Ancient & Medieval Historical Fiction discussion
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Sarum
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OCTOBER 2014: (Group Read 1) Sarum by Edward Rutherfurd
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Hi Betty, I did weigh up a few of his books before deciding on Sarum for the group read poll. I looked numerous times at Princes of Ireland, but really couldn't decide on whether it is any good. The people I know on GR who read Rutherfurd, never seem to mention either of those two books as favourites. They don't seem to rate a mention.
I have often wondered why that is.
The The Princes of Ireland is TERRIBLE that's why lol. IMHO of course. One of the few books I've given up on and not felt guilty about. Returned that sucker to the library toot sweet.I've always judged Sarum: The Novel of England to be the favorite. But I see here its not garnering much appreciation :/
Terri, Rutherford's historical content is excellent. I have wondered his favorite periods are ancient through medieval more than the later periods. It feels to me as though he loses his enthusiasm for the storytelling after circa 1500.
I've been looking at it on my pile of bed stand books for months now. Can't seem to get motivated to pick it up. Someone tell me you loved it and couldn't put it down!
Which one, Ann? Sarum or Princes of Ireland? If you mean Sarum then don't be put off by some group readers not really liking it. :) I know so many who loved it.
Scrum is one of my favorite books ever! Give it a try.
I've had Sarum on my TBR for a while, I think I'll read it next year, thanks for all the good words about it here. You convinced me :)
Feel free to come back and share your thoughts on the book when you do get to it Ioana. The group read threads never close. :)
Darcy, I definitely will. I love this group, even though I do not participate much. I get so many good books suggestions here...
Great to hear, Ioana. We know there are a lot of lurkers out there that don't comment or don't comment often, but are finding many interesting books by watching the discussions and checking out what books are in the group read polls. I second Darcy's invitation. Always feel free to come back and leave your thoughts on any of the completed group reads. I still go back and post on ones that are two years old. :)
Doesn't take much to start up a conversation again.
This is such a long book, full of detail about each period, and I'm determined to read all of it, come rain or shine! I find the mix of fiction and non fiction quite odd, though. I'm only 30% of the way through at the moment, so I've a long way to go. I can't see me getting around to King Hereafter for a while!
Terri wrote: "Great to hear, Ioana. We know there are a lot of lurkers out there that don't comment or don't comment often, but are finding many interesting books by watching the discussions and checking out wha..."Thanks Terri. I find this group to be one of the warmest and welcoming groups around here. Great to be here :)
That's really lovely of you to say, Ioana. :)
Millie wrote: "This is such a long book, full of detail about each period, and I'm determined to read all of it, come rain or shine! I find the mix of fiction and non fiction quite odd, though. I'm only 30% of th..."I can't recall (its been a few years since I read it)...about how long are each of the short stories?
started this one...again. Interesting enough to continue with it, but not really riveting. Probably around a 3, but it is way to early to predict. (5% in) Note: I am listening to the audio book narrated by Wanda McCaddan
I find it interesting that it's narrated by a woman, as most of the characters (at least up to the middle ages - I haven't read the 2nd half) are male. Perhaps, on the other hand, it's a good way of reminding the reader/listener of the omniscient style though.
Finished over the weekend. Finally! This one won't be on my top 10, but I am glad I read it. Taking a break to read "All the Light We Cannot See." Will be back for another group read soon.
My god, second attempt and I find myself distracted by other books again. I may not finish this one,
Daniel (Devourer of Books) wrote: "My god, second attempt and I find myself distracted by other books again. I may not finish this one,"*giggles* I've been working on this book on and off for a decade. I totally understand you.
Matthew wrote: "Finished over the weekend. Finally! This one won't be on my top 10, but I am glad I read it. Taking a break to read "All the Light We Cannot See." Will be back for another group read soon."Congrats on finally finishing!!
I can't congratulate Darcy and Daniel though. Both lost causes. But hey, I totally understand. I did give it only 1 star myself. And couldn't finish. :D
Terri wrote: "I can't congratulate Darcy and Daniel though. Both lost causes. But hey, I totally understand. I did give it only 1 star myself. And couldn't finish. :D"
If I ever finish it, I'm going to throw a huge party (you'll all be invited) and likely follow up with an annual fête. :P
Should we all bring along another Rutherfurd book and throw them in a bowl? Whichever one you pick out with eyes closed, you get to go home with and try it all over again?
I have not given up yet though...I almost never abandon a book.
It will need to be a bloody big bowl. Possibly even a wheelbarrow.
I must be an oddball because I really liked the book.
No. Not an oddball. Just someone on the other side of the coin.
I did like it very much, up until about the middle, where the Medieval period starts. Then, I filed for a divorce, the book asked me to give it another chance... It's a complicated relationship ;-)
Darcy wrote: "I did like it very much, up until about the middle, where the Medieval period starts. Then, I filed for a divorce, the book asked me to give it another chance... It's a complicated relationship ;-)"...awesome...just awesome....
Similar experience here. Went from love in the beginning, to starting to not like after a few stories, to loathe by the medieval period.
given up for second time, just could not keep my interest. I will not be trying it again.
I'm impressed that you gave it more than one chance as it is!
Ancient & Medieval Historical Fiction
Books mentioned in this topic
The Princes of Ireland (other topics)Sarum: The Novel of England (other topics)
Sarum: The Novel of England (other topics)
Russka: the Novel of Russia (other topics)
Paris (other topics)
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The same was also true for me with Princes of Ireland. I was disappointed that the most emotional period of Ireland's history did not have the same high quality of storytelling as its early periods.