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A review by maplessence
A Rare Benedictine by Ellis Peters
3.0
Ever wonder about Brother Cadfael's past before this good man joined the Benedictine order? Be careful what you wish for!
I thought all three of these short stories would refer to the good brother's pre- monastic past,but fortunately only the first one does. I say fortunately as A Light on the Road to Woodstock is a very half hearted affair. It gives the appearance of being written to satisfy the curiosity of Brother Cadfael's fans & I think Peters enjoyed writing it as little as I enjoyed reading it. This slight tale reveals very little, the "mystery" is very easy to guess. I read this story twice, convinced I had missed something. I hadn't 2★
The Price of Light on the other hand is as satisfying as a short story mystery can be. Well drawn characters good narrative description, plausible resolution. 5★
Eye Witness Not quite as good as the above, but wittier and a pleasure to read. 4★
Rounding the overall book to 3.5★
I thought all three of these short stories would refer to the good brother's pre- monastic past,but fortunately only the first one does. I say fortunately as A Light on the Road to Woodstock is a very half hearted affair. It gives the appearance of being written to satisfy the curiosity of Brother Cadfael's fans & I think Peters enjoyed writing it as little as I enjoyed reading it. This slight tale reveals very little, the "mystery" is very easy to guess. I read this story twice, convinced I had missed something. I hadn't 2★
The Price of Light on the other hand is as satisfying as a short story mystery can be. Well drawn characters good narrative description, plausible resolution. 5★
Eye Witness Not quite as good as the above, but wittier and a pleasure to read. 4★
Rounding the overall book to 3.5★