Book Review: Ivanhoe

I’m back! Recently we have been very busy, so I haven’t had many opportunities to sit down and write on this blog…but I have an opportunity now! So, I will seize the opportunity and write again.

I finally finished Ivanhoe (written by Sir Walter Scott) this week. I started reading it a couple months ago, but didn’t have the time to devour it like I normally would. But, after biting off chunks of it one by one, I finally swallowed the last morsel the other day. First impression: very good, but not quite up to par with my favorites: Les Miserables, Lord of the Rings, and the Count of Monte Cristo. Nonetheless, I highly recommend Ivanhoe to any reader.

The novel opens in medieval England, precisely during the time of Robin Hood (in fact, Robin Hood himself, along with Friar Tuck, makes an appearance in the novel). King Richard the Lion-Hearted is away in a prison (or so it is believed) and Prince John is the acting ruler. Richard and John act exactly like they do in every Robin Hood movie you’ve ever seen: Richard is the easygoing, bold, chivalrous knight-errant and John is the conniving, tactless, and ruthless monarch. However, Sir Walter Scott adds more detail to these two characters and makes them come alive in the pages.

Of course, Richard and John are not the main characters in the book. The main character is Sir Wilfred of Ivanhoe (thus the title of the book). Recently back from the Crusades, he aims to regain the love and support of his father Cedric, an ardent Saxon vehemently opposed to Norman rule, so that Cedric will allow Ivanhoe to marry Rowena, the typical virtuous female found in many chivalrous books. To regain Cedric’s favor, he participates in a tournament and is victorious. Cedric, although inwardly proud of his son, is incredibly stubborn and not willing to receive a son he had previously snubbed.

Not everything goes as planned, however, as a band of kidnappers, led by Sir Brian de Bois-Guilbert (a grim, selfish knight Templar) capture Rowena, Cedric, a rich Jew and his beautiful daughter Rebecca (who Sir Brian is determined to marry, despite her rejections). Brian de Bois-Guilbert is the villain of the book, even though is an exemplary knight. His selfishness is ultimately his downfall in the end, as he falls beneath the lance of his own pride.

Throughout the book, we see many instances of Christian good and chivalry. Sir Winfield Scott paints us a wonderful picture of the age of chivalry. However, Scott does not shy away from descriptions of corrupt church leaders, treasonous government officials, dishonorable knights, and fake Christians. Thankfully, he calls out the bad and emphasizes the good. The result is a pleasant book that is full of chivalry and heroism.

I would especially recommend Ivanhoe to young, growing men around the age of 12. Instead of giving them an easy, less worthwhile book to read, give them Ivanhoe. Though they may not be used to classics, Ivanhoe is a perfect book for them. Of course, I recommend the book to anyone who wants a good, solid book to read.

Happy reading!

Casey