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A review by maximum_moxie
The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley
4.0
4 and a half stars--A book which I wouldn't have expected to enjoy, yet it kept me reading like a fiend.
Engagingly written, tackling the perspectives of the largely unsung women behind King Arthur's throne and not falling prey to the conventional "knight-in-shining-armor" stereotype. Instead, Bradley illustrates the daily realities of the Britain of the time period, particularly the trials of marriage and motherhood in a world before birth control and coupling for love. Given these difficulties, the strength of the heroines (particularly Morgaine) is encouraging and empowering, as it was intended to be. This strength stems from deeply-held religion, which flows through the novel as fluidly as it does through the characters' lives.
A few minor quibbles, mostly matters of taste--most of the Christian characters (Gwenhyfar) were purposefully irritating; the author has an agenda when it comes to making woman-centered paganism look good. The religious debates, often somewhat repetitive, are seemingly constant and can get old. Additionally (and this is a matter of personal taste), there is a LOT of sex. A LOT. It's handled very well, yet it wasn't always to my liking. Otherwise, this is a lovely read.
Engagingly written, tackling the perspectives of the largely unsung women behind King Arthur's throne and not falling prey to the conventional "knight-in-shining-armor" stereotype. Instead, Bradley illustrates the daily realities of the Britain of the time period, particularly the trials of marriage and motherhood in a world before birth control and coupling for love. Given these difficulties, the strength of the heroines (particularly Morgaine) is encouraging and empowering, as it was intended to be. This strength stems from deeply-held religion, which flows through the novel as fluidly as it does through the characters' lives.
A few minor quibbles, mostly matters of taste--most of the Christian characters (Gwenhyfar) were purposefully irritating; the author has an agenda when it comes to making woman-centered paganism look good. The religious debates, often somewhat repetitive, are seemingly constant and can get old. Additionally (and this is a matter of personal taste), there is a LOT of sex. A LOT. It's handled very well, yet it wasn't always to my liking. Otherwise, this is a lovely read.