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pabbo's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
kvbixal's review against another edition
4.0
While I knew the name of Sir Walter Scott, I didn't know what he was famous for -- and so the fact that this story is actually an epic, multi-canto poem took me by surprise. As a disclaimer of sorts, please note that I am not a student of poetry and I do not know how [b:The Lady of the Lake|12767|The Lady of the Lake|Walter Scott|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1348237870l/12767._SY75_.jpg|1332884] stacks up against other narrative poems (of any era). I enjoyed it far more than I had expected. I had thought, from the title, that it was part of the Arthurian mythos, but it is in fact nothing to do with Arthur at all, and instead revolves around two Scottish clans, several people within those clans, and how those characters interact with King James V of Scotland. It was a whirlwind of adventure, well-told and well-paced; a love letter to Scotland's wild heritage and the peoples who called it home.
shadylane00's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
jaclyn323's review against another edition
4.0
3.5/5. I love poetry, so it was beautiful to read, but I struggle a bit remembering everything in an epic poem so half the time I was trying to remember what was going on haha
jbrito's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
kailey_luminouslibro's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
As a result of a feud between her father and King James, Ellen Douglas must live a secluded life in hiding on a small island in a Scottish loch. There she meets the mysterious James Fitz-James, a knight who has lost his hunting party in the highlands. Ellen is distressed by the romantic intentions of two highland lords, Malcolm Graeme and Roderick Dhu. Her father, the Douglas, refuses to lead his clan into war with King James, but Roderick Dhu calls together an army for a bloody battle.
I loved this beautiful poetry! There is such a wonderful balance in the writing between flowery phrases and powerful emotions and good plain storytelling. All these things come together for a delightful reading experience.
I loved the strong characters of the highland lords. They are courteous and brave and loyal. They are everything that knights in a fairy tale should be. The Douglas is so strong and brawny that he has become a legend among all the Scottish clans. Roderick Dhu may be rough and violent, but he always respects traditional courteous conduct. Fitz-James is serious and stalwart, but also has a tender heart.
Ellen is a lovely character. She's so sweet and strong-minded. She will sacrifice anything to save her father. She is sensitive, but also very tough to weather the storms of difficulty. I really liked how she will not bend to other's wishes, but she is also very generous and unselfish.
I enjoyed diving into the Scottish setting. The poetry paints a gorgeous picture of the highlands, and the perfect unspoiled nature of the mountains, the lochs and rivers. I could almost smell the greenery and the pines. I could almost feel the coolness of the water rippling in little waves on the shores of the lake. It's vivid and alive in every stanza.
I liked that my edition has a map and some illustrations, and footnotes to explain some of the more archaic or Scottish words. I didn't usually need the footnotes though. The language is so readable, and the story flows along so easily that they weren't usually necessary, but nice to have.
I loved this beautiful poetry! There is such a wonderful balance in the writing between flowery phrases and powerful emotions and good plain storytelling. All these things come together for a delightful reading experience.
I loved the strong characters of the highland lords. They are courteous and brave and loyal. They are everything that knights in a fairy tale should be. The Douglas is so strong and brawny that he has become a legend among all the Scottish clans. Roderick Dhu may be rough and violent, but he always respects traditional courteous conduct. Fitz-James is serious and stalwart, but also has a tender heart.
Ellen is a lovely character. She's so sweet and strong-minded. She will sacrifice anything to save her father. She is sensitive, but also very tough to weather the storms of difficulty. I really liked how she will not bend to other's wishes, but she is also very generous and unselfish.
I enjoyed diving into the Scottish setting. The poetry paints a gorgeous picture of the highlands, and the perfect unspoiled nature of the mountains, the lochs and rivers. I could almost smell the greenery and the pines. I could almost feel the coolness of the water rippling in little waves on the shores of the lake. It's vivid and alive in every stanza.
I liked that my edition has a map and some illustrations, and footnotes to explain some of the more archaic or Scottish words. I didn't usually need the footnotes though. The language is so readable, and the story flows along so easily that they weren't usually necessary, but nice to have.
bertturtel's review against another edition
4.0
I listened to this poem through Librivox. it was beautifully read by Cynthia Moyer.
This is a fast moving traditional chivalric romance- often heavier on the chivalry than the romance. The fact that this is a poem with alliteration, repetition, and of course rhyme just helps the flow and emphasis of the tale.
This is a definite tale to put in on your next road trip.
This is a fast moving traditional chivalric romance- often heavier on the chivalry than the romance. The fact that this is a poem with alliteration, repetition, and of course rhyme just helps the flow and emphasis of the tale.
This is a definite tale to put in on your next road trip.