This week's student review is done by Zach Weekes
Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott
Ivanhoe is a well-known classic for being one of the first and greatest of the historical romance genre. It’s a tale of idealized chivalry and valor told with exciting fantasy and romance. However, it is not a domestic romance, but a story of adventure that’s broad in its scope of topics, themes, and events. One of my favorite aspects of this novel is that it draws on some of the most time-honored characters and events in English story telling. The narrative of the mysterious Knight of Ivanhoe intersects with the conflict of Robin Hood and his gallant outlaws, along with King Richard, against the treacherous Prince John. Despite its fantasy, the historical elements of the story are deep and richly detailed, which revolve centrally around the tensions between the Norman conquerors and the Saxon natives of England. In the end, the Knight of Ivanhoe’s affections blossom in adversity, in the epic backdrop of the medieval crusades and against corruption in the Templar Order. True to chivalry, the Knight’s tale is woven with moments of tenderness for his heart’s desire, conflicted between two tenacious women, which culminate both in a profound example of devotion and redemption. I would recommend Ivanhoe to fans of history and classical literature.
Sounds like I'll have to give this title a shot. Thanks for sharing Zach!
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