Customer Reviews

Strongbow: The Story of Richard And Aoife

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is not one of Llywelyn's better efforts. The book is historical fiction loosely based on Strongbow and his Irish wife, Aoife. It is written in first person alternating between two narrators which requires, at times, keeping track of who is talking. Considering the emphasis the book seems to place on wives and daughters, it completely neglects any mention of the daughter of Strongbow and Aoife who was the heiress who inherited his estates (he had no surviving sons). It is at odds, on various points, with conventional history and genealogy and is not recommended as a source. Llywelyn could have done much better.

I'm a huge fan of Llywelyn, and have read most of her books. This one isn't one of her best, although it does have some interesting information about 12th century Ireland. The book is historical fiction based on Richard "Strongbow" and his Irish wife, Aoife.

The book is written in the first person, alternating between Strongbow and Aoife narrating a chapter. This can be a bit hard to follow at times.

The reading is relatively easy even with the first person writings. Unless you are an avid Llywelyn fan buy one of her other fantastic books.

This was not the best Llywelyn book I've read. The novel, if you can call it that, was brief (more of a novella). She did not develop the main characters at all. It was like reading a biographical sketch of Richard de Clare and Aoife. Each of them tells a little of the story every other chapter. This style would work for a well developed story, but here it seems as though the characters have never met and they are supposed to be in love! The ending comes quickly and is not satisfying. A happy ending is not necessary, but with so little story it was a big disappointment. However, this book would be a good read for a young adult (7th-8th grade) and an introduction to Llywelyn and historical fiction. The back drop of the story was authentic and Llywelyn is an eminent historian. Still, if you are an adult, avoid this one and read another LLywelyn book such as Lion of Ireland or Red Branch.

I think Morgan mellowed a bit on this one. Although an interesting commentary of the integration of peoples, it lacks some of the spark and fire of many of her other novels. It is a good book if you want something that can be read quickly. I must agree with others the alternating chapters for the characters sometimes is a bit unnerving when trying to follow the story line.

Despite the negative reviews about the alternate chapter writing, I belive it was a well written book and the chapters were very easy for me to follow. If I, a junior high school student, can foolow this story i would think that just about anny literate person should find it enjoyable and inspiring. The story plot is set in Ireland/England in the 12th century. Richard de Clare, AKA Strongbow, is the son of a very popular warrior. Aoife, AKA Red Eva, is the daughter of a very important leader. I would recomend this book to anyone that enjoyed Brian Boru or who has an Irish Background.

Strongbow, the story of Richard and Aoife by Morgan Llywelyn is definitely for the young reader. I like the historical flavor but it could be a let down for the adult readers used to Morgan's other books like the Red Brand and Lion of Ireland.

The chapters are alternating first person accounts from child hood to adult hood of Richard de Clare, the Strongbow, a Anglo-Norman noble who opens the door for the Norman subjugation of Ireland at the request of Dermot Mac Murrough, the King of Leinster. Dermot is Aoife father and offers Richard her hand in marriage to bring other Normans to fight for Dermot.

The first half of the book is basically Aoife growing up in conversation with her father and Richard growing up in conversation with his sister. Then they meet, marry and the rest of there lives and struggles in Ireland are seen alternating through each others eyes.

The book is a quick read and has it highlights. I wish Morgan Llywelyn would do a adult version of Strongbow. I believe it would be great.

This my first book I've read by this author. Like others have stated, every once in a while the alternating chapters can be confusing. I think that I will try another of her books, but try out this book for yourself.

It was a very interesting book, with a lot of cool irish mythology, and even historical facts. It made me want to read more of Morgan Llywelyn's books. It was a very entertaining book, that kept me reading once i started.