Thomas the Rhymer by Ellen Kushner

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Hello, Stranger.

Let's talk about Ellen Kushner's Thomas the Rhymer.

The Short of It

Plot: Thomas is a talented enough bard that even the Queen of the Fairies takes notice.
Page Count: 256
Award: 1991 World Fantasy Award
Worth a read: No
Primary Driver: (Plot, World, or Character)
Bechdel Test: Fail(?)
Technobabble: Doesn't apply.
Review: An unremarkable and inoffensive retelling of a fairy tale. Writing quality is the main draw here: lots of good passages that draw successfully upon the style and mood of myths. That said, there's nothing that novel here: standard fairy-related mischief, unrequited love, love transcending worlds... everything that one expects in such a fable. Story is divided into a few distinct blocks - and switches narrators - which does no favors for pacing. Of the four main characters, Thomas himself is the only one of the four main characters who sparks interest. 


The Medium of It
Spoiler Free!

What is there to say about a book that is just what it is? I was unfamiliar with the ballad of Thomas the Rhymer, but apparently it is, well, a thing. A brief synopsis of the original: Thomas meets the Queen of Elfland, goes with her for seven years, sees many delights, and returns to the mortal world. He is given the gift of prophecy.

This novel version expands upon the story, offering an introduction to Thomas before he goes to Fairy, exploring his time there, and then chronicling his later life after returning. All of this added content is rather tepid. Song of Achilles is a great demonstration of the power of reimagining a well known tale and offering a new perspective. There is none of that here. No pushing of boundaries, no real expansion of the mythos. Kushner fills in the blanks in the same way that most others likely would as well.

Perhaps this would read very differently for someone invested in Thomas already - if it were a favorite short story, or something of that ilk. The same way that retelling Arthurian legends is more meaningful to me, as I loved the abridged versions when I was young. As it is, however, this is just an adequate rendition of a passable fable. 

If you're in the mood for a completely standard fantasy experience, this is a distillation of that in its truest form - and better written than many like it. Otherwise it's an easy pass.

You know the deal at this point, probably, but here's an affiliate link if this is the book you decide that you really want to read... Thomas the Linker

The Long of It
Spoilers Ahead!

It's hard to spoil anything here - if you've read a fantasy story at some point, you know what's going to happen.

Thomas is quite the guy, and he's got a smart mouth on him! Oh, how he seduces the ladies with his deceptions. It sure would be a dang shame if some kind of magic made him not able to lie. Ah! He is in love with a woman, and for real! But she is not so easily duped! It would be a dang shame if something happened that separated them. What? The Queen of Elfland wants to take him to the land of fairy? It sure would be a dang shame if there were conditions on that. Elfland is a beautiful place! It sure would be a dang shame if things were a bit sinister under the surface. Thomas has discovered a way out! It sure would be a shame if things went wrong. Everyone keeps saying that time passes differently in fairy, but that's certainly not important. He is out of Fairy! But now he only tells the truth! It sure would be a shame if people asked him about the future, given that he can't lie. I'm sure he won't get into any trouble.

I feel like I need to stress that the writing is good once more. I did not [not-enjoy] reading this - it's a quick, easily palatable fairy tale. But it is not memorable, and it's missing something to make it special. Probably umami, if I've understood enough chefs on YouTube. There's never enough umami.

Always salt while cooking, Stranger.
And don't forget to read a book!

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