12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A gem..., July 6, 2010
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.
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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
New phase of British History, June 28, 2010
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.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A little, forgotten jewel, September 22, 2011
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!
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