Sylvia [Hardcover]

Bryce Courtenay (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 2006

Sylvia is the story of the Children's Crusade - 1212 - possibly the strangest event to take place in European history. It is the story of the power of a young girl's love in the midst of medieval darkness to fight brutality and bigotry.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 503 pages
• Publisher: Viking / Penguin Books; 1ST edition (2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0670070262
• ISBN-13: 978-0670070268
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.5 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,271,845 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A historical page-turner, if perhaps a little too long., January 15, 2007

By 

Naomi12345 (Brisbane, Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sylvia (Hardcover)

The book's namesake is a girl living in medieval Germany, who has a remarkable gift of being able to imitate birds. The story cleverly weaves historical elements and nuances of folk stories, linking historical events (notably the Children's Crusade) with characters from folklore (eg the Pied Pier of Hamlin). Courtenay has certainly done his research, and while the plot does ring true, I found it hard to believe that all of these characters and events would revolve around Sylvia's life.

My only criticism is that the book seems about 50 pages too long. After the climax of the story, the denouement is quite a let-down and I found myself skipping pages. Still definitely worth a read, though.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Okay, March 12, 2009

By 

A. Reader (Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sylvia (Hardcover)

I've read about a half dozen of Bryce Courtenay's novels so far, and I find them very hit and miss. I was a bit disappointed with Sylvia.

Sylvia is an orphaned peasant in 13th century Germany who finds herself blessed with an extraordinary singing voice, an aptitude for learning and mimicking, and a birthmark shaped like a fish. While I generally enjoyed the plot, I found the narrative to be excessively wordy which made it tedious to read. I also found that (like many Courtney novels) "Sylvia" ended rather abruptly.

If you are looking for a read with an interesting character who faces unique circumstances, "Sylvia" will probably satisfy you. But don't expect to be blown away.

5.0 out of 5 stars Sylvia/Bryce Courtenay.., November 20, 2010

By 

Patty - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sylvia (Paperback)

Bryce Courtenay is BY FAR the BEST writer around!!!! I only wish he were in Kindle!!!! This book is, like all of his, fascinating, heartwarming & exciting~ Highly recommended.