book data
79 ratings, 3.85 average rating, 20 reviews
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published
July 23rd 2002
(first published 1984)
by Three Rivers Press
binding
Paperback, 496 pages
url
isbn
0609809466
(isbn13: 9780609809464)
description
The return of a classic, by bestselling author Pamela Kaufman.
“Richly rewarding, superbly written. . . . The richness of the character...more
“Richly rewarding, superbly written. . . . The richness of the character...more
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 123)
Read in June, 2006
Fun read. Sometimes a bit unbelievable, but I'll give the writer the benefit of the doubt. Alix is a wonderful character. I was worried about relating to an 11 year old at first, but if she'd been written any older, her innocence would have been unbelievable.
I adored Enoch, however for much of the book I thought he was quite old. (I don't think his age is ever stated.) Then we learn that he's 10 years junior to Richard (who I thought quite young). Also, too many times, I couldn't puzzle thro...more
I adored Enoch, however for much of the book I thought he was quite old. (I don't think his age is ever stated.) Then we learn that he's 10 years junior to Richard (who I thought quite young). Also, too many times, I couldn't puzzle thro...more
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Read in April, 1985
recommends it for:
HF/HR (non-purists)
Many parts of this story are far fetched but I really enjoyed it and this is one of my favorite non-true HF HFR stories. It is well written for what it is. However if you are a HF purist do not even go here! You will toss this book long before you finish it! It is kind of a farce in that sense. But I remember it wrapped up nicely and although I was sad that it ended I didn't walk away feeling not satisfied.
(Now I am writing this review MANY years later from when I have read it so keep that in ...more
(Now I am writing this review MANY years later from when I have read it so keep that in ...more
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Read in January, 2001
There used to be this awesome book-shop slash coffee boutique in downtown Easton, PA that I loved to go to. It was off of the main streets and in a grand old building. Soooooo many books, you could get lost in the shelves. I really hope it is still there.... I will have to look for it this Thanksgiving...
This was an odd-ball find that simply looked interesting. It's the journey of a young noble-born girl in Medieval England escaping from pillagers of her father's castle with a twist. It w...more
This was an odd-ball find that simply looked interesting. It's the journey of a young noble-born girl in Medieval England escaping from pillagers of her father's castle with a twist. It w...more
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Read in June, 2007
Set at the time of King Richard the Lionheart's reign and the Crusades, this book follows Alix, a young orphaned girl trying to win back her family's castle and estate. Forced to disguise herself as a boy for safety, she becomes Richard's page and travels with him to the Holy Land. She has to wrestle with puberty and the budding feelings of love, while trying to keep her disguise intact.
Bawdy, crass, and coarse in its language, this book brings to mind the Canterbury Tales. And, reading i...more
Bawdy, crass, and coarse in its language, this book brings to mind the Canterbury Tales. And, reading i...more
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This is a really fun historical fiction novel that doesn't gloss over things like how filthy everyone was, or how badly women were treated (rape, oppression, etc). It also has some awesome characters (Enoch!), an excellent plot, and some very lolarious moments.
The two main downsides to this book are 1) Alex's good looks and charm becomes somewhat annoying after a few hundred pages, and 2) Alex's attitude towards homosexuality could be read as also being Kaufman's opinion, if you believe Ale...more
The two main downsides to this book are 1) Alex's good looks and charm becomes somewhat annoying after a few hundred pages, and 2) Alex's attitude towards homosexuality could be read as also being Kaufman's opinion, if you believe Ale...more
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OMG if you can find this book you must read it! It's kind of cheesy but totally addicting...Jessie will disagree but many, myself included, were totally sucked in. I bought this for 50 cents at the Smith Library in Lakeview and it was the best purchase ever! I literally stayed up all night to finish it-- I lent it to Walt when he had mono and he was sucked in too! My copy became a Katrina victim, so will have to purchase a new one soon...
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LOVE this book! And the two follow-ups. Tells the story of Alix of Wanthwaite, an 11 year old girl, who disguises herself as a boy to ride on the Crusade with King Richard. Very fun page-turner. There are some questionable themes, so be prepared, but overall a good read.
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recommends it for:
those who like Historical Fiction
3+ Like many Historical Fiction this is fun and somewhat educational. I like the character Alix and her lands are near Scotland a plus for me. Nina liked this too after I passed it on to her and then she found the next in the series and now I am reading it.
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Read in January, 2006
recommends it for:
people who enjoy historical type novels
This was the first "real" book that I picked up.... and then couldn't put down. I've read it several times and still enjoy it. Years later I found a sequal, not as profound of a momment, but I enjoyed it as well.
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I first read this as a teenager and although the story is fairly cheesy, the treatment of it is excellent and, to my mind, authentic. A chick lit version of The Religion, maybe ;)
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I really liked this book, and would have given it a 3.5 if I could. Still looking for the 2nd in the trilogy, and will buy it when I find it.
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Read in June, 2007
Kind of juvenile. There are much better medieval fiction books out there (Sharon K Penman, Dorothy Dunnet).
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I really enjoy this trilogy- not my absolute favorite but up there and definitely one I can reread.
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This was OK, but the story line got way too convoluted and went on and on without much direction.
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Another romantic story with TONS of historical detail. Fun to read.
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Read in January, 2004
Sucked me into Alix's story from the first sentence.
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Read in August, 2002
Implausible but entertaining
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