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Ivanhoe

Walter Scott

Start date: October 1, 2024

Finish date: October 30, 2024

Discussion: Current Group Reads

Why we're reading this: October 2024 Old School Classics Group Read
January 2017 Old School Group Read
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January 2017 Old School Group Read

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What Members Thought

Sep 21, 2024 Franky rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance, classics, history, historical-fiction, kindle, 2024-reading-challenge, adventure

“When the two champions stood opposed to each other at the two extremities of the lists, the public expectation was strained to the highest pitch. Few argued the possibility that the encounter could terminate well for the Disinherited Knight, yet his courage and gallantry secured the general good wishes of the spectators.”

Obviously, Sir Walter Scott’s Ivanhoe has gained quite a reputation as a solid classic work that is notable for its medieval and high adventure qualities and is the basis for “When the two champions stood opposed to each other at the two extremities of the lists, the public expectation was strained to the highest pitch. Few argued the possibility that the encounter could terminate well for the Disinherited Knight, yet his courage and gallantry secured the general good wishes of the spectators.”

Obviously, Sir Walter Scott’s Ivanhoe has gained quite a reputation as a solid classic work that is notable for its medieval and high adventure qualities and is the basis for several film adaptations.

I can see why this novel has come into some criticism for both its antiquated viewpoints from several characters and its questionable historical references. I do feel, however, that Scott’s novel is quite compelling in several ways in its storytelling and has relevant themes that give it substance.

This novel is odd in that there is not really one central main conflict, per se, but rather a series of them through various episodes. Perhaps, though, the prevailing conflict comes in the form of the clashing between the Saxons and the Normans.

In my opinion, the best parts of the novel are simply the essentials that make this a great adventure. The battle scenes and spectacle of the tournaments as well as the several moments of peril where a hero must rush in to try to save the day make for a very compelling story. There is quite a bit of “star power” in this one in terms of legendary heroes as well, with Ivanhoe, Robin Hood and King Richard wearing disguises and for a good deal of the plot and then coming in and key points in moment of peril.

There are some very engaging scenes, and this book really has it all when it comes to the staples of this genre: damsels in distress, villainous and dastardly antagonists, compelling combats that leave the audience in awe, wanderings through the forests and castles, romance, a code of chivalry and honorability, and a compelling witch trial.

I did feel, though, that the ending was just a tad anticlimactic and that there were some moments where things dragged a little, mostly due to some character giving a long-winded speech that could have been summed up a little more neatly and quickly.

Overall, though, Ivanhoe is a fun, engaging adventure, and historical fiction. I can see how its classic status has endured for all these years.

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Jun 08, 2018 Mrs. C. rated it it was amazing

Shelves: scotland

For some reason, I have read all of Scott's Waverley Tales plus assorted tales and ballads, but never got to *Ivanhoe* until now. But I did truly enjoy the Romantic atmosphere of this tale set in Robin Hood's Sherwood Forest. The tensions between Norman and Saxon, Christian/Jew /and Muslim, King Richard and his brother John, women and the men who managed them--all highlight the sad truth that regardless of what generation we live in, there will be clash and faction amongst the various peoples co ...more

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