ISBN 0 435 12420 x
This book is relatively short, just 90 pages long. It re-tells the story of Beowulf, a character in the oldest written tale we have, dating back to middle Saxon times. The original story is written in the form of an epic poem of 3182 lines, and was thought to have been first written down in the 8th century. The story is older than this however, and is based on the the 5th century, according to the society it describes.
Rosemary Sutcliff has re-told the story in modern English for children. Bringing history alive for children was a life long ambition of the author. Her first novel was published in 1950, and she went on to write over 30 books in all, achieving an OBE in 1975. Sutcliff suffered from severe childhood arthritis, leaving her wheelchair bound for life from the age of two years. She was only able to attend school between the ages of 9 and 14. At 14 she began to write her first stories.
Her love of history, and the yearning for adventure come out in her books, as does the imagination of a young girl who limited in a physical way, felt none of those limitations in her writing. The language of the book fits the period that it was written, and could be seen to be a little outdated in parts. However, I think it adds to the charm of the book, and good well written English, can never be a bad thing. The structure is very effective in helping the reader to digest the whole epic tale, especially if that reader is a young person. There are a series of short chapters that each cover a separate scene, place, or topic. This also gives the tale a play like quality, subconsciously urging us to visually play it out in our heads like a private film real. The effect gives us natural breaks, just like a real viking saga would have, when the poem was recited round a fire, or during a feast.
The use of the original and authentic names of people and places help to place us in the viking age with the characters. Sutcliff's use of accurate cultural roles, rites, and artifacts, not only indicates her familiarity with the history of the times, it allows her readers to become part of the saga. We can see ourselves in the great hall of 'Hygelac, King of the Geats', feasting and listening to the tale of the visiting vikings. We can imagine ourselves joining brave Beowulf as he and his men set sail for Denmark to save King Hrothgar's kingdom by killing the fearsome Grendel.
The story is set up in the first chapter, where one of the visiting seafarers tells a tale of a strange man-wolf of impossible strength, that murders viking warriors during the night. Even the best warriors have failed to beat the monster, and none who try are ever left alive. This dramatic story is told piecemeal,with frequent questions and interactions with the audience, further building up dramatic tension. This also adds to the effect of a saga tale, letting us be one of those in the hall, part of the conversation. The rest of the novel is then told in the voice of a narrator, as if we are listening to a master storyteller at the feast. Drawings with authentic period detail help us with the visualization of the story, and during that first chapter, they literally depict a story teller with people of all ages sat around listening. This all adds to the effect.
In conclusion, I think that this is a well written, well thought out book. As I too am a great history lover, the story instantly appealed to me. I love the way that Viking characters are authentic but still appealing and accessible to modern readers. The language, structure, and even the artwork of the book, work together to make the reader feel that they are listening to a saga whilst feasting in a grand hall. Pass the mead horn, I'm in!
I have learned:
To pay close attention to the atmosphere created for readers.
To think carefully about the structure of my book, and what effect that could have.
Cool review Mum
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