The thing that struck me most, I guess, was the theme of "adventure for adventure's sake". Reading it as an adult, I had to question his motives at times. And that takes the fun out of it. There were those episodes where he truly accomplished good things. But then there are those where he was just being ornery. I remember reading Pyle's tales of King Arthur in school (eons ago) and being completely swept up in the time period with all the gallant knights and lovely ladies. But when I read this, I kept thinking maybe he just needed to grow up a little. Wow. Really? Robin Hood grow up? I am old. Or maybe it's just that motherly perspective I have now. I wouldn't want my sons to aspire to be Robin Hood (except while they are little guys). I am boring.
As far historical fiction goes, it sets the scene for the reader to truly experience the Middle Ages and to see the system of land ownership and titles and how they affect so many aspects of society. As an adventure tale, it's very well written, all 349 pages. I feel like I should be writing this review using "thee's and thou's", to stay in character.
Howard Pyle is a masterful storyteller and his illustrations are wonderful. This work was originally published in 1883 and the full title is The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood of Great Renown in Nottinghamshire. How's that for a mouthful?
I have been reading a great deal of late because this is the season of the "bug that will not die!" Kregg and I have succumbed to whatever it was the kids had. YUCK. We are on the tail end of it, though and should be back to normal soon. Remember "normal" is a relative term. We literally have had someone sick almost the entire time since Christmas. Unheard of around here.
#11 in my 52 in 52 challenge.
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