Suzannah’s review of Galahad and the Grail (Merlin's Isle, #1) > Likes and Comments

I think the fact that I have always struggled to like poetry probably helped me on this one- any place I felt it was uneven, I just chalked it up to my own issues, lol. (I also really, really loved his take on Dindrane).

I will say that I did have similar thoughts on Elaine that popped up whenever she appeared, I just kept forgetting it was bothering me because there was so much else going on I kept getting distracted from it 😅 But I am really glad you brought it up, because I was a little befuddled on how her character was handled. It would probably be my main complaint.

I have always been a poetry fiend and was really disappointed that this particular poetry didn't hit for me - that said, I will be very curious to see whether it grows on me in future rereads once my expectations have adjusted.

I think Elaine can be a tricky character, but so can Dindrane, honestly! I would have loved to see an Elaine with some of the same interiority and repentance that Guite gives Lancelot, and some acknowedgement of how her deception had vitiated his consent to their liaison.

This is so helpful, as I have been procrastinating on reading this book even though it also should be right up my alley. I feel prepared now for both the good and not quite so good elements.

I would encourage you to read it, Beth! I think there are really beautiful things in it, the ending is magnificent, and if the poetry isn't what I want to see - well, the only way we'll get more and better poetry in this vein is by proving that there's a market for it even if it isn't perfect!