Maid Marian

by Elsa Watson

Book Overview

An irresistible reimagining of the Robin Hood legend, Maid Marian brings to life the rollicking--and romantic--world of the Middle Ages. An orphan and heiress to a large country estate, Marian... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1400050413
• ISBN13: 9781400050413
• Release Date: April 2004
• Publisher: Crown Publishing Group (NY)
• Length: 307 Pages
• Weight: 0.92 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Good version of Robin Hood

I love Robin Hood books. I give it four stars just because it isn’t my favorite rendition of Robin Hood. Still a great book. Good young adult/teen book.

Loved it!

I loved this book! This story is, in a way, Marian's journey through her discovery of her strengths and weaknesses. She is a strong heroine who is not unreal because of her perfection. She is a real person living in a unique time in history with something to share with all of us! The story was enjoyable and historically based. Watson did a great job describing what life was like during this time period while telling a great story using interesting characters. I loved it and can't wait for Watson's next book!

Wonderful, Romantic Escape

I loved this book, not only for the story but also for the warm, rich voice in which it is told. I hate books with perfect protagonists who adventure along being better than everyone else. In Marian, Watson has created a lovely and very human spirit--not a bionic uber-heroine. With a cinematic eye, Watson draws the reader into a bright and romantic landscape populated by authentic and interesting characters. Watson's judicious use of historical detail goes a long way toward building the world of the novel without being overbearing or dry. The overall effect is an extremely readable book, appropriate for a broad range of readers, that leaves you with a sense of having vacationed in a green and wonderful spot out of time and having befriended a handful of warm and remarkable individuals there."Maid Marian" reminded me a bit of "The Mists of Avalon," which is a good thing. The book itself is beautiful, too, in keeping with the story.

an extremely entertaining and enjoyable novel

I enjoy historical novels from time to time and a friend recommended Maid Marian to me. It's a fast read, with lots of neat twists and turns and very snappy dialogue that is still totally in keeping with the period. The author does an excellent job of depicting England during the 1100s, including the deep split between the Saxon and Norman cultures, and the dailylives of both the nobility and the common people. Marian is an engaging and thoughtful character, with a sharp and curious mind and a sense of humor and wonder that doestn't fade as the novel progresses. This is also a very readable light romance, without any of the usual cliches or silliness. My 15 year old daughter also enjoyed this book, and I felt totally comfortable sharing it with her.A very accomplished first novel, with a terrific medieval setting and truly likeable characters. I highly recommend it.

The story you haven't heard before

Everyone knows the story of Robin Hood, but until now Maid Marian has been a sidekick and romantic interest. In this book, she becomes a full-fledged part of the story, with Robin as her partner. This is the story of the royal political intrigue that drove Marian to take control of her life and fate, and in doing so involve Robin and his men. There is plenty of lightness and humor, a little romance, and more than a few twists to her story.Book is appropriate for all ages, language is easily understandable while retaining the elegance that makes this sort of historical fiction so enjoyable. Great fast read.

not your average chick-lit

A friend who knows I like woman-centered books handed me this, and I couldn't put it down. Maid Marian is one of those women who decides that no one is going to run her life. She and her companion, a woman named Annie, fight the royal family and corruption of the time with the help of Robin Hood, and have the kinds of adventures that most men of the era probably never had.I really like Marian because she is defiant without being snotty, classy without too much reserve, and strong without being a mean, bullying woman. Good read.