The White Company

Chivalry is alive and well in [b:The White Company 314752 The White Company Arthur Conan Doyle https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1387727828s/314752.jpg 785960]. In it a man's word is worth something, and his actions are worth even more. It is also a very bloody story indeed with lots of swordplay and arrows flying.I mixed reading the book and listening to an audio narration. The narration by voice actor Nick Rawlinson gives the story a somewhat different feel and especially colors the character of Sir. Nigel. The book makes it clear that Sir. Nigel is not physically impressive at first sight. Rawlinson reinforces that impression in the audio version by giving Sir. Nigel a mild voice and a slight lisp, which makes him all the more impressive when he goes into action. Slight of stature but aggressive and spirited, he is a banty rooster of a man. He is always looking for “honor” and “advancement”, which seem to be his code words for “a good fight”. He is my favorite character in the story.Young Alleyne is the main protagonist. His part in the book seems to be a more standard coming of age story. His journey from the cloistered world of an Abbey as a shy and inexperienced young man to the end of the story, where though still young, he has become a scarred warrior wearing a knight's spurs, makes a good tale. And, he gets the girl! A very satisfying journey, actually.And there is much more to this good book of medieval adventure.

It definitely has that medieval classic feel, right down to the dialogue. As a devoted Holmes fan it was fascinating to read this (just to get to know Doyle better: there's really no bearing on Holmes), but admittedly it may be tough going for the casual reader!

Too YA for me - this is a well-written, funny, action, good alternative to The Three Musketeers. Had I read it in my pre-teen years, I would have loved it. In my 40s, not at all...