5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The new kingdom, May 6, 2005
This review is from: Kingdom of the Grail (Paperback)
Judith Tarr has taken the epic Chanson de Roland and the historic Charlemagne and created Kingdom of the Grail, a fantasy novel which explains Ganelon's treachery and Roland's death while mixing in the more familiar and popular grail legend from Arthurian mythology. Tarr's representation of Charlemagne's court is a composite of the historical court and the Charlemagne depicted in the chanson.
Tarr, who holds a Ph.D. in Medieval history, clearly has a deep understanding of such primary sources as Einhard's Vita Caroli, Notker's De Carolo Magno, and the 12th century Chanson de Roland, as well as secondary sources such as Pierre Riché's La Vie Quotidienne dans l'Empire Carolingien. Her tale draws elements from all of those works and her use of short paragraphs is reminiscent of the verse style of the chanson.
The novel follows the basic plot of the Chanson de Roland, with Ganelon's arrival at Charlemagne's court, the decision to battle the Muslims in Spain and the subsequent ambush at Roncevalles. After the battle, Tarr follows the historical record, specifically the revolt of Charlemagne's son, Pepin. However, this is juxtaposed with Roland's adventures in Montsalvat, the Kingdom of the Grail, where his greater destiny is revealed.
While Tarr takes an interesting an under-explored legend and mixes it with the more popular tale of Arthur, the ideas she presents are more interesting than the novel itself. She never manages to get the pacing correct, and the characters are led by their fates rather than any sense of free will, although towards the end of the novel, the question of free will becomes important in and of itself.
Early in the novel, Roland forms a relationship with the mysterious Sarissa. However, the sense of mystery feels forced and the reader never really wonders where Sarissa comes from. Of more concern is why the two characters are together, since there does not appear to be any real chemistry between them.
Tarr has a great ability to create potentially interesting situations using historical precedents. Unfortunately, she has not yet mastered the ability to turns these stories into entertaining novels. While a fast-paced novel certainly isn't required, especially when dealing with more philosophical issues, Tarr could certainly increase the pacing in Kingdom of the Grail.
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14 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very entertaining historical fantasy, September 13, 2000
This review is from: Kingdom of the Grail (Paperback)
Though never counting the years, centuries have passed since his former lover trapped Merlin in a magical forest that living things including birds avoided. However, one day, a boy Roland, visits the incarcerated magician. Obviously having much magical abilities or else he could never have arrived at the forest prison, Roland vows to find the means to free Merlin.
Years later, Roland is a knight loyal to King Charlemagne, but has not worked at his magic. Roland wins a contest that gives him possession of the sword Durandel, but not the trust of its former owner Lady Sarissa. Still, Roland remains faithful to his liege as they set out to fight a demon that has corrupted the monarch's son with a world at stake. However, his side needs Roland to complete his oath by freeing Merlin and gaining the support of the Grail mages to triumph over their evil enemy and his allies.
Judith Tarr is known for her wonderful historical fantasy tales that blend real persona and events into a mythical story. Her latest release, KINGDOM OF THE GRAIL, combines remnants of Camelot with the Song of Roland into an exciting story. The key to the plot is Ms. Tarr's uncanny ability to make her primary and secondary players seem so real that both the fantasy elements and the historical perspective appear genuine. The novel will charm fans of the Arthurian and Roland legends and medieval epic adventures.
Harriet Klausner
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10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Will the real Roland please stand up?, January 25, 2001
This review is from: Kingdom of the Grail (Paperback)
Judith Tarr mixes Merlin, the *Song of Roland* and the myth of the madman of the forest together in a romance that is more romantic than historical. This gives her the chance to create several Rolands: warrior, lover, shapechanger, Carolingian loyalist, madman of the woods, and reluctant champion-king. Character motivation is weak, especially for the distrust of Sarissa (who would not be allowed the freedom she exhibits in a real Carolingian setting). Nor would a woman of her time necessarily sleep with someone she does not trust completely. A slow read, it picks up in spots, and she has a gift for description, but I had to push myself to finish. Why is Tarr considered a queen of historical fiction? I don't see it. She offers a mish-mash of ill-defined magic, over-romanticized characters, and idealized history with a New Age bent.
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