Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
One of the classics, 16 Jul 2008
This is an excellent, pacey adventure story set in Roman Britain, with a solid plot, interesting characters, and above all else, wonderfully evocative prose. Sutcliff's turn of phrase produces some beautiful imagery throughout, from the gladiatorial arena to the mists of the mountains.
One of Sutcliff's most admirable qualities is her ability to envisage past activities for which there is no written evidence without it seeming stilted. For instance the details of the ceremonies that took place at burial mounds during the Iron Age is not known except for the archaeological evidence, yet her depiction of it, while fantasy, does not jar as the work of many other historical novelists does. It is easy to take it for granted, but this really is quite a talent.
I think marketing the book as a 'childrens' book' does it an injustice, and could mislead prospective purchasers. The vocubulary is fairly extensive, the sentences moderately complex and the scenes detailed enough to engross adult readers, and for the same reason most children at primary school level would struggle with it (I can remember trying it when I was ten). In fact had it not mentioned children on the back of the edition I read, I wouldn't have guessed that it was a childrens' book. It would be a shame if any children were disappointed with it just because they were too young to enjoy it, or conversely, any adults put off reading it because they thought it was just a childrens book.
So in conclusion, this is one of the classic historical novels that has deservedly secured its own place in literary history.
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23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Brings Roman-Celtic Britain to honourable life...., 30 Jan 2006
A rich and involving Historical yarn makes great use of a mystery surrounding a lost Roman Legion.....Characters are loveable and honour-bound and there are strong, evocative descriptions of early Britain where the still-prominent Celtic tribes gave grief to the Romans, far from home. The vital forces of friendship, loyalty (crossing divides) and duty breathe from a time that must have required them. For young adults and beyond this book is a great way to understand more about the occupation of early Britain, and the tales from both sides that intermingle through the hero's personal quest.
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16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Classic historical fiction, 28 Feb 2008
At the age of eight, I read Eagle of the Ninth, my first encounter with historical fiction. I became hooked. Since then, I have been read Nigel Tranter, John Prebble, Conn Igguden, Simon Scarrow, Ruth Downie, and many others.
Forty-four years later, re-reading this classic is no less exciting for me. My view is that it should be compulsory reading in primary school as it really does bring Roman Britain to life. It is an exciting adventure that could possibly have been reality. It is certainly tinged with historic fact.
This book had an amazing positive effect on my life in that it gave me an enormous appetite for books, not just historical fiction. However, it did have a slightly negative effect on my life. I was always in trouble with my history teachers for doubting what they told me. After all, when they were teaching me current affairs, I was guided not to believe everything that the papers say. My challenge was always that the contemporary commentators, or historians, that they expected me to believe were no less than the journalists of their time. Why couldn't the historical fiction of which I was so fond be nearer to the truth than their history text books?
Eagle of the Ninth is a fantastic read. Whatever your age, if you haven't read this book already, read it now!
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