Reviews

Ο Ρομπέν των Δασών by Roger Lancelyn Green

readingthroughthelists's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

My students loved this book; as their teacher, I had more reservations.

First, I salute Green’s effort to compile the many Robin Hood tales and legends into one continuous, internally consistent narrative. Each chapter of the book is essentially its own individual ballad/play/story, which made it perfect for reading and discussion with my 4th-5th graders. (I assigned them one chapter session, which turned out to be the perfect amount for a 45 min. class).

However, some of the incorporated material fits better than others. (Seriously, what is Ivanhoe doing here??) Additionally, the book is suffused with a strong current of 1950’s conservatism which contrasts oddly with the story of the *checks notes* outlaw who robs the rich to feed the poor. But go off about how reading Robin Hood shouldn’t turn you into a socialist or something.

This being said, my students’ love for the book eventually brought me around and we had some fabulous discussions of the text. For this reason, it comes highly recommended.

starship9's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

Just a lighthearted, fun read. Robin Hood remains incredibly charismatic to this day.

clockless's review against another edition

2.0

The dialogue is extremely stiff and formal, and the story, while it does a good job of putting the various myths in a coherent package, is too focused on making sure that Robin is a perfect '50s-style pious and patriotic (to the true King, naturally) man, while at the same time emphasizing his noble background. Too moralistic for my taste, in other words.

The story also perpetuates the Good King Richard, evil John story, which I won't fault it for (since its a part of the myth, however unfounded), but goes to absurd lengths to maintain it, where it seems like John does nothing but roam about Nottingham seeking to be thwarted. Plus the story relies far too heavily on the "hood reveal," which is never, in any case, believable.

Boring and tedious -- read Ivanhoe instead, or at least first.

talesoffay's review against another edition

4.0

This was my forst time reading a Robin Hood retelling and I don't think it will be my last.

While I found it repetive and far fetched at times. It was fast paced and action packed so overall i enjoyed it.

callen's review against another edition

2.0

a fairly good retelling of the classic robin hood story.

melissa_reads_books's review against another edition

3.0

My oldest son loved this and loved that I read it aloud to him. Me, while I recognized the very classic Robin Hood stories, I just don't love it. I would much rather just watch Robin Hood Men in Tights

anillak's review against another edition

4.0

It is a bit repetitive but still a classic and worth reading.

literati42's review against another edition

1.0

This book was horribly paced and generally terrible. It was thoughtless about consequences to the characters actions. Ultimately, the ending was frustrating and disappointing. Robin Hood deserves more respect.

adriannafurtado's review against another edition

5.0

This book happens to be the first piece of fiction I've read in along time. It was absolutely lovely! I could imagine everything going on - something I have really struggled with when I was younger. Language was fairly easy to understand despite there being a fair amount of old english words and phrases. The book was easy to dip in and out of and chapters were short so it kept my attention. I would have liked to see more of a relationship being developed with the characters but I understand that this is aimed at a younger audience so it was most likely that the plot was the driving focus. I really was interested by the moral implications the characters faced. I liked questioning where I felt my place was in the story - who my loyalties lied with, what I found just and unjust. This reminded me of the D&D Alignments e.g chaotic good, true neutral, lawful good...etc. I found myself placing the characters within the traits of the model in order to try make sense of the way they were thinking, why they did what they did and even trivialise what they might do. I would this to anyone who loves the forest aesthetic and adventure plots with the constraints of moral implications. I could see myself reading this again.

ashleynealon's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75