Robin's Country

by Monica Furlong

In this gripping retelling of the Robin Hood legend, a mute boy escapes his cruel master and begins a journey of self-discovery when he stumbles into the hideaway of Robin Hood.

Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Childrens, Juvenile

139 pages, Hardcover

First published March 21, 1995

About the author

Monica Furlong was a British author, journalist, and activist, regarded as one of the Church of England's most influential and creative laypersons of the post-war period.
Her work often focused on religion and spirituality, with notable biographies of figures such as John Bunyan, Thomas Merton, Thérèse of Lisieux, and Alan Watts. She also explored subjects like the spiritual life of aboriginals, medieval women mystics, and the Church of England. Furlong was also known for her children’s novels, including the Wise Child series, which consists of Wise Child, Juniper, and Colman.
Furlong began her writing career in 1956 as a feature writer for Truth magazine and later worked as a religious correspondent for The Spectator and Daily Mail. She became an advocate for religious reform, particularly supporting women’s rights within the Church of England. In her first book, With Love to the Church (1965), she championed an inclusive Church. She continued to support the ordination of women in the 1980s and pushed for the appointment of women to senior Church positions.
Her autobiography, Bird of Paradise (1995), provides insights into her life and career. Furlong’s controversial experiences with LSD were shared in Travelling In (1971), which was banned from Church of Scotland bookshops. Throughout her career, Furlong wrote extensively on spirituality, reform, and religious figures, becoming a well-respected voice in both religious and literary circles.

Reviews

[Justine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that I read with my kids when they were about 5 and 8, although it would be fine for kids a little older than that, especially if they are reading it independently.

They not only loved the story, but it also generated hours of imaginative play. I don't think most kids tire easily of playing with bows and swords in the woods. Mine certainly didn't.

[Christi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my comfort book when I was little. I always read it when I was feeling scared or unhappy. I'm not really so sure what it was that made me feel better or happier, whether it was the coming of age and triumph of the underdog, whether it was descriptions of food, or whether it was just incredibly imaginative and like a fantasy to me. I really should reread it now that I'm older and see if it's still as good as I remembered it being.

[Mama'sBoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

i loved it I WISH THERE WAS A 1000000 MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Lanie · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of the worst robin hood books I have ever read all the way through. And I've read a lot! Worse than "hawksmaid" and "the baron" put together! I dont think I would have even bothered finishing it if I weren't trying to get through my entire stack of books I need to read by next Friday. (Its a big stack and I think I just wasted and afternoon)

Warning, rant will contain spoilers, so if you do want to read it and want to be "surprised" don't read this.

OK! So!

"Robin's Country" is a children's story about the greatest criminal of all time, Robin Hood! More specifically, its about a little boy called "Dummy" who joins Robin's band of merry men.

Now, I was hoping for something sweet and fun and full of age appropriate adventures. Kinda like "the tales of rowan hood". One of My favorite r.b. kids series. . . . . nope.

I was treated to 130 something pages of pure crap. :( sad really, because there was potential here. "Robin's Country" could have been great. The idea could've been stretched and worked out into something marvelous. A nice long novel about right and wrong, growing up, finding yourself, all that jazz that makes kids literature fun.

Again, nope. 130ish pages of CRAP!!!!!

But what was so bad about it, you ask? Well, here comes a nice little list (Because I hate when reviews can't explain why they like or dislike something.)

1. Everyone in this is about as dumb as a sack of rocks. But at least the rocks are useful. I could throw them at bad guys. But HOW were the characters stupid? Well, first of, dummy runs away from his cruel master. He takes food. But no water. :( seriously?!?! I know its the middle ages, and they didn't drink a lot of water, but he could have brought something! He literally falls into the outlaw's camp. They thing he might be a spy. Ok, I'll buy that. That's reasonable. But then they didn't do anything! Obviously they can't kill a kid, heroes aren't allowed to, but they could've blindfolded him and taken him far away so he could never find his way back. And why is marian the only one who really suspects him? Just because he's small doesn't mean he can't be a bad guy, you blockheads! Then there's the big battle scene! Prince John -who we never meet, we just hear the merry men bitch about him - sends his army to get rid of the outlaw pests. They start driving the camp. And yo know what they use? A fucking battering ram! A big fucking log to try a d break through a wall of brambles. Score one for human stupidity! Why didn't they just set the place on fire?!?! That be easier! People can apparently just walk through an army to get to the good guys without question. And the way robin "rescues" a guy from hanging. . . . . worst rescue ever! I could go on, but I think its time for number two.

2. Its beyond predictable! I guessed everything right from the start! Even the bit about dummy being a noble. (See? Spoilers!)

3. Everyone is as flat as cardboard rolled over by a steamroller. Robin is the perfect hero. The nobles are fat and greedy. Dummy's master is jerk child abuser. Dummy is instantly loved by all and even the one who didn't like him eventually came round and admitted she was wrong. And he's great at just about everything. Can you say Mary sue?

4. The writing is dull. I really had to struggle to finish it.

5. And last! God, I wanted to slap the author. Its a kids book, but that doesn't mean yo should just ignore the basics of plots. Like fucking explaining things!!!!!

Like, I have no clue who dummy wound up on that farm! Who took him there?!? Why?!? How exactly did robin and marian get outlawed? Why do they care about the peasants? How exactly did dummy's family die? Did he actually SEE it happen and thats why he can't talk? It was very fuzzy on that. And who the hell thought hat frair tuck should be called "tucky"? (Maybe his parents hated him?) Did dummy ever actually get outlawed, or did he just decide he was one?

This book was just painful my goodreads friends. I'm glad I found it for only a a couple bucks at a used book place or else I'd be pissed the I spent exptra money buying it online. If you do read it, and hate it, make sure to write me a nice long review explaining why. Or if for some odd reason who do like it, tell me why. Please? Because I can't figure out why all these people gave it high ratings. :(

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mute orphan boy known first as “Dummy” escapes the abusive, slave-like conditions of his master’s farm, winding up in Sherwood Forest. Soon he wins over Robin Hood, Friar Tuck, Little John, Will Stutley and the rest of the “Merry Men.” Marian is the only holdout, believing the boy is a spy sent by tyrannical Prince John; her suspicion easing when the boy saves Robin from a murder attempt. While the boy (whom Robin calls Bird) develops a sense of loyalty and fellowship with the Merry Men, he attempts to piece together his past and deal with his inability to speak. A surprise visit from King Richard helps Bird to at last realize his true identity.

A real page turner, readers will identify with the characters as well as enjoy the action. May especially pique the interest of reluctant readers in grades 4-5.

[R. G. Nairam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I so enjoy this little book. Very sweet atypical retelling, with typical elements that tie it strongly to the source material.

Feb 16, 2011 review: http://nairamofsherwood.blogspot.com/...

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book from my childhood that I always enjoyed reading, it has not lost its appeal. Some of the plot, as you read it as an adult, is rather thin, but that hardly diminishes my enjoyment.

Dummy is a mute boy who escapes a cruel master only to fall in amongst the outlaws that even his master had been afraid of. Sure that they'll soon kill him, he instead finds them kind and caring and brave - all the things he aspires to, and seems to vaguely recall from a life before becoming a servant. His search for a home, for belonging, and his yearning to find his voice again creates a wonderful story where he discovers his own potential. The depictions of Robin and his men, the Forest and the wonderful natural beauty Dummy enjoys, and the thrilling dangers Dummy faces as an outlaw make it an enchanting story.

[Liaken · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an unexpected story of a boy who heals from his terror to speak.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved this book since I first read it as a kid. One of my favorite tales of Robin Hood. I just read it again and I have to say that it was as good as I remembered, if a little too short.

[Rhapsody · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice little Robin Hood story for kids about a mute boy with amnesia, clearly noble-born from the little tidbits he remembers of his childhood. The story opens with him as a a servant for a cruel family. He runs away after an especially bad beating when he's blamed for something the master's son actually did. Fleeing into the forest, he stumbles upon Robin Hood's hideout. Robin Hood and Marian think he may be a spy. Robin, a character who is noble but who also is a bit of a thrill-seeker, warms up to him. Marian, who reluctantly teaches him archery and is a bit sharp-tongued, takes longer to trust him. He also makes friends with a boy Jehan, and begins to regain his voice. After a variety of very Robin-Hood-like adventures, such as humiliating a greedy, cowardly bishop passing through the wood and participating in an archery contest for a golden arrow, they are besieged by the sheriff's men. He regains his voice after Jehan's death, and king Richard shows up in the nick of time to save them. He turns out to be king Richard's godson and regains his identity.

Entertaining. I would've loved it as a kid and I found it enjoyable even as an adult. It's too bad Furlong didn't write more fiction.

[Jennifer Heise · Rating 2 out of 5]

I give this only an OK because I expected do much more from Monica Furlong. It just lacks the lyrical spell of Juniper, Wise Child and Coleman. Admittedly it is better than the Rowan Hood books but that is not saying much. The version of Robin Hood related here is straight from the early 20th century kids books, and the story is like a Robin Hood daydream with a small side of personal suffering. The landscapes were nice though.

[Devin Armbruster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly I've read this book a few time and I never dislike it. Every time I read it I fall in love about the main character, Dummy. His relationship with the whole crew of outlaws warms my heart and the ending is always the sweetest. If someone's ever in need of just a cute and sweet book that has it's share of grief and sadness but gets better, this is it. I wish I could find more books like it.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

my favorite version of robin hood, from the POV of the youngest of his band...

[KA · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great plot, but the story-telling, if you can call it that, was all-tell, no-show. Painful coming from the author of one of my favorite YA novels (Wise Child).

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read a review that recommended Wise Child and Juniper by Monica Furlong and was intrigued enough that I tried to get them from my public library. However, the only book by Furlong my library had was Robin's Country. I thought, what the hell, it will at least give me a sense of her style.

And it's just so meh. Both the story and the characterization are so simplistic and crude that I can't imagine it appealing to anyone over the age of eight.

[Elanor Maxey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as a child and loved it, my mum decided to buy it again for me and even as a 32 year old I adore it. If you want a Robin hood book I'm sure there are better stories out there, however, I have never read or seen in movies or tv a better representation of disability than this book. As a disabled person myself this book speaks to me in many ways others don't. It isn't the cliche "disabled people can overcome anything". its a realistic story, if you have the right people and right support you can find your real talents and thrive. A lesson i think everyone can gain from..

[Denise Spicer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute retelling of famous story through the eyes of a lad called Dummy by his cruel master. He is mute and because of his harsh treatment he runs away and joins Robin Hood and his band.
139 pages quick interesting read. Cute cover art

[Morning Glory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good, sweet, short, simple, and teary. Love it to pieces.

[Amy Lynn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Characters are flat and was just not a good reselling story of Robin hood. Lacked adventure and content.

[Evy Danckers · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a nice story, but it basically retells Robin Hood. Rather disappointing compared to the Juniper trilogy.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book better than I thought I would. Started reading a few pages as I was shelving it and was so intrigued that I wanted to know what was going to happen next. The main character, calling himself Dummy, was a very interesting character, despite not having many memories of his past.

Because of the style of writing, I was surprised to see that the book was written in 1995, as it reads like a classic...Not that I have read many classics!

Despite my 4 stars, I did have a few problems with it.
First: Tucky?
Second: I didn't really like the way Marian treated Dummy. She seemed cold and distant toward him, despite her playing a very important part in his part of the story. Some fleshing out would have been nice.
And third: The ending was a complete cop-out. I would have loved to have seen a clever way for the outlaws to escape the siege. Very disappointed with that. And also, it seemed like the end of the band of outlaws. And no one appeared to be upset. That had been a way of life for them for so long, and it was all over. I dunno...struck a chord with me.
Otherwise, the book would have gotten a 5-star rating from me.

[CM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm pretty picky about Robin Hood Stories but this book is one of my all time favorites. A young mute boy literally falls into a den of thieves where he has to face some tough decision about life and people. The book had great drama and a good lesson in how people aren't always what they seem, no one's strictly good or strictly evil, and everyone has flaws. It had great humor while still being meaningful. My favorite aspect of this book is that while it's obviously set up for kids, that doesn't mean that it sugar coats everything. It's a great adventure with real things at stake should the hero fail.

[Emmala · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
This is a good children's book with a lot of touching moments. I loved Monica Furlong as a child, and when I found this book I could not pass it up.
Young Bird ("Dummy") escapes the cruelty of an abusive master and finds himself in the woods where outlaws are rumored to roam. He stumbles upon Robin and his band of thieves. At first everyone is suspicious he's a spy, but Bird soon proves himself to be an invaluable and loyal friend to the band of men and one woman, Marian. As the story unfolds we watch Bird grow in confidence, bravery, and heart while the secrets of his past are finally revealed.

[Wyatt Stimmell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The reading level is a 6.5 and the genre is action.
I rate this book 5 stars because it is a very interesting book that really pulls you in.

Robins country is a book a bout a young boy that cant speak and is abused by his master. He decided to run away and upon doing so he stumbled upon robin hood's hide out. they took thin in wondering if he is a spy or just a normal boy. Later on they trust him and they treat him like one of their own.

[Maris McKay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book I loved as a kid obsessed with Robin Hood stories. I recently decided to reread it. I still like the story, but I'm not as much in love with the writing style (it's lots of telling and not much showing). Still a pretty good book, but probably closer to 3 stars than the 4 I left it at out of nostalgia.

[Lila Mable · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this sweet, simple story!

I would recommend this story to any boy or girl who is looking for a catching and fun Robin Hood retelling. You will be touched by this beautiful and slightly bittersweet story of a a boy finding his voice in the world!

Maybe not the most realistic Medieval book, but most books for children fitted in this time period aren't.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so enjoying zipping through my collection of YA titles I acquired while teaching middle schoolers. The books are relatively short (150-200 pages)and easy reading. Just right for a quick "escape".

[LuAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short but well-done use of elements of the Robin Hood legend seen through the eyes of a mute orphan who stumbles into Robin's Domain. I liked the protagonists thoughtfulness, the way the author showed Robin's and his men's--and woman's--faith in God and the personalities of the main characters.

[Susan Beecher · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this (I would guess) mid to upper elementary school age historical novel about a young boy who happens upon Robin Hood's group while running away from a cruel master. Nice combination of history, action and interesting characters.

[Sophia · Rating 3 out of 5]

(2007)