The Maid of the White Hands (Tristan and Isolde, #2)

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The Maid of the White Hands (Tristan and Isolde #2)

3.71 of 5 stars 3.71 · rating details · 636 ratings · 28 reviews

Isolde’s day has come. In Ireland her mother, the Queen, lies dying. The throne of the Emerald Isle, one of the last strongholds of the Goddess, awaits her. But while Ireland is her destiny, Isolde is already Queen of Cornwall, trapped in a loveless marriage to the mean-spirited King Mark. Her true love is his nephew, Tristan of Lyonesse, who has never married, remaining f...more

Paperback, 352 pages

Published January 4th 2005 by Broadway (first published August 19th 2003)

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Aug 13, 2012 Prom rated it 2 of 5 stars

The second book in this series was okay. It was definately a faster read than the first installment. I have made a promise to myself to finish this series and Im going to. A nice thing about reading the second book in this trilogy is that the relationships are starting to blossom. By that I mean that some depth has been attained (FINALLY!!!) But I need to stress the *some* part in my summary. I feel that there is no real voice behind any one of the characters. At a few points in the story, I rea...more

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May 24, 2012 Artist Erin rated it 1 of 5 stars

The Maid of The White Hands by Rosalind Miles- Book Review by Erin Miller
Published on May 24, 2012 by Erin Miller in Shopping
The Maid of The White Hands by Rosalind Miles- Book Review by Erin Miller

Rosalind Miles is a good historical fiction author.

The Maid Of The White Hands By Rosalind Miles- Book Review By Erin Miller

Rosalind Miles is a good historical fiction author. I liked the first book that I have read of hers that was called Isolde Queen of the Western Isle. Her second books The Maid o...more The Maid of The White Hands by Rosalind Miles- Book Review by Erin Miller
Published on May 24, 2012 by Erin Miller in Shopping
The Maid of The White Hands by Rosalind Miles- Book Review by Erin Miller

Rosalind Miles is a good historical fiction author.

The Maid Of The White Hands By Rosalind Miles- Book Review By Erin Miller

Rosalind Miles is a good historical fiction author. I liked the first book that I have read of hers that was called Isolde Queen of the Western Isle. Her second books The Maid of the White Hands however, could have been much better.

In The Maid of the White Hands by Rosalind Miles, Queen Isolde’s mother has passed away making Isolde now Queen of Ireland aka The Western Isle. She goes to Ireland and her mother’s former lover Tolen was murdered by his brother Breccan who is planning to make himself king. So now, there’s a threat to her kingdom she has to face.

Meanwhile, in Cornwall, King Mark’s nephew Andred is trying to get the King under his trap. He leads Mark to have suspicions against Isolde and Tristan. Here we see Mark as a cowardly jealous man that people are able to pull strings and push buttons to get him to do their bidding. A coward so to speak. This also makes no sense to me either considering he’s having an affair with the Lady Elva and no one says anything about that. Then again I have to think of the time period the story takes place…

As for the love affair between Isolde and Tristan, it got old after a while. The continuing mantras: “Goddess Mother help me…” and “Oh my love.” or “Bring me to my love.” gets old and wearisome after a while. In all honestly these two star crossed lovers acted like nothing more than a sorry pair of high school students with a breach of communication. Come on! In the book Isolde is thirty for goodness sake and I imagine Tristan’s around the same age. Grow up! The love between them could have been written better and not with teenage angst.

In the book Tristan does get injured and Andred sends him to Blanch who is the Princess of France. Blanch actually reminds me of some terrible person I know in real life, so she stuck out as someone that really annoyed me. What I couldn’t stand was one scene where she was so full of herself she sent a man to his death and didn’t care at all as soon as found out Tristan was in her homeland. It made me think ”How can someone be so selfish!”

Another thing I didn’t understand in this book was that Isolde left the Western Isle to look for Tristan even though her lands were in disarray. How can any decent ruler do that to their lands? It made no sense how the Western Isle didn’t fall apart after that.

I rate this book a 1 out of 10. Miles could have written this story so much better than what it was. I hope in the third book it is decent but I won’t get my hopes up. I hate leaving a series unfinished so I will read the third book and maybe, just maybe, it could be a better story than the second book was.

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Sep 29, 2012 Sandra rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-own, boekenfestijn, arthurian-legend, in-english, read-in-2012

I'm glad this book only cost me 1 Euro, and even that Euro was a waste of money. I only got 50 pages into this book, but everything about it makes me so angry that I don't see the point in continuing. The problem here is definitely me, I'm so used to the original Medieval texts that I can't follow these characters' motivation or the world setting. I have a problem with the Queens holding so much power (Mark being a pawn of sorts for Igraine, Isolde's mother ruling Ireland) when this is not histo...more I'm glad this book only cost me 1 Euro, and even that Euro was a waste of money. I only got 50 pages into this book, but everything about it makes me so angry that I don't see the point in continuing. The problem here is definitely me, I'm so used to the original Medieval texts that I can't follow these characters' motivation or the world setting. I have a problem with the Queens holding so much power (Mark being a pawn of sorts for Igraine, Isolde's mother ruling Ireland) when this is not historically logical *, the fact that the characters are so bland and superficial.. there was so much to annoy me, and that in only the first 50 pages. It was baffling.

Behind the spoiler I will explain what baffles me about this text exactly, when compared to the incredibly beautiful, rich text by Gottfried von Straßburg. I admit again, not being able to stomach this book is my fault, because I'm too used to Gottfried's work, a work that makes you think, is clever in its criticism and depiction of courtly life. There are faults in his work, for sure. But even when comparing to many of the other versions we have of the Medieval work, this book just comes up short.

And it's obvious, this book is for quite a bit based off Malory, the opening pages of Tristan's history make as much clear, but as I find Malory lacking when it comes to Tristan & Isolde (or, indeed, Lancelot) there really was little hope for me liking this book. Because, I am sorry, I cannot put the other versions out of my mind while reading what's basically the same story, only differently worded.

It gets 2 stars still because the problem is mostly me, and despite all the complaining, I don't actually hate it as much as the other books I have given one star. Carrying on!

(view spoiler)[

* The Gottfried von Straßburg version (and therefore also the other versions of this source, including the text by Thomas de Bretagne) say that the Queen Isolde was indeed queen, but did not hold the power. Ireland was conquered by a man from Africa, who married the daughter of the most powerful family in the land. By doing this, he secured her brother's allegiance, a man who was as strong as 4 men put together, and these two men ruled Ireland. That's not to say Mother Isolde wasn't loved or without power, her husband trusted her and listened to her (in the few scenes Gottfried bothered to write down). But she was not the main ruler and the throne did not pass from mother to daughter, and even if it had, it would have ended with Queen Isolde: she was conquered and forced to give up her right to a man. The younger Isolde - to be Tristan's lover -, would have no claim to the throne due to being her mother's daughter, but her father's. Maybe this was different in Ireland (I admit to having not a lot of knowledge about Medieval Ireland), but then neither did the French and German writers (Gottfried for instance was convinced the Thames was a city, and not a river), so I'm just basing my thoughts on the texts.

I'm probably reading way too much into this, but it's a version of Tristan & Isolde I don't like and refuse to comprehend. The discussions of religion that are brought into this bother me, as the Medieval texts are written in a Christian setting. This is why so many writers condemn Tristan & Isolde for their adultery! Gottfried is the rare writer who forgives them, and personifies their love as a Goddess of Love more powerful than God, which is a far more interesting concept to play with that the Christiany vs. Pagan battles that have been depicted so often in modern literature.

The apparently extreme use of the Arthurian court is unnecessary, but probably used here to pull in audiences (or proves again how important Malory was in this work, and not the actual T&I texts). Another bothersome thing: Tristan & Isolde's love falls flat within 2 chapters. Isolde's exclamations of "Oh Goddess help me" add nothing to her character, nor does Tristan's constant "oh my lady" win him any favours with me. These are two of the most cunning, manipulative characters in the Medieval literature, who yes, do place their trust in (the) God(dess), but also in their own wits. I saw nothing of this, though admittedly, I didn't read very much.

Mark is portrayed as a caricature, deprived of even more of his power than was necessary (apparently having to pay homage to a queen), and being hopelessly terrified of wielding a sword to help Isolde, and even unwilling to face her. Mark, a character who showed no interest in women and refused to marry for Tristan's sake, is here depicted as not sharing a room with Isolde, not consumating the marriage (which is odd, as the few conversations that Mark and Isolde do have happen in the bedroom! as they would, in Medieval times, away from court), but despite all that, having a lover.. which I cannot picture at all. The reason he sends Tristan & Isolde away from court is because he realizes she can never love him as she does Tristan, even if Mark's love for Isolde can only be called shallow at most. (There's a reason why some people argue Mark might have had more than family-feelings towards Tristan.. though my professor that's probably people misinterpreting Medieval texts with today's values, and I'm inclined to agree with him.)

There's more, but this will do. So yes, only read this when you're not as well versed in the wonderous world of the Medieval texts, or at least don't feel the need to compare them. Maybe I should just stop reading modern retellings, as they fail to interest me as much. (hide spoiler)](less)

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Sep 03, 2010 Lisa Lap rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010-books-read, fiction, historicalromance, historicalfiction

Book two of the Tristan and Isolde love affair find us ten years down the road from where book one left off and yet the couple finds themselves no closer to being able to live openly than before. They're happy and content with their lives though - and find joy in the pleasure of each other's company in a court where joy is hard to come by.

Enter a new plot twist. A young princess - Blanche - has her heart set on the famous knight Tristan to have as her husband. It doesn't matter that they have n...more

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Jul 29, 2011 Mirah W rated it 3 of 5 stars

I think the plot of book 2 progressed a little faster than book 1. Apparently, Miles diverts from the Irish myth with the fates of Tristan and Isolde. I didn't know much about it to begin with so this was news to me. I thought the twist with Blanche was good...and well-written. However, I still have my primary complaint about these books....Miles overuses such sentiments as "oh my love", "Oh Goddess Mother help me", "oh my love". It gets repetitive and annoying.

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Feb 20, 2011 Lily rated it 3 of 5 stars

I really can't make my mind up about these books. They're well written, sure. They're just so...idealised. The women are always powerful and often beautiful; the men, even the 'good' ones, are weak and generally hard to trust. The heroes always have great sex, intense romance and passion, and spiritual relations. The villains are materialistic and unsympathetic in any way. I'm rather edging towards the realisation that the characters are rather shallow. The very protofeminist bent slightly grate...more

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Dec 24, 2010 Lisa rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Aug 05, 2010 Jennifer rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction

What with the running to and fro and hither and yon by Tristan and Isolde, the many trials and tests of their love and all the drama and whatnot, I am just exhausted. I think I'll take a long and sober break before reading the third in this series.

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Sep 03, 2012 katherine drake rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: dramatic-fiction

This series of books just makes me smile, for reasons all my own. They do expand out well on this lovely story at the fringe and outer reach of Arthur's Round Table tales, amid the lush green and mystical tradition of Ireland.

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Feb 10, 2012 Julie Tichonchuk rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is on par with the tale of King Arthur and his lot. It reminds me of Odysseus, where the poor guy is just trying to get home. Tristin and Isolde are just trying to find peace. I have to find the third book now. I have to know how it ends.

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Mar 16, 2010 Stephanie Krause rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, favorites

This is probably my all-time favorite series. I don't know what it is, but it is always the first trilogy I mention when I talk about my favorite books... and I have a LOT of favorite books. :)

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Nov 04, 2009 Carmen rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction

This part of the trilogy describes how Tristan meets and marries Isolde of the white hands. This version shows more trickery by the new Isolde and more suspicion from King Mark.

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Aug 05, 2011 Anna Claire added it · review of another edition

Man, this is one weird tale. I love Atwood at the best of times, and this was the oddest most interesting read aside from her short stories.

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Jul 29, 2011 Janine marked it as to-read

Shelves: fantasy, historical-fiction

The second of a trilogy that tells the tragic tale of Tristan and Isolde, lovers meant to be separated by time and space.

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Aug 14, 2010 Dav'ne rated it 2 of 5 stars

Okay, so the first saga of Tristan & Isolde was fun...kind of like the opera. The second was okay...this one. But it's old now and I don't have to read #3. Poor Tristan, his head must still hurt all these centuries later from all the jousting wounds!

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Oct 10, 2009 Richard Harden rated it 5 of 5 stars

As with the first book of the Tristan and Isolde novels, this is an imaginative and enjoyable retelling of the legend.

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Jun 30, 2009 Keeley rated it 3 of 5 stars

She really kept me on my toes with this one. I couldn't forsee how she was going to work the plot through, but she did it and kept it interesting despite the sometimes annoying lovey-dovey goings-on. I am excited to read the last installment.

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Mar 10, 2013 Jenny Pearsall rated it 5 of 5 stars

Great

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Oct 01, 2012 Elizabeth(The Book Whisperer) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Loving it! I have one more book to go in this series.

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Oct 16, 2012 Nikki rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: arthurian, based-on-myth-saga-etc, romance

Again, keeping this just for reference -- alas for my feeling that I've got to be able to put my hands on any Arthuriana I've ever come across. This trilogy is exactly as I'd expect from Rosalind Miles, having read here Guenevere trilogy, and if you don't want to be smothered in purple prose and sick-making attitudes to women, just... avoid.

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Mar 16, 2008 Lydiajett rated it 4 of 5 stars

The second in the "Tristan & Isolde" series. This is where things really start to get interesting. And this book has an interesting villain in the form of a love-struck girl named Blanche.

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Apr 08, 2008 Karina rated it 3 of 5 stars

Sequel to Isolde. Again, I liked the book but one of the main conflicts doesn't sit right with what I believe...of course could be why it's a conflict.:)

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Mar 27, 2009 Dacia rated it 4 of 5 stars

LOVE IT!! Plus a perfect cliffhanger for the third book....

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Jul 27, 2011 Emaline Lapinski rated it 2 of 5 stars

pretty good, decent. it left me anticipating the next installment in the series

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Apr 08, 2008 Mr. Pe Mr. Pe added it

this book is great i recommend this to everyone

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Mar 23, 2008 Mayuri Kasaraneni rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: finished-reading

not as good as the first one but still really good

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Jun 15, 2007 Erica Yatsuk rated it 5 of 5 stars

again, couldn't put it down

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Oct 26, 2007 ~mad rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: booksiveread

Yum, yum!

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May 18, 2013 Abigail added it · review of another edition

May 17, 2013 Joe rated it 4 of 5 stars

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About Rosalind Miles

Rosalind Miles is an author born and raised in England and now living in both Los Angeles and Kent, England. She has written both works of fiction and non-fiction. As a child, Miles suffered from polio, and had to undergo several months of treatment. After being accepted to a junior women's college, Miles acquired a working knowledge of Latin and Greek, along with developing her life-long love of...more

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Books by Rosalind Miles

Guenevere, Queen of the Summer Country (Guenevere, #1)

Isolde, Queen of the Western Isle (Tristan and Isolde, #1)

The Knight of the Sacred Lake (Guenevere, #2)

The Child of the Holy Grail (Guenevere, #3)

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The Maid of the White Hands (Tristan and Isolde #2)

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