5

I didn't return to this book for a long time - for a decade at least. It's hard to tell why I took it up again. I read it twice before, both times in Russian (an adapted variant for children and the full version). This time I've decided to try the original; moreover, to find an audiobook if possible.

God bless the torrent sites, it was possible. I came across an audiobook narrated by a certain Ron Keith. I knew nothing of him but his voice was okay with me, so I didn't search further. Later on he proved to have a fine Brtitish accent and faultless articulation. The latter one came in handy, since the vocabulary and sentence construction here are not too easy to catch while listening. It is a historical novel, after all! No one promised it would be an easy ride.

As for the plot itself: it is a simple story simply told, I guess (I won't tire you with a synopsis here). This simplicity is deceptive, at least in terms of the style of narration. Some modern readers might find it boring - to listen to all those longish, convoluted sentences of dialogues between chivalry. But IMHO, I revelled in this unusual choice of words and bizarre inversions in the sentences, like a Star War fan takes delight in strange quotes of Master Yoda.

The story and its end are quite predictable but it doesn't spoil the overall effect of several hours pleasantly spent. To tell the truth, I smiled a few times - and even giggled - in the public transport while listening. That unsuppressed mirth shows that the narrators - both the author and reader - did their job well.

I would recommend this book to those who love historical novels and to those who wish to challenge their knowledge of English :)