Scan barcode
ztaylor4's review against another edition
5.0
First off, this is [b:Sir Gawain and the Green Knight|380544|Sir Gawain and the Green Knight|Unknown|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1311643645l/380544._SY75_.jpg|2954048] in a different packaging. This edition also includes a foreword by David Lowery that's interesting but not indispensible--he humbly claims that even having adapted the story to film, he has barely scratched the surface of this story.
The story itself is bizarre and captivating,
The story itself is bizarre and captivating,
dee9401's review
5.0
This is the third version of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (by the "Pearl" poet) that I have read. This is a fast-reading translation that flows cleanly. The Notes at the end were excellent and the several introductory sections set a nice foundation, especially for those who've never read the story before, but I also learned from it. I absolutely loved the appendix which was a section of the original text, slightly modified for modern readers.
I think I still like M.S. Merwin's the best, partly due to his translation choices, and partly due to it being presented in a dual language format (the Middle English on the left page and his translation on the right).
If you've never read this story, give it a chance. It's a fast read, only about 75 paperback pages in this translation. It's a great story on multiple levels. I picked this up from one of my favorite bookshops, Browseabout Books, in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
N.B. While this is the movie tie in for the 2021 film, it is the original text and not a novelization of the movie.
I think I still like M.S. Merwin's the best, partly due to his translation choices, and partly due to it being presented in a dual language format (the Middle English on the left page and his translation on the right).
If you've never read this story, give it a chance. It's a fast read, only about 75 paperback pages in this translation. It's a great story on multiple levels. I picked this up from one of my favorite bookshops, Browseabout Books, in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
N.B. While this is the movie tie in for the 2021 film, it is the original text and not a novelization of the movie.
blueelectricfish's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
bjartast's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
cryo_guy's review
4.0
I read this because some friends invited me to watch the new movie. I also happened to come across a bbc podcast from In Our Time about the poem which I listened to all in preparation for the movie. I had a real fun time with all of it and the movie was pretty decent. To be honest, I think I had built it up a bit too much in my head and while it was stunning visually, it lacked a certain narrative integrity. That isn't to say it didn't make sense, it just preferred to tell the story differently. It embraced a sort of vagueness, which one might argue is in the spirit of the original poem. Nevertheless, I feel like some of the themes I explored in my reading of the poem weren't utilized as much as they could have been for the movie (plus Morgan le Fay is Gawain's mom? Really throws a wrench in things. Or a holly branch at the very least). I can't stress enough though that the movie is very beautiful and visually dynamic.
At any rate, let's get to this book! So I thought O'Donoghue did a pretty decent job although he's left me wondering what Tolkien's is like. I think his translation is imminently accessible, but in parts lacks a certain lyrical verve. Other times, it does really well with what I understand is the general formula-rhyming, meter, alliteration, etc.-for this poem and its genre. All in all, a worthy translation. The poem itself was fun for me to finally read for the first time and really doesnt suffer from being boring because its so short. Good stuff.
At any rate, let's get to this book! So I thought O'Donoghue did a pretty decent job although he's left me wondering what Tolkien's is like. I think his translation is imminently accessible, but in parts lacks a certain lyrical verve. Other times, it does really well with what I understand is the general formula-rhyming, meter, alliteration, etc.-for this poem and its genre. All in all, a worthy translation. The poem itself was fun for me to finally read for the first time and really doesnt suffer from being boring because its so short. Good stuff.
cormaccomet's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
opendoor's review against another edition
4.0
First time reading medieval poetry for fun! I really enjoyed it. There was some fascinating imagery. And despite the fantastical elements, the story felt grounded in reality. Now i want to watch the movie so i can compare the two.
thirdtimesacharm's review
adventurous
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25