Avalon: A Novel

Interesting story. I love historical fiction. I learn a lot about England during the 10th century, especially how the Nordic presence made itself known. Interesting. I didn't like how the love story turned out though. Sad ending. I wish it turned out differently.

I love how Seton was true to the history and didn't fake a happy ending simply to make the story better. Also, Seton managed to make the entire tone of the book--from settings to dialogue, to characterization--reflect the dark ages.

Boring!

I have no idea where in Seton's published works Avalon falls, but from reading it, I'd say it's fairly early. All of the Seton trademarks are there - the meticulously researched history, the mystical, the characters forever questing for something that is just out of reach. However, it seemed a bit disjointed to me. Neither of the main characters was really fleshed out - Seton missed key...more

I have no idea where in Seton's published works Avalon falls, but from reading it, I'd say it's fairly early. All of the Seton trademarks are there - the meticulously researched history, the mystical, the characters forever questing for something that is just out of reach. However, it seemed a bit disjointed to me. Neither of the main characters was really fleshed out - Seton missed key character-shaping moments (Merewyn coming to grips with the fact that she was not descended from Arthur, Rumon (?) coming to terms with the fact that he could not come to Avalon as she symbolized it) of the kind that she snaps up in Winthrop Woman, Katherine, and My Theodosia. Both of these characters are searching for Avalon, for the isle of peace, throughout their lives. Their quests diverge wildly - so wildly that we don't get the full scope of either quest. It was OK, but if I can only have one Seton book with me on a desert island, it would probably be Winthrop Woman.   hide

Looks okay...

I loved this book,I enjoyed how Seton took a pretty unknown period in history and made a really interesting story out of it. But I think it was sad that Merewyn never ended up with Rumon, it's obvious that they both loved and had a mutual respect for eachother but things just never quite fell in their favor. Besides that a very interesting and enjoyable read!

Another great Anya Seton! it was a good book, with tragic romance. I love Anya Setons books because although they contain romance, the romance does not always end with it's "happy ever after"

Avalon

Excellent historical romance about unrequited love in 900s Cornwall. Seton really does her research, making you feel like you're learning by really going back in time, and her settings and characters always feel real. I've been working on her novel "Green Darkness" for years, but "Avalon" was one of those books I couldn't put down.