a woman's tale (The Mists of Avalon - Marion Zimmer Bradley)

Name: Bryn Pearson

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Product:	The Mists of Avalon - Marion Zimmer Bradley
Date:	23/04/01 (40 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: reworks a familiar tale to great effect.

Disadvantages: does drag a little in places.

Traditionally, the women in the Arthurian myths have appeared only as shadowy figures in the background, mothers, wives and betrayers who get little explanation. The Mists of Avalon is a retelling of the story from the perspectives of the female figures within it, Igraine, Arthur's mother, Morgaine - sister and seducer of Arthur, Viviann -lady of the lake, Guinever - Christian and adulteress, Nimue - betrayer of Merlin and many others. Rich, diverse and offering a brave alternative to the well known story, this tale treats all of the protagonsist with equal sympathy as it watches a pagan King transformed into a Christion idol by the efforts of his wife. As the old pagan ways dwindle, the land is threatened by Saxons and it is clear that a darker time is coming.
This is long and well thought out novel exploring the relationship between paganism and early Christianity and looking at the conflicts in the Arthurian myths. It does drag in places, but is well worth ploughing through because there are some wonderful insights and gems of ideas to be found.

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