The Mistletoe and Sword: A Story of Roman Britain (Rediscovered Classics) [Paperback]

Anya Seton (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 27, 2010 | Series: Rediscovered Classics

Anya Seton, author of the bestselling Katherine and The Winthrop Woman, was at her peak when she penned those two novels in the mid-1950s. But during that same period, she also wrote a little-known shorter novel entitled The Mistletoe and Sword. Here she turned her peerless talents as a storyteller and researcher to the adventure and romance of Roman Britain circa A.D. 60.

            Quintus Tullius, the young standard bearer with the Ninth Roman Legion, has come to Britain as part of the empire’s efforts to pacify the rebellious tribes there. But he is haunted by his quest for the bones of his grandfather, who died seventeen years before in “the place of the golden tree and the stony circle.”

            As the druids who haunt Stonehenge lead him through the mythic land, he falls in love with the beautiful and mysterious Regan. But this girl is the foster daughter of Boadicea, the warrior queen of the Icenians and instigator of the historic, bloody rebellion of the British tribes against Rome.

            With its suspenseful battle scenes and its mysticism and romance, The Mistletoe and Sword is an absorbing tale that makes this obscure era of history excitingly contemporary.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Anya Seton was the author of 10 bestselling historical novels, including Avalon, Devil Water, Dragonwyck, Foxfire, Green Darkness, The Hearth and Eagle, Katherine, My Theodosia, The Turquoise, and The Winthrop Woman, and the young adult novel Smouldering Fires.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Chicago Review Press (April 27, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1569763402
• ISBN-13: 978-1569763407
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 6.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #378,003 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A gem..., July 6, 2010

By 

Mary Chrapliwy (NJ, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Mistletoe and Sword: A Story of Roman Britain (Rediscovered Classics) (Paperback)

I've read Anya Seton extensively (my favorite is The Winthrop Woman: A Novel). She is a skillful writer and this book is no exception.

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. The two sides battled bitterly for control of the country and its people.

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.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars New phase of British History, June 28, 2010

By 

Donald C. Pierpoint "Donnie P" (Panama City, Rep. Panama) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Mistletoe and Sword: A Story of Roman Britain (Rediscovered Classics) (Paperback)

This book covers early Roman period in England. Well before Hadrian and the wall. The "natives" were of course interesting and the book opened lots of theories for Stonehenge. anyone interest in History and a good read will like this book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A little, forgotten jewel, September 22, 2011

By 

Michele - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Mistletoe and Sword: A Story of Roman Britain (Rediscovered Classics) (Paperback)

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!