6. Marion Zimmer Bradley - The Mists of Avalon
Wow. I'm amazed I actually fished this book. Don't get me wrong...it was excellent, just very...um...verbose. The language kept true to the old Arthurian legends, with descriptive scenes of festivals, rituals, and even dreams. It was well told, just not the easiest of reads.
The focus of this book is around Morgaine (aka Morgan La Fey), King Arthur's sister and Priestess of Avalon. Unlike the previous tales told by numerous authors of Arthur, Ms. Bradley focuses on the women of the time, and more importantly the role religion played (both Christian and Pagan) in the lives of these people. This is mainly seen through the eyes of Morgaine and contains the evolution of the Britain from being a totally pagan country to the rise of Arthur and Christianity along with it.
Now, if you are accustomed to Morgan being the evil sorceress and "bad guy," you'll have a change of heart after reading this book. Also I learned to despise Guinevere (spelled Gwenhwyfar in this tale) as she is put across as being overly pious and responsible for Arthur's break with Avalon.
If you are willing to take the time to read it (it took me almost three weeks to read the 876 pages which says something), I believe you will enjoy it. Bradley's details and character descriptions help you fall into the story so easily and you learn to love and hate many of the characters quickly. I will admit the book is very pro-female and some guys may not enjoy this style of book, but I still recommend it.
The focus of this book is around Morgaine (aka Morgan La Fey), King Arthur's sister and Priestess of Avalon. Unlike the previous tales told by numerous authors of Arthur, Ms. Bradley focuses on the women of the time, and more importantly the role religion played (both Christian and Pagan) in the lives of these people. This is mainly seen through the eyes of Morgaine and contains the evolution of the Britain from being a totally pagan country to the rise of Arthur and Christianity along with it.
Now, if you are accustomed to Morgan being the evil sorceress and "bad guy," you'll have a change of heart after reading this book. Also I learned to despise Guinevere (spelled Gwenhwyfar in this tale) as she is put across as being overly pious and responsible for Arthur's break with Avalon.
If you are willing to take the time to read it (it took me almost three weeks to read the 876 pages which says something), I believe you will enjoy it. Bradley's details and character descriptions help you fall into the story so easily and you learn to love and hate many of the characters quickly. I will admit the book is very pro-female and some guys may not enjoy this style of book, but I still recommend it.
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