLY we found a book in which Lancelot and Guinevere's relationship would make sense. Because I'm also sick and tired of Guinevere turning to Lancelot for NO REASON at all, just because it has to be so. I always think that there was something more than Guinevere not being in Love with Arthur behing her relationship with Lancelot. And in this book, this something more is very clear. Yay!
-Bard!Bedivere. COME ON!
Okay, let's start all over again.
I liked this book. Yet, it didn't entirely satisfy me, hence I couldn't give it more than three stars.
The major problem of this book is the lack of major original plot twists. It's a pretty standard retelling, this one, made precious by the ability of the writer to give life to both characters and historical setting.
I was able to understand what kind of guy Arthur was more from his own body language and actions than by Guinevere's comments on him, and I really got the feeling of the "troubles times", with everything roman decaying, with the cities emptying...
Yet, unfortunately, the author losts herself in those cliches that haunt this kind of novels (christianity only starting to settle in Britain, far fetched celtic religions... or cliches about the characters. There is a remarkable exception for what concerns the characters..and I'd have loved all the book was like that!).
So… I really expected more from this book, and I hope the next installments of the series will get better and better
Anyway, let's see things in detail now.
THE PLOT
The book starts with Guinevere who is about to leave her home in Rheged (yeah, Leodegrance is king of Rheged here. You would wonder why, as I did, since it's an historical fact that Uriens was a real king of Rheged, and Owain his heir) to go South to marry Arthur. She is firmly opposed to this wedding, first because she doesn't want to leave her homeland (also because she thinks southrons are all decadent roman dandies, and she sees the south in general as something very different from her home. Which is realistic considering that she never got outside the borders of Rheged all her life) , then because she doesn't want to marry an unknown guy for interest and not for love (Gosh, when will we stop thinking that all those girls want was marrying for love? .-. they are not modern girls. they are girls who see marriage as a mere contract as much as their parents saw it. Love was something that either came after the wedding or outside the wedding!) She tries to avoid the wedding, both trying to escape and trying to convince her dad not to send her south, but it doesn't work, so, she is bound to leave.
The trip south is full of flashback sequences of Guinevere's childhood and of Arthur's kingmaking (the last ones told by Bedivere to Guinevere). I haven't quite adored this plot device, but it was functional, since maybe having all that stuff narrated in chronological order would have been worse.
Then, finally Arthur and Guinevere meet -in apretty unortodox way since they engage in a horse race basically after being introduced- and the trip stops including flashback sequences, so we go straight to the wedding -a very rushed and unorthodox one- and to the creation of the round table.
WHAT I LIKED
-As I said,the book gives me a right feeling about the historical setting. The author tries -and gets it almost perfectly- to give the reader the right impression about the historical setting arthur could have lived in. I found extremely accurate the fact that people were fleeing from the cities into the countryside, that many buildings and whole cities were left rotting and decaying away, and the general feeling of insecurity and frightness that haunted the people of those times. Also the loss of identity feels accurate to me. They are not romans anymore, they can't be what they were before anymore..what are they now? What didn't strike me as accurate, instead is:
a) the use of modern names for towns and areas. I mean, with some research she could have learned the original names and used them. It is important for an author that claims her goal being historical accuracy
b) the continue use of "Celtic" to describe britons. Guinevere is, for example, a "celtic queen", everything in british cultural heritage is described as "celtic"...Now, celtness is a rather farfetched concept itself. Born in th 19th century, if I'm not wrong, it's something that never quite existed. What i mean, is that while the fact that Celts existed, they never thought of themselves as Celts. Celts are more of an ethno-linguistic unity, including many different populations accomunated by the fact that they spoke a symilar language and had symilar costumes. Basically, Celts were what now are Neo-Latin speaking countries or german languages speaking countries. Do you think germans and english are the same, even if they speak languages with a symilar origin? or that Spanish people and italian people are culturally identical just because we speak a neo-latin language?
it's not like that.
Britons at that time would have referred to themselves as britons, and would have claimed NO RELATIVENESS with Irish or bretons, even if they were all descendents from an original bronze-age culture that spreaded from turkey to Austria to the british isles.
c) again that farfetched religion. Gosh, WHY, WHY do I have to read that stuff EVERYWHERE?? it simply didn't exist, period. Thanx, MZB...it's all your fault.
-I liked her way to write about the characters so that the reader could understand them even from few gestures.
-I liked her take on Balan/Balin's story. THAT was brilliant. If only all the book was so original...
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
-The fact that many elements, especially of the characters, were standard and not really original. MAny characters are just characterized the same (but written better, tbh), as in other books I've read.
like:
-the far-fetched celtic religion.
-Morgan as the “high priestess/lady of the lake"-I would like to know when Morgan started to be associated with the lady of the lake… cause this association is nowhere to be found in the sources!
First of all, the lady of the lake never was a priestess. She was a witch, an enchantress, a fairy, but NEVER a priestess. And there has always been only ONE lady of the lake: Vivian/Nimue. She does many things that seem contrasting, in the original stories, like seducing and trapping Merlin, being Arthur's best consuleur, being Lancelot's adoptive mother...but she's always ONE person. Morgan never had anything to do with her (I think Vivian even spoiled some of Morgan's plans to kill Arthur).
Second, Morgan never was a pagan priestess. Morgan never was pagan. Morgan was a witch, an enchantress,queen of Gore/Rheged..but NEVER a pagan priestess. And I am sick and tired to see her described as one. I guess we have to thank MZB for this too.
-Guinevere as the feisty celtic tomboy.I’m rather sure this was also featured in “queen of Camelot" and in"Kingmaking", tho Kingmaking’s and Child of northern springs’ Guineveres are more believable in their being tomboys. I can see the sense but..why do we need this all the times? Is it seriously the only interpretation you can give of Guinevere? What about a strong willed, intelligent, bright, smart woman that was not a tomboy? I understand this is some sort of answer of rejecting the Guinevere from mists of avalon but..est modus in rebus, there is a whole world to be explored between the tomboy and the stuck up/snob/delicate princess!
-the whole sending someone to fetch Guinevere. It was Bedivere also in queen of camelot, and Lancelot in “Mists". As far as I remember, Arthur and Guinevere met before they married, and it was in this occasion that he saw her, fell for her, and proposed. Why can't we have this on the books? Why can't we have them both agreeing on marrying?
Overall, anyway, I liked Arthur and Guinevere's relationship in this book. It's pretty much how I figure it to be... and FINALLY we found a book in which Lancelot and Guinevere's relationship would make sense. Because I'm also sick and tired of Guinevere turning to Lancelot for NO REASON at all, just because it has to be so. I always think that there was something more than Guinevere not being in Love with Arthur behing her relationship with Lancelot. And in this book, this something more is very clear. Yay!
-Bard!Bedivere. COME ON!
September 17, 2023
I first tried to read this series seven years ago and only made it halfway through; it’s taken me this long to work my way back around to it, but all along I’ve meant to finish it someday. I’m glad that time has finally come, because reading it now I loved this first book in a way I didn’t before.
The writing is beautiful, with rich and immersive descriptions, and she found a way to make this well-known story feel grounded - bringing in a lot of period detail and highlighting undercurrents of political and social upheaval - while still maintaining a sense of magic and fate. The characters feel both humanized and true to their legendary versions. And she sprinkles in a lot of clever foreshadowing and unique spins on famous figures’ traits meant just for readers who are already familiar with Arthurian lore. At the center of it all is her Guinevere, who’s smart and earnest and awkward and is now my (second) favorite interpretation of the character.
“‘If I may be permitted a bit of advice… you must learn to accept compliments, and attention, and sometimes even flattery. It is disrespectful to the giver of a sincere compliment to dismiss it, and it is disconcerting to the flatterer to meet with a gracious acceptance of what he knows in his heart is an effort to mislead.’”
“Before long the full-throated song of a thrush filled the gloaming. Other songs may be more delicate, or more finely made, but I know of none that is richer or more joyous. It swelled and glided in the soft dusk, lilting and happy and triumphant in its free beauty. It was as close as I needed to come to the Goddess, and I smiled and stretched contentedly, thinking it a kind of prayer in itself.”
“‘For the most part people don’t understand about queens. I’m sure every woman thinks she could be one, if given a chance, but very few are really equipped for it.’”
The writing is beautiful, with rich and immersive descriptions, and she found a way to make this well-known story feel grounded - bringing in a lot of period detail and highlighting undercurrents of political and social upheaval - while still maintaining a sense of magic and fate. The characters feel both humanized and true to their legendary versions. And she sprinkles in a lot of clever foreshadowing and unique spins on famous figures’ traits meant just for readers who are already familiar with Arthurian lore. At the center of it all is her Guinevere, who’s smart and earnest and awkward and is now my (second) favorite interpretation of the character.
“‘If I may be permitted a bit of advice… you must learn to accept compliments, and attention, and sometimes even flattery. It is disrespectful to the giver of a sincere compliment to dismiss it, and it is disconcerting to the flatterer to meet with a gracious acceptance of what he knows in his heart is an effort to mislead.’”
“Before long the full-throated song of a thrush filled the gloaming. Other songs may be more delicate, or more finely made, but I know of none that is richer or more joyous. It swelled and glided in the soft dusk, lilting and happy and triumphant in its free beauty. It was as close as I needed to come to the Goddess, and I smiled and stretched contentedly, thinking it a kind of prayer in itself.”
“‘For the most part people don’t understand about queens. I’m sure every woman thinks she could be one, if given a chance, but very few are really equipped for it.’”
November 24, 2010
3 Reasons Review
I am trying out a new review format today called "3 Reasons Review". Jen from Jenny loves to read and I have chatted about coming up with a simple review format. Something with just the basics of what readers would want to know about a book. Some books do not require an in-depth analysis, yet as reviewers we still strive to get the important bits across to our readers. Therefore, the 3 Reasons, came from what Jenny and I think are most important. Didn't come up with a fancy button yet, but working on it. (If you have suggestions about this new format, please let me know.) I copied this directly from Jen's blog and just changed the order of our names so it made sense. Believe me Jenny came up with almost all of this!!! She rocks!
1.) Reasons you chose this book
I'm a big fan of the story about King Arthur, Merlin, Guinevere, Lancelot, and the Round Table. I had never heard of this author nor her book, so I thought I would give it a shot.
2.) Reasons you liked or disliked this book
* I enjoyed reading the author's version of who Guinevere was and how she came to be King Arthur's bride. I thought she was an interesting character who became multi-faceted as she grew older. Making her an expert horse rider was pure genius as this is how she makes a connection with Arthur.
* What I didn't enjoy was how the author kept changing between past and present. At times I thought it was confusing and it made the reading feel stilted at times. What is funny about this is that in the back of the book the author asks the question if using this technique was confusing to her readers! I guess my thought is that if you're questioning your own process then maybe you should do something different. I wish that she would have wrote this in two parts...pre-Arthur and post-Arthur.
* Changing of names was a bit confusing to me. She didn't mention Sir Lancelot but maybe once or twice and in every story I've read much has been made of Lancelot and Guinevere's relationship. I was a bit put off by that but managed to move on.
* There was too much information that I felt could have been left out. It made the story drag at times and I caught myself a time or two wishing that there would be some sort of action or an earth shattering event. It never happened.
3.) Reasons you are recommending this book
* Reasons for- if you have followed the King Arthur tale and would like to add another story to your library then I would say that you would enjoy this one. It is slow at times, but overall I thought it was a good read.
* Reasons against- If you're like me and devoured "Mists of Avalon" by Marion Zimmer Bradley then you may feel a bit let down. I believe that Bradley wrote the ultimate book based on the legend of the Round Table, Lady of the Lake, Arthur, Merlin, Morgause (the list can go on with characters). To me it is hard to beat this book and sadly I compare everything concerned with this subject to 'Mists of Avalon.'
* Interesting tidbit: Persia Woolley wrote this the same time Zimmer Bradley was writing 'Mists of Avalon.' She felt that the major difference between the two books is that hers was based on the reality of the time period, and stayed true to customs and lores. While Zimmer Bradley used more of a fantasy element in her writing. For me that was the difference....I love fantasy!!!
I am trying out a new review format today called "3 Reasons Review". Jen from Jenny loves to read and I have chatted about coming up with a simple review format. Something with just the basics of what readers would want to know about a book. Some books do not require an in-depth analysis, yet as reviewers we still strive to get the important bits across to our readers. Therefore, the 3 Reasons, came from what Jenny and I think are most important. Didn't come up with a fancy button yet, but working on it. (If you have suggestions about this new format, please let me know.) I copied this directly from Jen's blog and just changed the order of our names so it made sense. Believe me Jenny came up with almost all of this!!! She rocks!
1.) Reasons you chose this book
I'm a big fan of the story about King Arthur, Merlin, Guinevere, Lancelot, and the Round Table. I had never heard of this author nor her book, so I thought I would give it a shot.
2.) Reasons you liked or disliked this book
* I enjoyed reading the author's version of who Guinevere was and how she came to be King Arthur's bride. I thought she was an interesting character who became multi-faceted as she grew older. Making her an expert horse rider was pure genius as this is how she makes a connection with Arthur.
* What I didn't enjoy was how the author kept changing between past and present. At times I thought it was confusing and it made the reading feel stilted at times. What is funny about this is that in the back of the book the author asks the question if using this technique was confusing to her readers! I guess my thought is that if you're questioning your own process then maybe you should do something different. I wish that she would have wrote this in two parts...pre-Arthur and post-Arthur.
* Changing of names was a bit confusing to me. She didn't mention Sir Lancelot but maybe once or twice and in every story I've read much has been made of Lancelot and Guinevere's relationship. I was a bit put off by that but managed to move on.
* There was too much information that I felt could have been left out. It made the story drag at times and I caught myself a time or two wishing that there would be some sort of action or an earth shattering event. It never happened.
3.) Reasons you are recommending this book
* Reasons for- if you have followed the King Arthur tale and would like to add another story to your library then I would say that you would enjoy this one. It is slow at times, but overall I thought it was a good read.
* Reasons against- If you're like me and devoured "Mists of Avalon" by Marion Zimmer Bradley then you may feel a bit let down. I believe that Bradley wrote the ultimate book based on the legend of the Round Table, Lady of the Lake, Arthur, Merlin, Morgause (the list can go on with characters). To me it is hard to beat this book and sadly I compare everything concerned with this subject to 'Mists of Avalon.'
* Interesting tidbit: Persia Woolley wrote this the same time Zimmer Bradley was writing 'Mists of Avalon.' She felt that the major difference between the two books is that hers was based on the reality of the time period, and stayed true to customs and lores. While Zimmer Bradley used more of a fantasy element in her writing. For me that was the difference....I love fantasy!!!
January 4, 2014
In her lively, evocative Arthurian trilogy begun back in 1987, Persia Woolley refreshes the familiar story by telling it through the eyes of Guinevere, the teenage Celtic princess chosen by young Arthur to be his queen. This first book charts Guinevere's lengthy journey from her northern kingdom of Rheged to the southern city of Sarum to wed the High King, and concludes with the establishment of the Round Table.
When this spirited, good-humored "Gwen" finally meets her betrothed, she is relieved by his playful, unpretentious manner, attracted to his physical vitality, and awed by his fervent dream of peace for Britain—although devotion to that dream makes Arthur a somewhat abstracted lover.
Woolley generally sidesteps fantasy to invent a plausible historical context for the incidents of Arthurian legend. "The Lady of the Lake" becomes a religious title conferred on the priestess Morgan la Fey, thus combining their two identities. King Pellinore's fabled Quest is both spiritual and sexual (his own "appetite" is the Questing Beast) as he tries to possess the pagan Goddess through liaisons with many mortal women.
When Arthur and Gwen are forced to marry in haste so he can rush off to quell an uprising, Woolley pokes fun at her own revisionism. "In years to come, they'll claim it was much more grand and formal," Arthur says of their ad-hoc ceremony. "You know how the bards like to exaggerate."
Yet for all Woolley's historical realism, "Child of the Northern Spring" shimmers with the magic and mystery of an ancient world melting into the mists at the dawn of a new age.
When this spirited, good-humored "Gwen" finally meets her betrothed, she is relieved by his playful, unpretentious manner, attracted to his physical vitality, and awed by his fervent dream of peace for Britain—although devotion to that dream makes Arthur a somewhat abstracted lover.
Woolley generally sidesteps fantasy to invent a plausible historical context for the incidents of Arthurian legend. "The Lady of the Lake" becomes a religious title conferred on the priestess Morgan la Fey, thus combining their two identities. King Pellinore's fabled Quest is both spiritual and sexual (his own "appetite" is the Questing Beast) as he tries to possess the pagan Goddess through liaisons with many mortal women.
When Arthur and Gwen are forced to marry in haste so he can rush off to quell an uprising, Woolley pokes fun at her own revisionism. "In years to come, they'll claim it was much more grand and formal," Arthur says of their ad-hoc ceremony. "You know how the bards like to exaggerate."
Yet for all Woolley's historical realism, "Child of the Northern Spring" shimmers with the magic and mystery of an ancient world melting into the mists at the dawn of a new age.
January 23, 2014
This is a re-telling of the story of King Author and Guinevere told through the eyes of Guinevere. We meet Guinevere on the eve of her marriage to Author. She is a young girl who is unsure about the arranged marriage but with the urging of her father she decides to fulfill her duties instead of running from them. On the way, she reminisces about her childhood and when she first sees author.
I loved this book. I love that we are introduced to Guinevere as a young girl. We see sketches of her life as she grows up as well as wonderful descriptions of the country and way of life around her. So often in book of Authurian legend the focus is only on Author and that makes this a wonderful change of perspective. Without Guinevere the story of Author would not be complete. He would not be who he was without her.
The characters surrounding Guinevere were great as well. All of the major characters from the legend were included such as Merlin, Gwain, Morgan Le Fey, Morgause, and Nemue. All were wonderfully brought to life as well as Guinevere.
Don't begin this one thinking its a quick read as it is rather long. But it is well worth the time. If you enjoy historical fiction, Authurian legends in particular, this is one to pick up. I look forward to starting the next part.
I loved this book. I love that we are introduced to Guinevere as a young girl. We see sketches of her life as she grows up as well as wonderful descriptions of the country and way of life around her. So often in book of Authurian legend the focus is only on Author and that makes this a wonderful change of perspective. Without Guinevere the story of Author would not be complete. He would not be who he was without her.
The characters surrounding Guinevere were great as well. All of the major characters from the legend were included such as Merlin, Gwain, Morgan Le Fey, Morgause, and Nemue. All were wonderfully brought to life as well as Guinevere.
Don't begin this one thinking its a quick read as it is rather long. But it is well worth the time. If you enjoy historical fiction, Authurian legends in particular, this is one to pick up. I look forward to starting the next part.
January 18, 2015
I'm sure I had read this before, given my interest in the various interpretations of the Arthurian legends, but unlike many books that I re-read it didn't seem at all familiar.
This book is narrated by Guinevere, the daughter of a widowed king in Rheged (a Welsh kingdom). It starts out as she leaves home to marry Arthur, but the first half is mostly flashbacks of her childhood, with the trip to her new life as a framing story. The second half is more chronological - she meets Arthur and their relationship begins.
Some of the Arthurian stories are foreshadowed: Mordred is mentioned as the fifth son of Morgause but nothing more; Lancelot doesn't appear, but Guinevere comments on the attractiveness of King Ban (Lancelot's father); Morgan Le Fey becomes the Lady. Others are told or re-interpreted: King Pellinore - always questing, Balin and Balan - fighting over religion, King Mark - wanting a young wife and sending Tristan as his emissary.
I appreciated the different take on Guinevere, but never felt fully immersed in her world.
This book is narrated by Guinevere, the daughter of a widowed king in Rheged (a Welsh kingdom). It starts out as she leaves home to marry Arthur, but the first half is mostly flashbacks of her childhood, with the trip to her new life as a framing story. The second half is more chronological - she meets Arthur and their relationship begins.
Some of the Arthurian stories are foreshadowed: Mordred is mentioned as the fifth son of Morgause but nothing more; Lancelot doesn't appear, but Guinevere comments on the attractiveness of King Ban (Lancelot's father); Morgan Le Fey becomes the Lady. Others are told or re-interpreted: King Pellinore - always questing, Balin and Balan - fighting over religion, King Mark - wanting a young wife and sending Tristan as his emissary.
I appreciated the different take on Guinevere, but never felt fully immersed in her world.
May 28, 2011
Historical fiction at its best
Persia Woolley brings Arthurian legend to life as a story grounded in reality, not fantasy. The setting is sixth century Britain when the culture of the fallen Roman Empire still exerted influence on many and the Saxon invasions provided for an ever present threat to safety of the realm.
Woolley has an eye for detail that allows her readers to be caught up in another time with characters who are vivid and lively. Guenievere is every much the fiesty Celtic tomboy promised by the publisher's description. She is full of energy and a love of life that makes you root for her as the heroine.
Persia Woolley brings Arthurian legend to life as a story grounded in reality, not fantasy. The setting is sixth century Britain when the culture of the fallen Roman Empire still exerted influence on many and the Saxon invasions provided for an ever present threat to safety of the realm.
Woolley has an eye for detail that allows her readers to be caught up in another time with characters who are vivid and lively. Guenievere is every much the fiesty Celtic tomboy promised by the publisher's description. She is full of energy and a love of life that makes you root for her as the heroine.
May 25, 2013
Even had I not read the much more engaging Mists of Avalon, this novel would fall flat, and the author's claim that she is being more historical rather than writing high fantasy, doesn't make it any less so. Character development is thin. Guenevere is interesting, but not compelling or engaging. The paganism is not well integrated, and so seems forced and unbelievable. And there is no sense of a unified plot. The novel is episodic, and mainly serves to introduce a string of characters from Arthurian legend, as the chapter titles suggest.
September 4, 2016
Child of the Northern Spring by Persia Woolley is another take on Arthurian myth. This one concentrates on the child, Guinevere, and her eventual role as Queen to the High King--Arthur. Quite interesting.
August 10, 2020
Overall verdict: it's kind of boring. It is still readable and has enough content to keep the reader trying, but I had a big problem whilst trying to read this because my mind would wander. I really would have given up but stuck it out, partially because I appreciate any Arthurian work that portrays a sympathetic Guinevere.
It's narrated in first person, so as with Queen of Camelot everything is through Guinevere's lens, such as her first meeting with Arthur. Mercifully, there are few if any battle scenes or recounts of meetings without Guinevere's presence, which was such a drawback to Queen of Camelot.
Guinevere is a Welsh pagan who appears to have been raised near the Scottish border. The book opens with her taking a long journey to attend her own wedding, not having yet met Arthur privately. The first half jarringly switches back and forth between her traveling a few miles at a time and reminiscing about random events for her childhood. I get what the author is trying to do - give us insight into Guinevere and establish an identity for her prior to becoming Arthur's queen - but they might as well have been a collection of unrelated short stories. They just lengthen the book. Physical descriptions are few and far between, so it's difficult to tell where we are or who we're looking at. I couldn't keep straight all of the travel she does with her parents. I did appreciate her companions, a set of Irish Christian siblings and a Roman matron.
It got better once she meets Arthur on the road. He's barely developed, just a dude who happens to be king. He does seem quite taken with her. There is an interesting stop at a preserved Roman village, lighting the fire in Guinevere's mind for what will presumably be Camelot in a later volume.
However, it just takes too long to get to the dang wedding, which turns out to be a complete letdown. Granted, that is part of the plot but still. For all of his interest in her, Arthur turns out to be a passionless husband and lover. There is absolutely no romance, which makes no sense given how pleased he was with his bride. This isn't explained at all, and Guinevere doesn't ask Arthur about it. I have to have a little bit of romance to keep the story going, or at least offer a reasonable explanation as to why there isn't any, particular if this is what will lead her to a relationship with Lancelot further along in the series.
The author has a touching afterword where it's clear that she put her heart into this work, really trying to show how childhood experiences shaped her heroine's thinking. She was working on her book when The Mists of Avalon was published and expresses her admiration of the book as well as her choice to portray a likeable Guinevere. I have to say I prefer this over The Mists of Avalon because it's not hateful, though it's not the complete Arthurian story and ends shortly after their wedding.
May 11, 2018
I have loved good Arthurian tales since I was a little girl and always appreciate ones told from the women's viewpoint, but this book...just not my favorite! There is no Arthurian book as amazing as Marion Zimmer Bradley's, "Mists of Avalon" , although her Guinevere was presented as too negative--but Guinevere in this tale is just too positive(has she NO faults)! As Deborah Pickerton says in a previous review, the writing style is a bit more YA in style and the author's use of modern phrases that don't fit is a bit annoying. Her overall knowledge of the historical/mythical aspects of the time period is good though. Going between past and present is a common writing style, but Woolley does it in a confusing manner-- I was not always sure when we were. But the most annoying thing is that almost the entire book feels like it is setting the scene for the rest of the series--not that I am one needing a lot of action, but this was painfully slow at times. A couple of reviewers agree it is slow but that the next parts of the trilogy are better, not sure if I want to try or not!
April 20, 2020
This version of Guinevere portrays her as a bright sunshiney person who has some maturity but also a desire to be cherished romantically. This first book ends before she meets Lancelot but you can get a sense of where it's going. There's very little complain about with Arthur. He's going to be a strong, focused, flexible insightful leader but he seems to view Guinevere at a distance. He's thrilled with the strengths she brings to her new position as High Queen but blind to her yearning to be special to him.
There are stretches of this book that move pretty slowly. I think the characters are very well drawn particularly the women and there are lots of women in this story. Morgan was particularly interesting with her quicksilver temper and her blindness to others. Igraine is a queenly ideal, warm but also remote. Nimue is a strange combination of maturity and innocence.
There are stretches of this book that move pretty slowly. I think the characters are very well drawn particularly the women and there are lots of women in this story. Morgan was particularly interesting with her quicksilver temper and her blindness to others. Igraine is a queenly ideal, warm but also remote. Nimue is a strange combination of maturity and innocence.
January 24, 2025
Questo libro è riuscito a fare l'impossibile: è riuscito a farmi apprezzare Ginevra, da sempre nota a chi mi conosce come il mio personaggio letterario più odiato. Invece, in questo romanzo mi sono proprio affezionata a lei. Per il resto, questo libro è stata una piacevole lettura senza infamia e senza lode: ho apprezzato tantissimo la scrittura dell'autrice, la descrizione dei paesaggi della Britannia e della cultura celtica. La trama in sé, però, è troppo lenta e povera di azione e intrecci di fatto si vede che questo è il primo libro di una trilogia, e che serve solo a introdurre i personaggi. Mi è piaciuta molto di più la linea narrativa dell'infanzia di Ginevra, mentre quella del presente l'ho trovata noiosa. Lettura consigliata comunque agli amanti del ciclo arturiano, dei romanzi storici e della civiltà celtica.
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February 24, 2018One of my favorite books about Arthurian legend, Wooley's entire trilogy is a really nice rendition of the story - told from a likeable and relatable Guinevere's point of view - but, since everything becomes more complicated in the subsequent books, IMO this first one is the best one. I discovered it in the 6th grade and I've read it many times since then, loving, laughing, and crying with it every time. This book takes the reader through Gwen's Cumbrian childhood - told via flashbacks as she travels South to marry Arthur - as well as describing her trek across a post-Roman-occupied Great Britain and her subsequent marriage to the equally likeable Arthur, portrayed as a capable and driven, yet still somewhat boyish, king.
July 13, 2017
The first of a projected trilogy telling the Arthurian saga from Guinevere's point of view. Goes from Gwen's childhood to just after her wedding. She is Celtic, from Rheged, and pagan, though not anti-Christian. She falls in love with an Irish boy named Kevin, but he vanishes. Will probably show up again later. At first is unwilling to marry Arthur, but after she meets him, all hesitation vanishes. Gets along well with Igraine, not so well with Morgan, who is Lady. Morgause is not in the picture yet, though Mordred is already born.
Didn't draw me in. Rather superficial. Good in that it portrays Gwen as a strong character. Will hold judgment until next book.
Didn't draw me in. Rather superficial. Good in that it portrays Gwen as a strong character. Will hold judgment until next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2018
Eminently readable and very enjoyable. Some have complained that "Gwen's" early years were told in flashbacks, but I thought it was really well done.
And this really just explored the hope and excitement of Arthur's reign...not what comes at the end. So it looks like we will really get to know the characters....and seeing how Gwenivere and Arthur come together in this, I cant see how Gwen does what Gwen does....and look forward to the next two installments.
And this really just explored the hope and excitement of Arthur's reign...not what comes at the end. So it looks like we will really get to know the characters....and seeing how Gwenivere and Arthur come together in this, I cant see how Gwen does what Gwen does....and look forward to the next two installments.
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