Reading this was the best experience I think I have had so far in March. When Susana Clarke writes a book Forward you pick that up and sit in a corner quietly preparing to absorb everything . Moreover, this is Malcolm Guite's gift to readers and those of us who love the Arthurian Legends specifically. It is a celebration of the story in all its colour and knightly glory, with lyrical prowess to match. I do not think I have a critique for it , all I have is the feeling of getting lost in a time that is half fantasy and a lot of familiarity. Coming to the art, what an absolute treat to the eyes! The illustrations retain the true feeling of a medieval book lettering practice with illustrations in the margins and on alphabets —beautiful, intricate,breathtaking yet modern.

This is the most apt introduction to the Arthurian Legends to a new generation, and a heartfelt attempt to imbibe the charms of a Ballad to people again. This book will remain with me for a long, long time and I will definitely come back to read excerpts repeatedly . The several Arthurian names that we are familiar with get voice here , some get expanded back stories too , and the writing style in itself deserves a read.

4.25⭐ (I know we've talked about this before but I really want .25/.75 ratings🥲 both 4 and 4.5 feel wrong and I've gone from one to the other several times while writing this)

"A person is a person, just as a flower is a flower. Scholars rank each other, people, and flowers, prizing the plum blossom over the common wildflowers, but to me, I love all flowers. They bring all delight. They are all beautiful."

What a lovely read! The P&P inspiration is obvious but it's not a beat-for-beat copy so you don't get bored but still enjoy spotting the similarities. I also find the differences interesting and enjoyable. Particularly the younger sister's role, which, while annoying, is a lot more likable than Lydia, if only because her reasons for it are less about vanity and instead rooted in a deep yearning for more than what society demands of women.

The setting is also really interesting. Joseon era Korea ofc, but specifically censorship and book bans from a king/government who was fearful of Western ideology and religion threatening Confusianism and social order by being infiltrated through novels.

It's only said in passing but I also find very interesting and important the idea that (in this instance) the past had more liberties and freedom for women. It's such a common misconception that humanity started at it's very worst and only gets better, and will only get better. Haewon for exemple mentions that 200 years before her time, women had more freedom, and 400 years before, they had rights, and could own lands.. Rights that ended up being taken away. Good to remember in our own times.

But mostly it's a sweet, sweet, love story. So tender, so pure, so full of yearning, woven with a deep love for books. Two love stories really, between two people, and between the human heart and literature. I loved the vivid spring feel of the prose, with descriptions that were not too heavy-handed but showed, like flashes, the blooming of flowers, the shine of tea cups under the sun, the feel of a cool breeze..

Not that it's perfect ofc; there is a misunderstanding trope in there, due to the hidden identity aspect of the story, and the ending wraps up more abruptly than I would have liked. I was enjoying it so much, and there were plot points that had to be solved for the epilogue to happen so you know they were, but I would have rather seen it happen on-page. Still, this might have single-handedly pulled me out of my slump.

"I'm convinced," she said, unable to hide the rawness in her voice, "that to live without a will is to deny the bird the sky, the flowers the sun. I was born with a will. Mayn't I use it?"

"Am I committing a moral transgression? Ought I to stop? I have no answer, but I promise you this: If ever you are discovered, if the world turns against you, write to me at once. You will never be friendless. You will never be entirely alone."

Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review!