New Height Books

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meh

Posted by argounova on November 11th, 2007

the writing is incredibly simple, but i wouldn't say naive. nationalistic and religious, with a smattering of Romanticism here and there.

IMO, the best line in the book:

"On Veillantif [his horse], his swiftly-running barb; Well it becomes him to go equipped in arms, Bravely he goes, and tosses up his lance, high in the sky he lifts the lancehead far, a milk-white pennon is fixed above the shaft whose falling fringes whip his hands on the haft. Nobly he bears him, with open face he laughs; and his companion behind him follows hard; The Frenchmen all acclaim him their strong guard. On Saracens [pagans] he throws a haughty glance, but meek and mild looks on the men of France, to whom he speaks out of a courteous heart."

Unfortunately, because of the religious undertones (remember: this poem was recorded during the Crusades - Roland was considered the best example of a Knight of Christ), any Romantic aspect of Roland is twisted by Christiandom (see: "meek and mild")

That is why I only rate the book a 3 at VERY BEST. I can't appreciate a Christian Romantic hero, no matter how much i'd like to.