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The Outlaws of Sherwood

by Robin McKinley

3.70 · rating details · 4,153 ratings · 340 reviews

This classic retelling of the the Robin Hood legend finds young Robin eking out a living and barely able to control his temper when he is taunted by the noblemen of the land.

Paperback, 282 pages

Published May 13th 2002 by Firebird (first published October 28th 1988)

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Apr 04, 2009

Anne rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: young-stuff

Full disclosure: I like this book a lot, and I think its best points more than outweigh its flaws.

To those disappointed by Robin Hood’s sidelining, I want to point out that McKinley’s title--The Outlaws of Sherwood--should warn you what she’s up to. Robin Hood himself is not her main focus, though he is the key and the center of the plot, and the nucleus of all the relationships of the outlaw band. Traditional interpretations of heroism and heroes don’t interest her, and mythic grand...moreFull disclosure: I like this book a lot, and I think its best points more than outweigh its flaws.

To those disappointed by Robin Hood’s sidelining, I want to point out that McKinley’s title--The Outlaws of Sherwood--should warn you what she’s up to. Robin Hood himself is not her main focus, though he is the key and the center of the plot, and the nucleus of all the relationships of the outlaw band. Traditional interpretations of heroism and heroes don’t interest her, and mythic grandeur only when contrasted with reality: otherwise, why bother to reimagine folk or fairy tales at all; they’re grand enough in original form? Myth-making, in McKinley’s view, is a vital part of human nature. Fleshing out myth with realistic characterization is what makes her stories vibrant and relatable, and all it takes is about the second page or so (“[Robin:] did not hate the fact that he was a second-rate archer…”) for Robin Hood to snap from godlike Mary Sue to complex, layered, interesting person.

She’s explored this tension before and will again--the idealization of storybook heroes contrasted with what would be the gritty reality of practical deed-doing. The Hero and the Crown showed us dragon-killing as grim, thankless vermin disposal, a clear inversion of the most typically heroic deed in Western myth; in The Blue Sword, Harry is consciously molded into a hero as a symbol she feels she can’t live up to. All of McKinley’s heroes are reluctant, uncertain, forced to step up to the plate by circumstance and character rather than high-minded inclination--they perform heroic deeds because there is no other option, not because they’re bold, noble, pure, or powerful. Like Ursula LeGuin’s Sparrowhawk, they spend their lives learning to decide to do what they must do.

She’s never before been so explicit about what she’s doing, either. There’s practically not a character in the book who doesn’t overtly refer to the act of myth creation and its contrast with the facts of their narrative. Friar Tuck tells us “tales are as much the necessary fabric of our lives as our bodies are.” Marian consciously constructs a legend of superhuman archer Robin Hood; the common folk of Nottingham have their own tales and stories of a fairy ‘Old One’ Robin Hood, savior of the Saxons; the outlaws themselves add some gloss to their versions when drinking with town girlfriends; and robbed nobles exaggerate the shocking deeds of the outlaws, or are implied to be doing so. Finally, in the afterword, if you somehow missed it, she lays it out in her own voice and tells us how and why she manipulated the Robin Hood legend the way she did. This is a story about stories, a story about the impact of stories. The next time you read it, dig for quotes about stories, tales, myths, and you’ll find them everywhere.

McKinley’s skill lies in burying this theme in a great story that stays interesting, in part because the third-person narrative POV jumps around and you don’t spend too much time in any one character’s head. Plot and character-wise, she fleshes out most generally agreed-upon elements of the Robin Hood myth--longbow archery, Sherwood Forest, robbing the rich to give to the poor, the quarterstaff meeting with Little John, the ragtag fugitives’ motley characters (seriously, didn’t we all wonder what a minstrel was doing in a forest?)--all are given plausibility, grounding, wit, motivation, and real character. I suspect that a lot of us double-X-chromosome folks are drawn to this book because she added some women to the traditional Robin Hood sausagefest, and realistic women at that. It’s difficult to tell how anachronistic they might be, since there aren’t a lot of records of women’s inner monologues in the 12th century, but at least they aren’t glaringly modern (Anne Perry, your Charlotte Pitt is a huge offender.)

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May 10, 2011

Hope rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: robin-hood, young-adult, 2011-reads, best-couples-♥, best-characters, heroes-i-love, reviewed, retellings

I’ve been on a bit of a Robin Hood craze for the past month. Having always had a place in my heart for the noble outlaw, my interest in him was rekindled when I stumbled upon the BBC show and fell in love with the story and the characters all over again. Thus, when I started nearing the last episodes of the series, I wasn’t ready to give it up just yet. I got this sort of clingy feeling, like when you were little and you came to the end of a wonderful bedtime story and you just don’t want to ...moreI’ve been on a bit of a Robin Hood craze for the past month. Having always had a place in my heart for the noble outlaw, my interest in him was rekindled when I stumbled upon the BBC show and fell in love with the story and the characters all over again. Thus, when I started nearing the last episodes of the series, I wasn’t ready to give it up just yet. I got this sort of clingy feeling, like when you were little and you came to the end of a wonderful bedtime story and you just don’t want to go to sleep.

And so, I found The Outlaws of Sherwood. And it did what I wanted, in prolonging the Robin Hood obsession a bit longer.

My main complaint about this story was that there was too much Cecily. Who is this character and why is she so important and what’s so special about her? And most of all, why is she even in this story? I just found her to be really quite flat, over all, and I’d rather have had her “screen time” replaced with Will, Marian, or Much. Because none of those characters got what was due to them. Marian got like, one chapter devoted specifically to her? Was it even that? And I LOVED that chapter. Marian’s perspective was fantastic. I would’ve put more of her in there, if I’d written this. But, alas, I did not.

I kind of liked how Robin wasn’t the best archer in the gang. But actually one of the worst. Probably the worst. Not that he’s bad, by typical standards, but he’s not great. And Robin is always great. I liked the unremarkable-ness of this Robin…but I also missed it a little. I can’t really explain why, but there’s something about the Robin Hood who never misses a target and is the best at all the cool stuff that I’m just a bit attached to. Still, I can’t complain. He was realistic, and he was still awesome. He still had that incredible leadership thing going on, which is the essence of Robin Hood anyways. One description in the book which I found most fitting went thus: “But there was something—the way the man caught the eye for no reason; the something Robin had.”

There wasn’t a lot of dwelling on the romance between Robin and Marian, but the little glimpses of it were absolutely adorable and maybe more so because of how little there was shown between them. They remain at the top or very near the top of my list of favorite fictional couples.

There’s not really a whole lot to say about the book in particular, but more about the Robin Hood legend in general. Because I’ve felt like researching, and I’ve felt like pondering, and I’ve been wondering incessantly what it is that people of all ages find so memorable and so endearing about the tale. What it is that I myself find so endearing about the tale.

My thoughts are scattered, but the conclusion I’ve come to is that people need a hero. We need to believe that a human being is capable of selflessly giving up his livelihood, whether of his free will or not, to serve and help the less-fortunate.

Robin Hood’s actual existence is rather vague. I’d like to believe that he lived, that he was real, because there’s something romantic about it all for me. But then, he might have just been an idea. A hopeful, idealistic idea that is still alive and well today even though it doesn’t take the form of ballads and epic poems.
“Robinhood” became a general name for bandits in the 1300s, apparently. But it had to start somewhere. I don’t think we’ll ever know for sure whether he was real or not, and I think I like it best that way. Because there’s this mysterious, magical feel that surrounds the legend. Hood has been exaggerated, he might have been a horrible person in reality with nothing noble about him. And that’s exactly, I think, why I’d prefer not to know entirely who he was or was not.

The ending of this novel, in my opinion, was not satisfactory. But it's enjoyable over all, with its fun as well as its serious moments. And it's definitely worth a read. :)
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Apr 25, 2010

Miriam rated it

· review of another edition

McKinley explores the circumstances that might have led to the formation of an outlaw community in Sherwood and the growth of the Robin Hood legend. She contrasts Robin's practical concerns (not being arrested and executed, taking care of his followers when the decide to live in the woods) with the more abstract political ideals of those who want to make him a symbol of Saxon resistance. McKinley's Robin is not a great archer or a brilliant strategist, but he is an inspiring leader.

...moreMcKinley explores the circumstances that might have led to the formation of an outlaw community in Sherwood and the growth of the Robin Hood legend. She contrasts Robin's practical concerns (not being arrested and executed, taking care of his followers when the decide to live in the woods) with the more abstract political ideals of those who want to make him a symbol of Saxon resistance. McKinley's Robin is not a great archer or a brilliant strategist, but he is an inspiring leader.

This was a great idea, but there were some serious weaknesses in the execution.

First, the political discussions. I'm sorry, I just don't believe medieval peasants talked like this, especially when they had accidentally killed someone hours before and were urgently trying to escape. Much, especially, sounds more like someone giving responses on a political talk show than someone talking about real life with friends.

The second problem -- and this won't surprise prior readers of McKinley ([cough:]Spindle's End[cough:]) -- was point of view. For the first two thirds of the book, the pov is Robin's. Then suddenly we have a brief shift to Marian at her father's castle. Then in the last few chapters we are seeing from the point of view of Cecily, Will Scarlet's little sister.

And that's third -- Cecily. She was fine as a character, but I didn't see any reason to make up an additional character when there were so many already to choose from that I could hardly keep them straight. If McKinley had wanted to add a character to to serve as narrator throughout the story, that would have made sense, but why invent one who isn't really important until fairly late in the book? If the author wanted more female perspective she could have used Marian, who really doesn't get as much page time as the character seems to deserve. And Cecily's romance was weak; you know, authors, it is okay to have a female character who doesn't fall in love with anyone. Really it is.

Lastly, I did not find the ending very satisfactory. I don't think there is a good way to "end" Robin Hood. That's why the tales are so episodic and their timeline so unclear. Robin Hood's story has a vague beginning and an even fuzzier termination; the important part is the adventures in the wood (which is as much the Forest Eternal as Sherwood), the series of jokes, tricks, and thefts against oppressive enemies, rescuing comrades from danger... Is there really a believable happy ending for a bunch of outlaws living in the wild? Not really. McKinley wants the story to be short and delineated -- a couple years in Sherwood, a couple minor victories against the Sheriff, a major battle, The End. And that's not the right feel for a story with an epic cycle. I realize that is McKinley's point. Yeah, the outlaws probably would have been lucky to make it two years before getting caught. It just was kind of a let down.

If you're a McKinley completist or fan of Robin Hood adaptations by all means pick this up. It was not unenjoyable, the flaws were just a bit too glaring for me to love it.(less)

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Mar 27, 2008

Rachel Lee added it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy-sci-fi

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Title: The Outlaws of Sherwood
Author: Robin McKinley
Publisher: Ace Books Year:1988
# of pages:278 Genre: Fiction
Reading level Interest level: 11-12 Grade
Potential hot lava: Violence

General response/reaction: I had to make myself sit down and read this novel. I picked it up at least four times before I actually read it. I found it really hard to get into and very slow paced. The plot seemed to creep along and so many characters were being introduced it was real...more

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May 16, 2007

Susie rated it

· review of another edition

Recommends it for: Yes

I found that I adored him and that he came alive for me as Robin Hood. He is not the typical version - he is a reluctant hero, more forced into the role by his friends than by his own wishes. ("'That's why we need you,' said Much comfortably. 'You're a pessimist and a good planner.' 'I have be begun to plan and be pessimistic,' said Robin angrily.") Robin is simply average - he is not great with a bow, he can hold his own in a battle but he is not fighter; he was in the wrong place at ...more

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Jul 08, 2010

Minh rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult

I am a sucker for Robin Hood. Off the top of my head I can remember at least 3 versions of Robin Hood that I've read (not all loved). Robin Hood is the book that I remember the most when I think back to my primary school reading days, and I was super excited (and eventually super disappointed) for the new BBC incarnation of my favourite protagonist. I picked up Outlaws because of a yuletide story that I put to the sidelines, not wanting to spoil myself for yet another version of the Hooded Man. ...moreI am a sucker for Robin Hood. Off the top of my head I can remember at least 3 versions of Robin Hood that I've read (not all loved). Robin Hood is the book that I remember the most when I think back to my primary school reading days, and I was super excited (and eventually super disappointed) for the new BBC incarnation of my favourite protagonist. I picked up Outlaws because of a yuletide story that I put to the sidelines, not wanting to spoil myself for yet another version of the Hooded Man.

Without a doubt my sentimental favourite for Robin Hood is the novelisation of the old TV series, Robin of Sherwood. I searched for that ominbus for YEARS. I had a search saved on ebay for it, scoured the 2nd hand search engines, looked in every library! Finally, finally I found it, of all places... In a 2nd hand bookstore at Milson's Point for $5. :D And if I hadn't turned around at the right time I would have missed it. Yes. I do believe it was Fate.

Outlaws of Sherwood! For some reason I have this categorised as a Children's Novel. I'm not particularly sure it is a children's novel but I enjoyed the spin that Robin McKinley put on this incarnation of Robin Hood. For one, he's a crap shot and readily acknowledges that a test to become one of his men, is to be better than the leader with the bow and arrow. The Marion of Outlaws is very similiar to the BBC Marion, stubborn, outspoken, yet still living at home, rebelling quietly under the farce of unassuming daughter. Will Scarlet is actually a nobelman, who takes his name from the scarlet cloths he loves to wear. Much is one of Marion and Robin's childhood friends and Little John is as always, not so little.

All the old favourites come out to play, Guy of Gisborne becomes an assassin! And yes, King Richard the Lion Heart appears. I enjoyed the novel as it portrayed Robin as a normal man, stripping away some of the myth factor that you see in so many other Robin novels. Robin is just a boy really, who somehow ends up being the figurehead of the rebellion, not all powerful by any means, not even a good shot. But a great story.(less)

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Dec 11, 2011

Kathryn Hilton rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult

I've always been a big fan of Robin McKinley (though she's disappointed me in recent years). The Outlaws of Sherwood doesn't get a lot of love compared to her Damar books and fairy tale retellings, and it's somewhat of a departure from her usual topics, there being no supernatural elements. The latter is actually what I like about it - in quite the departure from the Howard Pyle version, Robin is merely an ordinary man.

McKinley in general excels at writing about ordinary people who a...more

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Oct 01, 2011

Tara Pearce rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: english-420

It is hard to go wrong with a Robin Hood tale, because the man is pretty awesome. But this rendition started a little, shall we say, weak for me. It was a refreshing perspective to see a Robin character grow into THE Robin Hood,but the process was a little uninformative for me. It sort of felt like one day Robin was whining about not wanting to be "Robin Hood" and then the next day he was the heart and soul and inspiration to the entire Saxon world. Also, maybe I am just really stupid ...more

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May 01, 2011

Jessica rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, re-reads

I have always had a weakness for stories about Peter Pan and Robin Hood. Most of these stories came to me by way of cinema (I must confess I am not sure I ever read Peter and Wendy, and the Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens that I read was for "very young children" and was, most likely, significantly abridged) but in junior high I read and loved a tale of Robin Hood called The Outlaws of Sherwood by Robin McKinley, Newberry-Award-winning author of The Hero and the Crown.

Chanc...more

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Apr 20, 2011

Amy rated it

· review of another edition

Robin Hood is a character that I always seem to revisit during different points in my life. From the animated Disney movie, to Costner, to Men in Tights. Recently, my interest was spiked by stumbling across the BBC version, which I enjoyed quite a lot.

I had never been interested in reading any Robin Hood books, but decided to look for some high rated ones and jump in. I am greatly amused that I can read this with the BBC characters still in mind, even though this book was written qui...more

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Dec 09, 2010

Terri rated it

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Shelves: ya-fantasy

I know, I know, you’ve had a book blog for HOW MANY MONTHS and you haven’t reviewed anything by Robin McKinley? I’M SORRY!!! Without further adieu, Outlaws:

So yes, if I had to pick a “favorite” author, it would be Robin McKinley. Her phrasing and syntax is amazing, and every time I read one of her books, I’m amazed by the way she strings her sentences together. The only way I can describe it is that she is the most articulate writer I’ve ever had the pleasure to read.

...more

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Sep 05, 2010

Benjamin Thomas rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

I have long been a fan of Robin Hood and his friends, admired their noble purpose, and reveled in their narrow escapes from the Sheriff of Nottingham. But it seems that every time I pick up a book about their "real" story, the author is intent upon putting a new spin on the classic tale. Perhaps Robin is really the sheriff's brother, or maybe Robin and Marion are one and the same, or, heaven forbid, Robin is gay, leading to a completely different version. But at last, I have found a fi...moreI have long been a fan of Robin Hood and his friends, admired their noble purpose, and reveled in their narrow escapes from the Sheriff of Nottingham. But it seems that every time I pick up a book about their "real" story, the author is intent upon putting a new spin on the classic tale. Perhaps Robin is really the sheriff's brother, or maybe Robin and Marion are one and the same, or, heaven forbid, Robin is gay, leading to a completely different version. But at last, I have found a fine re-telling of the tale I have known and loved since childhood.
Robin McKinley is known for her re-telling of classic stories and fairy tales. But with this novel, she has not only told the tale, she has breathed life into it. All of our favorite characters are here: Robin, Marion, Little John, Will Scarlet, Much, Friar Tuck, Alan-a Dale, the Sheriff, King Richard, etc. But there are others as well, lesser known members of Robin's outlaw band, but still having important roles to play in the outcome of the story. All of the characters come alive, familiar to us in a comforting way, yet new as well. The result is the author's success at keeping us on the edge of our seat, even though we know the basic plot already. That, my friends, is quite an achievement.

The novel covers the entire spectrum of events in this legend of Robin Hood. We follow Robin and his friends (and enemies) from the pivotal event in young Robin's life that forces him into his outlaw life, through the early struggles of survival as an outlaw, the growing reputation that the group achieves, all the way through the return of King Richard. All the familiar elements of the overall story are here. The bridge scene where Robin first meets John Little and they battle, the archery tournament that the Sheriff organizes as a trap for Robin, etc. But not all is as we remember, for the author does throw in a few twists as well. I won't detail them here lest I spoil the adventure for you, but rest assured, they only add to the realism of the day. The author's note at the end adds a bit of explanation in how she dealt with the anachronistic flaws of the legend; i.e. the fact that longbows weren't used until 150 years after the time of King Richard Lionheart, etc. But those things are minor to the telling of the tale itself.

My only negative comment concerns the ending. It just takes too long. When King Richard returns, and is forced to deal with this band of outlaws, he must find suitable "punishments" for them. This part seemed anticlimactic to me and should have been wrapped up in 2-3 pages. As it was it took more than 20 pages, and still seemed incomplete.

But in spite of this detail, the book was tremendous. It is without a doubt the best novel of Robin Hood that I have yet read and will be tough to beat. Robin McKinley is an elegant writer, witty, humorous, and marvelously descriptive with character interaction. If you are looking for a break from over-the-top fantasy epics or gritty urban drama, you will be pleased to pick up this one. Sometimes, it is simply pure joy to lose yourself in the re-telling of an old classic.
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Aug 15, 2010

Avrelia rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: from-the-library, fancy-fantasy, atmospheric, i-should-ve-read-it-15-years-ago, fairy-tales-retelling, fantasy, historical-fantasy, sff

I was reading Robin McKinley’s Sherwood Outlaws and started thinking what the legend means to me.

I couldn't get into the book – even though I like the characters (this incarnations of them) and the writing, they seem to be behind a glass wall that I couldn't break, and didn’t want to. I cannot start to care – and this feels to be of crucial importance in fiction for me lately. I don’t have to like everybody and everything in a book, but at least something must pull me into – even if...moreI was reading Robin McKinley’s Sherwood Outlaws and started thinking what the legend means to me.

I couldn't get into the book – even though I like the characters (this incarnations of them) and the writing, they seem to be behind a glass wall that I couldn't break, and didn’t want to. I cannot start to care – and this feels to be of crucial importance in fiction for me lately. I don’t have to like everybody and everything in a book, but at least something must pull me into – even if it is a description of a sea, or beautiful style, or fancy ideas. Here it was nothing of the sort, and the only thing that elicit emotions was the marginalia on a page splattered with something brownish: “It is blood. Don’t lick it”.

I thought that may be the case is in the legend itself? That I grew disenchanted with Robin Hood and his merry band? I used to love the story and its heroes and heroines. Somewhere in the back of my mind I was always sure about the continuous existence of Robin Hood, Marion, Little John, Will Scarlet, Friar Tuck, Sheriff of Nottingham, Guy of Gizborne and others in the Sherwood forest and around. They add something to the world, some important tiny bit.

Why not to read a novel about them? I cannot say that the interpretation is too contrary to what I imagine – or any other interpretation, because I just don’t really imagine them at all. I have a vague picture that changes when I change or when my mood change. Robin can be young or grown man, blond or black-haired, bearded or not, asshole or sweetie or both, of gentle birth or of common, just a robber or an idealist – none of it ever sits in stone. Same with Marion (though I like her more when she is not a damsel in distress) and everyone else. I probably have a more definite image of Friar Tuck – he is short and round, good with his staff, optimistic, and the only monastic vow he takes seriously is the one of poverty.

But maybe that was the reason – I prefer my vague image to the detailed and rooted in the time and place version. Plus I always get annoyed when Richard the Lionheart came and resolved the matter. Because he would never do that. But I got even more annoyed when he took all the band with him to Holy Land – even though that's what he would definitely do. But Robin Hood cannot be outside of England! There mere idea of it destroys the Universe as we know it.
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May 12, 2010

Laura rated it

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Shelves: adventure, fairy-tales, fantasy

The story of Robin Hood has always been one of my favorites. To this day, "Robin Hood" is my second-favorite Disney film (after "The Little Mermaid"), and there's just something about this ancient tale that seems to captivate not just me, but thousands of readers and story-tellers since Robin Hood first appeared in the thirteenth century. As far as semi-legendary mythical heroes go, Robin Hood is on par with King Arthur for me.

McKinley's Robin does not disappoint,...more

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Nov 19, 2009

Margaret rated it

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Shelves: children-s-and-ya-fiction, fantasy-and-science-fiction, mythology-and-fairy-tales, authors-mn

This was my first reread in a long while, as this is probably my least favorite McKinley book (which doesn't mean I don't like it, it just means I like the others more). It's clear from the start that McKinley's Robin Hood is very different from the traditional figure. As the book opens, Robin, a forester of Sherwood Forest, is practicing his archery in preparation for an archery contest at the Nottingham fair; unfortunately for him, "[Robin:] was not a bad archer, but his father had been a...more

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Aug 28, 2009

Angie rated it

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Shelves: belovedbookshelf, retellings

I have a thing for Robin Hood. Specifically Robin Hood retellings. I love Robin, Marian, Little John, Will Scarlet, Much the Miller, Alan-a-Dale, and the whole merry crew. I read Ivanhoe cover to cover just for Robin Hood's periodic appearances. And when I went on study abroad to England, I dragged my best friend all the way to Nottingham and Sherwood Forest as well so I could walk around in the woods and soak it all up. It's still one of the happiest, most golden days I can recall, that one. My...moreI have a thing for Robin Hood. Specifically Robin Hood retellings. I love Robin, Marian, Little John, Will Scarlet, Much the Miller, Alan-a-Dale, and the whole merry crew. I read Ivanhoe cover to cover just for Robin Hood's periodic appearances. And when I went on study abroad to England, I dragged my best friend all the way to Nottingham and Sherwood Forest as well so I could walk around in the woods and soak it all up. It's still one of the happiest, most golden days I can recall, that one. My first encounter with the tale itself was no doubt the Disney animated version (which I still love watching with my son), but I'm pretty sure the first actual novelization I read was Robin McKinley's THE OUTLAWS OF SHERWOOD. And it remains my very favorite to this day. Admittedly, I seem to possess the McKinley gene. I love her writing. I love the unexpected, twisty paths she takes, the obstinate characters, and the wry humor. True to form, her Robin is not the typical Robin of legend. If you cherish the strapping, dashing, swashbuckling hero a la Errol Flynn, then this version is probably not for you. But if you like an unusual, but beautifully wrought, take on a classic then you really ought to give this one a shot.

The story opens with the following lines:

A small vagrant breeze came from nowhere and barely flicked the feather tips as the arrow sped on its way. It shivered in its flight, and fell, a little off course--just enough that the arrow missed the slender tree it was aimed at, and struck tiredly and low into the bole of another tree, twenty paces beyond the mark.
Robin sighed and dropped his bow.

Robin is on his way to Nottingham Fair to meet his childhood friends Marian and Much and have a bit of well-earned frivolity. As an apprentice forester in the King's Forest, Robin barely scrapes by and his days off are few and far between. Unfortunately, while on his way he is ambushed by a few of the Chief Forester's men who have had it in for Robin for years. No one is more surprised than Robin when he wins the resulting archery contest and the skirmish ends in an attempt on his life and Robin's arrow buried in his attacker's chest. From this point on Robin is a wanted man. His friends convince him to go into hiding while they work up a plan to keep their friend alive and prevent the Norman overlords from raining down punishments on all the Saxons' heads as a result of Robin's "crime." Against his better judgement, Robin goes along with Much and Marian's plan and, in the process, he becomes a hero--albeit a reluctant one.

There is so much good in this book and it all centers around the characters. Either you will fall in love with Robin or you will not. And if you love Robin, then you will love all of the characters for they gather around him despite his adamant refusal that he is no hero because they need him. Marian and Much, his old friends, see this. They understand it and they try to help Robin understand it. Their love for him, their need to believe in him, and their willingness to walk away from their homes and their lives to follow him into hiding in Sherwood Forest reflect the desperate nature of the times and the ways in which this good man is able to inspire and take care of other good men and women like him who have been caught in the ever-tightening vise of Norman justice. I love watching this transformation, this coming together of such a motley band of comrades. Every time I read it I savor each one. And, as with any McKinley book, if you're a fan of strong female characters who do not do what they are expected to do, then this book is for you. Marian is awesome. It's Marian who is the excellent shot. It's Marian who has the vision and who knows Robin's potential before he does. It's Marian who risks more than anyone else to create the legend and keep it alive. There is one other standout female character, but I can't tell you any more than that as she is so excellent she must be discovered entirely on her own. Along with Deerskin, I think this is the most emotional of McKinley's works because it is as grounded in reality as any retelling I've read. THE OUTLAWS OF SHERWOOD is an emotional, subtly humorous, visceral take on the legend and I cannot recommend it highly enough.(less)

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Jul 21, 2009

skein rated it

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Shelves: 3-star

The story of Robin Hood is so continually relevant that it is able to transcend the (comparatively) little worries about historical accuracy - so sayth McKinley. By and large, I find myself agreeing with her. In this case.

Overall a very enjoyable little book - it would be great to read aloud; it's more story than novel, which ... is typical of McKinley.

Drawbacks: the numerous little characters seem to drift in and out without really making a mark - unless the point is "...more

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Jan 24, 2011

Mel added it · review of another edition

I didn't know what to expect from this novel, as I happened upon it in the juvenile fiction section of my local library while chasing my toddler around in circles. As it turns out, Outlaws of Sherwood is a fairly sophisticated retelling of the Robin Hood story with a decidedly feminist bent. I struggled some with the abrupt shift in POV and narrative focus that happens about 2/3 of the way through the novel, but my affection for the characters kept me reading late into the night. There is nothin...more

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Feb 07, 2010

Jenny added it · review of another edition

Shelves: teen

Robin McKinley always delivers. A fun and interesting take on the Robin Hood legend--not historically accurate, but "historically appropriate" in McKinley's words. It delves into the day-to-day of Robin's Merry Men and shows the influence of the women in the tale. The danger seems to stay nebulous for the most part, you don't get up close and personal with the sheriff, his men, or the foresters. There is a brief encounter with a mercenary and there are plenty of Normans to loot, bu...more

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Mar 18, 2009

Erika rated it

· review of another edition

Robin McKinley’s adaptation of the Robin Hood legend begins as most do: with the catalytic event explaining Robin’s later and more familiar outlaw state. The first time we see Robin he’s not a great shot. As a sub-apprentice forester, he’s not expected or required to be. Unfortunately for him he’s also the only son of Richard Longbow, a man respected for, of all things, his abilities as an archer. Not only is Robin struggling to live up to his father’s legacy, he’s suffering under the oppres...moreRobin McKinley’s adaptation of the Robin Hood legend begins as most do: with the catalytic event explaining Robin’s later and more familiar outlaw state. The first time we see Robin he’s not a great shot. As a sub-apprentice forester, he’s not expected or required to be. Unfortunately for him he’s also the only son of Richard Longbow, a man respected for, of all things, his abilities as an archer. Not only is Robin struggling to live up to his father’s legacy, he’s suffering under the oppression of the Chief Forester, a disagreeable man on the Sheriff of Nottingham’s payroll who’s made life difficult for our hero. However miserable an existence Robin’s been subjected to, things are looking up: he’s been allowed the day off to attend the Nottingham Fair, an event promising fun activities and good food.

Expecting to meet his childhood friends, Much and Marian, at the event, Robin’s excitement is cut short; local bullies Tom Moody and Bill Sharp are waiting in the Nottingham woods with no intention of letting Robin continue to the Fair. An impromptu shooting match is set up in which Robin, contrary to earlier mistakes, miraculously wins. Tom Moody isn’t happy about this. In fact, he’s quite angry and abandons all pretense of forced civility; his ego has been wounded, his reputation is at stake and Robin must not be allowed to get away. But he does, otherwise there’d be no story. It’s a near miss, too. Tom shoots at Robin as he’s getting away and Robin, out of fear, shoots back hoping to scare Tom and Bill away, but whatever graces allowed him to outshoot Tom in the first place come back; Robin’s arrow is a fatal one.

Now Robin’s on the run. Much and Marian find him passed out in the forest and when he wakes the wheel fortune turns steadily to the upright position and a proposition is made: live among the trees with the supporters you’ll no doubt have, says Much, and use your father’s reputation as leverage against those Norman bastards. The really great thing about this three-way conversation is how McKinley uses it to question the practicality of what’s been accepted with the blind eye we all turn to Legends and Myths--realism and pragmatism are messy doings brushed under the carpet so heroic things can just continue to happen in the best way possible without the friction of reality--and forces us to wonder where would Robin and his Merry Men find sheep for wool, steel for arrows, and food to eat? On the surface it sounds easy: steal it all from the rich, glean a bit for yourself and the rest goes to the poor. But what if more morals were involved? What if Robin and his friends were Saxons and feared the hypocrisy of stealing from Normans, same as had been stolen from them?

In this and other ways, McKinley infuses her text with a keen awareness of itself as a Robin Hood re-telling and winks several times in our direction that we must smile and allow her these small instances of knowing acutely what it is she is doing for us. Just like any Robin Hood tale, she makes allowances here and there, but always rethreading a tale worn with familiar rips and frays with the richness of her narrative and the delicate characterization of legends brought to life.

The characters we’ve grown to love (and a few more) are sown by trickles into the narrative folds of McKinley’s lush tapestry of Saxon Romance and gritty reality. I do not think I could find an author better suited to tackle Maid Marian’s fire, wit, and determination--McKinley writes her and other women in The Outlaws of Sherwood with dignity and strength, keen matches to their male counterparts. The camaraderie between Robin and his band of outlaws is thick with emotion, humor, and vivid dialogue.

I really enjoyed McKinley’s adaptation of events, especially the unexpected outcome of the famous archery contest, the sudden appearance of Guy of Gisbourne, and the anxiety Robin and his friends had toward King Richard’s disposition on this particular band of outlaws. That they remained unsure placed a bend in the familiar path of events and made for an anxious ending both surprising and satisfying.

The book spanned the inception of Robin Hood the Outlaw to his future free of banditry. I was surprised the adventure was wrapped up in one book, but more relieved that the end left me as satisfied as if I’d grown with the characters in the Sherwood Forest for the last year and a half myself. McKinley’s relaxed and luxurious writing made for elegant story-telling. I was left spellbound every chance I was forced to set the book aside and eager for adventure the moment I picked it up again.

The Outlaws of Sherwood is an intelligent, funny, and endearing adventure of a legend so renown, he has become for us--the audience--at different times, whichever brand of outlaw or mercenary we crave. In a lot of ways, McKinley’s particular version reminded me, if only in certain quirky characterizations, of the recent (and much younger) BBC production of Robin Hood. If you haven’t seen this show, you should. It’s quite good and entertaining! But Robin McKinley’s book is an excellent addition to the Robin Hood mythos and one I recommend whole heartedly.

I only wish I hadn't checked it out from the library because now I don't want to give it back!(less)

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Oct 30, 2009

Stacey rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, adventure

Read this book first as an elementary student, after reading (and loving) The Blue Sword, and reading (and loving)The Hero and the Crown. I loved this one then, too. For awhile I put off re-reading it, but once I finally did, I realized I like it better as an adult, if that's possible. I'd read it so early on the first time, that I remembered it as a young adult book. It may be, but is definitely (and more) enjoyable as an adult. The characters are fully believable, and likeable, especially Robi...more

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Mar 18, 2011

Merredith rated it

· review of another edition

Recommends it for: Robin Hood or just fairytale type lovers

Shelves: fairy-tales

The outlaws of sherwood is just what it seems to be, a retelling of the Robin Hood story. It starts when he kills someone who had ambushed him, and his friends Much and Marian convince him to go out to Sherwood Forest and start a band of Saxons who choose to live there against the Normans. This story isn't really historically based, but McKinley says that in her afterward. I didn't like most of the characters, especially Robin Hood, but that's ok, because I don't think I've ever liked him. Who i...more

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May 28, 2011

Christina rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, abandoned

This book was meh for me. I had a really hard time getting through it. I didn't desire to pick it up, but I was determined to finish it. So, it was kinda like work. It didn't grab me, so I kept forgetting what happened between reads. This is so odd because I love Robin Hood type stories.

I don't think it had anything to do with the writing. I actually enjoyed that. Not everything was spelled out; the reader was expected to pick up some things by inference. And the dialogue was somewhat prose lik...more

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Jan 22, 2011

Bronwen rated it

· review of another edition

Another Robin McKinley reread from back in the day. I wonder if I'll ever find another writer who gives me this kind of pleasure – it's a nice and hopeful thing to think that I might. Her books are enjoyable in a particular hard-to-pin-down way. I think part of it for me is the way she creates atmosphere through details. They always seem to be just-right details to me. Sunshine fries eggs the morning after a night of vampire encounters. The spirits bring Beauty cocoa and buttered toast for break...more

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Aug 29, 2010

Rachel rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult-fiction

My friend, Melanie, loaned me this book because it was one of her favorite childhood renditions of the story of Robin Hood. Reading it, I was reminded of how, during college, she was frustrated to the point of shrieking when she tried to watch "Gone With The Wind" with me- I couldn't get out of my contemporary mindset and observe the piece within the world it tried to represent.

Basically, when anyone brings up the term "Crusades," my mind latches on to the term "...moreMy friend, Melanie, loaned me this book because it was one of her favorite childhood renditions of the story of Robin Hood. Reading it, I was reminded of how, during college, she was frustrated to the point of shrieking when she tried to watch "Gone With The Wind" with me- I couldn't get out of my contemporary mindset and observe the piece within the world it tried to represent.

Basically, when anyone brings up the term "Crusades," my mind latches on to the term "fundamentalist violence" where Roman Catholics, unhindered by today's public demands for tolerance, went off to Palestine to slaughter "infidel" Muslims and used Jews as batting practice along the way. King Richard "The Lionheart," who made an appearance at the end of this book as a startlingly articulate character for someone who I believe, in real life, only spoke French, has a reputation for being a viscious antisemite, who directly and/or indirectly inspired bloody pogroms against England's Jews throughout his reign. Yet the characters here, all outlaws btw, were chatting with him as amicably as suitors might in a Jane Austen novel.

Speaking from my "universal" pulpit, I'm always surprised at how people can wage bloody wars against "the other", yet be so concerned with their own human rights at home. To be fair, maybe Robin Hood (and his merry men) weren't so much of hypocrites after all- they saw both the global and local arenas as being a fight between good and evil (whether Christians vs "Saracens" or Saxons vs Normans.) Well. Now that I've got *that* all out of the way. :P

In this version of Robin Hood, Robin is a yeoman who accidentally kills someone above him and ergo must go into hiding. His friend, Much, goes to join him in living in Sherwood Forest but friend Marian can only stop by occasionally (as one person's dad approves of this and one's would not.) The first several chapters are comprised of Robin setting up his camp, getting used to his new life, absorbing followers, one by one, (his camp of "outlaws" also stands against corrupt Norman taxes,) and ultimately the steal from the rich/give to the poor schtick.

It takes until well past the middle of the book for an over-arching *plot* to take place. A few characters sneak into an archery contest trap that was set up for Sheriff Nottingham to kill Robin, Marian gets hurt, a goose chase begins, and all the amassed characters are finally called to fight. Though we'd had references to the actual stealing in the forest, plus one fight where the merrymen abducted a willing bride for their bard, this was the only real *action* scene, and McKinley was able to keep the momentum going.

She also did a nice job of exploring these characters as *characters*, their thoughts and feelings, trials and tribulations of living in the wolderness day after day, month after month, until The Lionheart came home. Still, sometimes they sounded too quirky, kind of like a Dawsons Creek for Medieval teenagers. I loved that there were female characters, but the couple, random chapters that we spent in their heads rather than Robin's was a little jarring. I think she might have done well moving along the narrator a little more evenly throughout.

It all wrapped up a little too nicely (all of the violence, save for the final battle, were a little too "neat.") We barely got any tangible information on Sheriff Rottingham, even when he was in the scene with them. He never really was much of a villain.

In closing, I think it best that I go back to my contemporary, character-driven growth stories over these simplified tales of good vs evil. :P(less)

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Apr 04, 2011

Lisa rated it

· review of another edition

I have to say, I was rather disappointed by The Outlaws of Sherwood by Robin McKinley. Once started, it wasn't bad enough to not finish, but it left much to be desired and the ending was entirely unsatisfactory.

(view spoiler)...moreI have to say, I was rather disappointed by The Outlaws of Sherwood by Robin McKinley. Once started, it wasn't bad enough to not finish, but it left much to be desired and the ending was entirely unsatisfactory.

(view spoiler)(less)

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Feb 14, 2009

Almak rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: fiction

McKinley's version on the tale of Robin Hood seeks to portray the legend as a flesh and blood character. He separates the man from the myth. Although he does humanize Robin, he also dulls him as well.

The storyline is slow and characters are incrementally introduced. The core "clan" of Alan-a-Dale, Marrian, Will Scarlet, Much, Little John, and Friar Tuck are all in the mix as well as a number of new characters. Few though, stand out.

I was also disappointed in t...more

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Jan 24, 2012

Widdershins rated it

· review of another edition

This one was solidly between a 3 and a 4 for me. I quite enjoyed it and as always found RMcK's detailed setting believable and enjoyable. But something kept it from really taking off for me - I think it failed to capture my imagination the way her books usually do, and while she did a great job fleshing out the characters, I think she could have done more with them once she had them all there! Once again I found myself wishing she did sequels, because I would have loved to read about the outl...more

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Mar 26, 2011

Miriam rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: adult-fiction

Great read. The only two things that kept me from giving it a 5 are first, that I wanted to hear more from Marian's perspective, especially during a very crucial part of the plot, and second, that the villain came onto the scene a bit too late. I loved the character development of Robin, in particular. Some of the supporting characters were a bit standard. But I loved the feel of the book, the attention to historical atmosphere, the flavor of expressions and words we don't use anymore. The d...more

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Feb 11, 2010

Dawn rated it

· review of another edition

Recommended to Dawn by: Wendy, Rose--thanks for the memories. :)

I read this book years ago, so I remembered liking it, but not many details. This time I liked it okay, but not as much as I thought I would. I guess I expected it to be about Robin Hood, but his character really wasn't very interesting to me. The story of Little John and Cecily, for instance, was more in the foreground and I enjoyed that part. When I think about the title, I guess it doesn't promise to be about the traditional Robin Hood. I also didn't like the ending. Boo for the king's ...more

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About Robin McKinley

Born in her mother's hometown of Warren, Ohio, Robin McKinley grew up an only child with a father in the United States Navy. She moved around frequently as a child and read copiously; she credits this background with the inspiration for her stories.

Her passion for reading was one of the most constant things in her childhood, so she began to remember events, places, and time periods by...more

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“She poured the water, arranged some bread near enough the embers to scorch but not catch fire, and looked up at Little John. She was so accustomed to his step, to his bulk, that it took a moment to notice his face; and when she did . . . It was, she thought, rather like the moment it took to realize one had cut one's finger as one stared dumbly at the first drop of blood on the knife-blade. You know it is going to hurt quite a lot in a minute.” — 8 people liked it

“One keeps searching for ease, she did not say, and not finding it, till the memories of no-pain seem only like daydreams.” — 5 people liked it

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