Customer Reviews

THE MISTLETOE AND THE SWORD

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
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I first read The Mistletoe and the Sword several years ago, and remember enjoying it. I just finished re-reading it, as part of my current quest of reading (or re-reading) all of Anya Seton's books. I cannot praise this book enough. The setting - first century Britain and the war between the native Britons under Queen Boadicea and the Romans -- is a period I am drawn to, and Seton's crafting of the story is superb. I remember seeing somewhere, this book referred to as a work for young adults. Perhaps that is why it is so clean, with not even the mildest profanity or a hint of sex.

However, whether it was intended for young adults or not, this little book is among Seton's finest, with all the elements -- plot, characterization, storytelling, dialogue -- finely-crafted and flawless. And of course, being a Seton work, it is based on actual historical events, centers on a "romance" -- in this case between a young Roman soldier and a teenage Celtic girl -- and has plenty of historical detail woven in.

It is unfortunate that this book has been lost and forgotten among Seton's works. If you are an Anya Seton fan, you owe it to yourself to read this one. It is a short book that you can easily finish in a few hours, and is highly satisfying. Perfect for a rainy day, combined with a comfortable chair and a cup of coffee!

This is a colorful story about the pre-Christian period in Great Britain during the time of Roman domination of the country. It is obviously very well researched. Rich in historical detail, this fictionalized account of the time period depicts some Druid rituals and the country's resistance to Roman rule. It also depicts the view that Rome had that it improved upon the quality of life for citizens of countries they ruled. Not only did Anya Seton write colorfully about the time period, but also wove a bit of mystery, a lot of suspense, as well as a love story. All wrapped up in one, this is a thoroughly satisfying read. I'm keeping my copy forever. Buy one, you'll be glad you did!

This is an enjoyable story set in Roman Britain. While the dialogue of this book (originally published in the mid-1950's) sometimes reads more like the script of "Leave it to Beaver" rather than language one might attribute to Romans and Britons, it is a fun story to read. The Druid religion and the lives of people in Roman legions and in Britain itself are stereotyped to an extent, but that does not prevent one from enjoying this romantic adventure tale.