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3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I liked the premise of the novel, and the characters-which were well developed. I thought that the long descriptions sometimes got in the way of the story though. Another thing that I took issue with was that although the story seemed believable for the most part, some things were definitely off for the time period. Also, I found the description from the publisher as well as the description on the back of the book were both a little misleading as to the story in regards to brother Cadfael's character. As far as I could tell brother Cadfael didn't have a taste for bones, and I'm not sure what was that about the wages of sin leading to scandal of Cadfael's ruin. Overall, it was quite enjoyable. I probably will give the second one in the series a chance before I decide whether or not to keep on with the series.
I had never read any of the Cadfael novels until now. I had seen a number of the television shows and really enjoyed them. As this was on Prime Reading, I thought I would give it a go. It certainly did not disappoint. Granted, it took a bit of building to get into it, but once things began to develop, it was quite enjoyable. A novel idea of a whodunnit set in Medieval times. I am not sure that I will embark on all 20 novels, but they are certainly wonderful fillers for when reading more challenging works.
I simply adore the Brother Cadfael series, and this book sets the tone for the entire series in a magnificent way. Fantastic writing, multi-layered characters, a wonderful mystery, and a satisfactory ending. LOVE!
While I enjoyed the author's word skill, I found the plot slow and too cozy for me. I suppose I need intrigue and suspense in my murder mysteries. The ending was interesting and a little comical.
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Loveable characters:
Yes
This is actually closer to 2.5 stars for me, but it is probably my least favorite Cadfael mystery.
This first book in the series definitely establishes Cadfael and other characters--Prior Robert and Brother Jerome, in particular--in indelible fashion. Peters' initial characterization is also impressive because Cadfael, Robert, and Jerome do not significantly alter throughout the series. There are advantages and disadvantages to this approach. On the side of advantages, Peters' well-thought out character constructions don't paint her into a corner and require her, at some later point, to commit character assassination in order to make a story work. Although Jerome doesn't have much of a personality beyond sanctimonious toady, Robert is given slightly more dimension (albeit not much). This left Peters some room in later books to play, somewhat slightly, with these characters (The Holy Thief, in particular). On the other hand, after 20 novels set over a 10-year period, it would have been nice to have shown Robert and Jerome as having some character development.
Peters also writes with assurance and a strong sense of place. She clearly has an affinity and affection for Wales, and she is able to create a colorful portrait of an early medieval Welsh village (even if the inhabitants are mostly two-dimensional). Even small bits of characterization (like Peredur's mother, who only shows up for one scene) are vivid and make an impression.
Peters also firmly establishes the tropes that show up in almost all of her future mysteries: (1) a pair of young lovers, one of whom (usually the male) is incorrectly believed to be the killer for most of the story; (2) Cadfael making snap--but always correct--judgments that the young romantic hero would never commit whatever crime is featured, thus making him the confidante of the good people in the story; and (3) Cadfael has a deadline by which the mystery must be solved.
There are things to like about Cadfael, but the aspect of him that irritates me the most (but which I know accounts for his enduring popularity), is the fact that he's resolutely a 20th Century man in 11th C England. He's incredibly tolerant of religious, national, and cultural differences, and entirely free of any superstitions of his time. He's also got an amazingly modern attitude towards religious belief. I can understand him having a more cosmopolitan view of life and religion than brethren who never left the cloister or their small corner of England, but Cadfael's characterization lies well beyond "straining credulity."
And that's why this may be my least favorite Cadfael mystery. The climax is predicated on the fact that Cadfael is completely anachronistic in his attitudes and beliefs.
This first book in the series definitely establishes Cadfael and other characters--Prior Robert and Brother Jerome, in particular--in indelible fashion. Peters' initial characterization is also impressive because Cadfael, Robert, and Jerome do not significantly alter throughout the series. There are advantages and disadvantages to this approach. On the side of advantages, Peters' well-thought out character constructions don't paint her into a corner and require her, at some later point, to commit character assassination in order to make a story work. Although Jerome doesn't have much of a personality beyond sanctimonious toady, Robert is given slightly more dimension (albeit not much). This left Peters some room in later books to play, somewhat slightly, with these characters (The Holy Thief, in particular). On the other hand, after 20 novels set over a 10-year period, it would have been nice to have shown Robert and Jerome as having some character development.
Peters also writes with assurance and a strong sense of place. She clearly has an affinity and affection for Wales, and she is able to create a colorful portrait of an early medieval Welsh village (even if the inhabitants are mostly two-dimensional). Even small bits of characterization (like Peredur's mother, who only shows up for one scene) are vivid and make an impression.
Peters also firmly establishes the tropes that show up in almost all of her future mysteries: (1) a pair of young lovers, one of whom (usually the male) is incorrectly believed to be the killer for most of the story; (2) Cadfael making snap--but always correct--judgments that the young romantic hero would never commit whatever crime is featured, thus making him the confidante of the good people in the story; and (3) Cadfael has a deadline by which the mystery must be solved.
There are things to like about Cadfael, but the aspect of him that irritates me the most (but which I know accounts for his enduring popularity), is the fact that he's resolutely a 20th Century man in 11th C England. He's incredibly tolerant of religious, national, and cultural differences, and entirely free of any superstitions of his time. He's also got an amazingly modern attitude towards religious belief. I can understand him having a more cosmopolitan view of life and religion than brethren who never left the cloister or their small corner of England, but Cadfael's characterization lies well beyond "straining credulity."
And that's why this may be my least favorite Cadfael mystery. The climax is predicated on the fact that Cadfael is completely anachronistic in his attitudes and beliefs.
Spoiler
He induces the romantic heroine, Sioned, to pretend to be a saint visiting a malefactor, and he then takes St. Winifred's bones from the reliquary, puts in Columbanus' body instead, and re-buries Winifred in her grave, which she now shares with the murder victim. It is incredible that anyone so devout as to join an early/mid 11th Century monastic house could be so cavalier about how he behaves towards a saint, even someone as cosmopolitan as Cadfael.
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A little too slow paced for a mystery in my opinion, but surprising ending.
A pleasant little cozy mystery, unusual in its setting, with fine characters, and a pleasing read. Took me a while to get through it, but it did take a while to get going as well. Certainly a good little book, though I don't love it as much as others.