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A review by elusivity
The Idylls of the Queen by Phyllis Ann Karr
5.0
So much time had passed since last I read this, that I've forgotten every detail of the plot apart from the past that this book had been one of my favorites. After this reread, it not only remains my favorite, but gains another 0.5 STAR to 4.5 STARS because it holds up so well.
This was the first book about the Arthurian legends that I ever read. I came out with a lasting fondness for Sir Kay--ever practical, acerbic, unsentimental, and grounded, with a lashing tongue and a deeply loyal heart--a portrayal rarely found elsewhere. And for Mordred, high ideals twisted to bitterness and living ever on the verge of suicide.
The bones of the mystery is already set forth in Mallory's Morte D'Arthur, here expanded and humanized through the eyes of people who lived through it, with their various feuds and friendships.
Thus expanded, the Arthurian court and knightly honor become such strange things: knights randomly calling upon one another to joust or fight to the death, the winner gaining honor. Knights randomly stumbling into other people's tents when they're sleeping, eat their food, fall into bed already occupied, then waking up to slay the pavilion's owner with full righteousness because the owner, understandably, was coming at them with sword in hand. The artifice of ever-loving one's lady, yet having lovers left and right. Arthur, the good and just king, who killed a whole generation of May babies because he dreamed one will one day usurp him. (What weird usages for "good" and "honorable," really!) And how little power women have in these times, whether common or noble; except, when they tired of being so helpless, study the necromantic arts and become powerful and amazing sorceresses!
So entertaining, and so melancholic in a way, to see the characters, grow fond of them, knowing the tragedies that will befall them all in the end. But that's the nature of Arthurian stories.. and this one is an excellent addition, not to mention, a pretty fun mystery besides. Recommended!!
This was the first book about the Arthurian legends that I ever read. I came out with a lasting fondness for Sir Kay--ever practical, acerbic, unsentimental, and grounded, with a lashing tongue and a deeply loyal heart--a portrayal rarely found elsewhere. And for Mordred, high ideals twisted to bitterness and living ever on the verge of suicide.
The bones of the mystery is already set forth in Mallory's Morte D'Arthur, here expanded and humanized through the eyes of people who lived through it, with their various feuds and friendships.
Thus expanded, the Arthurian court and knightly honor become such strange things: knights randomly calling upon one another to joust or fight to the death, the winner gaining honor. Knights randomly stumbling into other people's tents when they're sleeping, eat their food, fall into bed already occupied, then waking up to slay the pavilion's owner with full righteousness because the owner, understandably, was coming at them with sword in hand. The artifice of ever-loving one's lady, yet having lovers left and right. Arthur, the good and just king, who killed a whole generation of May babies because he dreamed one will one day usurp him. (What weird usages for "good" and "honorable," really!) And how little power women have in these times, whether common or noble; except, when they tired of being so helpless, study the necromantic arts and become powerful and amazing sorceresses!
So entertaining, and so melancholic in a way, to see the characters, grow fond of them, knowing the tragedies that will befall them all in the end. But that's the nature of Arthurian stories.. and this one is an excellent addition, not to mention, a pretty fun mystery besides. Recommended!!