This should be the last book in my list for the Fall Into Reading Challenge 2009. I’ve finished the challenge but it’s a whole month earlier than the deadline, December 20. So, I’ve decided to stretch my list. See my additions here.
Author : Anya Seton
Date of First Publication : 1965
First Publisher : Hodder and Stoughton
This Edition’s Publication Date : May 1, 2006
This Edition’s Publisher : Chicago Review Press
ISBN-10: 1556526008
ISBN-13: 978-1556526008
No. of pages : 448
The Story :
A young noble, Rumon, makes his way to England in his quest for Avalon when he is thrown into Merewyn’s way and through a deathbed promise is forced to take responsibility for her. Merewyn has been brought up to believe she is a descendant of the legendary King Arthur; but Rumon knows the truth of her barbaric and pagan bloodline.
In the course of their lives in England, Merewyn falls in love with him; but Rumon is oblivious as he gives his heart and soul to the beautiful Queen Alfrida. After his ill-fated affair with her, he slowly comes to love Merewyn as well. But his love, just as hers before, is thwarted by events. And thus spins the saga of their love through their lives.
The Review :
There is something about old books and the way they are written that imbues them with a charm all their own. Avalon is such a book, first published in 1965. I picked this up because the author, Anya Seton, was one I had admired after reading Katherine.
Both books showcase Seton’s style of romance which pits love against circumstance. Her romance is more realistic and mature, less involved with the fluff that makes for fairy tale finishes. Love has to navigate through uncontrollable events life throws in the way. Endings are poignant but not the totally happily-ever-after kind that rarely happens, if ever, in real life. The feeling is satifsying, though, in the sense that we get a better grip on how versatile and enduring true love can be. In this particular novel, love for more than one person is possible although it exists in different shades and gradations, dependent on character and chance.
Many readers will enjoy the vivid backdrop of this story. The 10th century comes alive with Seton’s characterization of real historical figures like Queen Alfrida, King Ethelred the Unready, Saint Dunstan, and with her accounts of how life was in a European era that saw Viking invasions and explorations.
To Read Or Not To Read :
Although not as good as “Katherine“, which was an outstanding read, “Avalon” is also a beautiful story in itself; but, it isn’t for every romance reader. A mature reader would appreciate the emotions and the way the story unfolds rather than judge the characters’ likability quotient, as a younger reader would. This is not a syrupy, shivery love story; but one that carries more depth as it plays out in the harsh circumstances of medieval life.
My Mark : Very Good
November 14, 2009 at 2:13 pm
“less involved with the fluff that makes for fairy tale finishes”
Finally, a love story that I can really sink myself into! I see this book quite often in Booksale branches but I never really paid attention to it. Thanks for bringing this book to your reader’s attention, Jo! I’ll be on the lookout for Katherine as well.
November 15, 2009 at 1:29 pm
Oh, so you would read a romance, too, Peter? I thought your reading taste ran more toward the dark side or the very serious.
Yes, do look for Katherine. Loads better than Avalon, although the story is written very much from a woman’s perspective.
November 15, 2009 at 2:28 pm
Hi again, Jo! Oh, I would read almost anything, at least once. I’ve read all 14 of the original Gossip Girl series! And I’ve sampled those tagalog romance novels that are seem to be so popular these days. I even read some chick lit; I’ve read the 4 Shopaholic books!
Whatever made you think that my reading tastes veer toward the “dark” or “serious” stuff? Hehehe.
November 15, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Oh that’s right, Peter! You did mention reading all these books! Where’d my memory go to?
Hmmm…Maybe I just see a lot of the gothic types in your site and maybe because my wishlist of such books are mostly from you.
Tee Hee! Sorry! I forgot, you do have a wide range of preferences. I haven’t even gone as far as reading Tagalog romances or horror books yet!
November 18, 2009 at 6:58 am
This sounds interesting! I read Katherine a while back. Sounds like this is more fun though.
November 19, 2009 at 4:25 am
I found Katherine so much better and Avalon a bit of a far second, although still quite good. Well, just give it a whirl.
Thanks for stopping by!