Thomas the Rhymer by Ellen Kushner

-

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!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Bid Time Return (Somewhere in Time) by Richard Matheson

-
Image
Hello, Stranger. Let's talk about Richard Matheson's  Bid Time Return. The Short of It Plot: A man travels back in time to meet the dead woman whose picture he fell in love with. Page Count:  288 Award:  1976 World Fantasy Award Worth a read : No Primary Driver:  (Plot, World, or  Character? ) Bechdel Test : Pass Technobabble:  Minimal. Review:  This book is just an underwhelming romance novel with a time travel twist. A blend of dull, sappy, and creepy. Enjoyed the actual traveling part of time travel - though easy, it was well executed. Protagonist pushes pathetic and clingy to new levels. No characters act even remotely believable; no chemistry to show actual love. Without that, it's just obsession and stalking. The Medium of It Spoiler Free! The name of this book was changed to Somewhere in Time after a movie based on it was released. I have not seen the movie, many people seem to have enjoyed it. I did not enjoy this book. Richard Collier fi...
Read more

Boy's Life by Robert R. McCammon

-
Image
Hello, Stranger. Let's talk about Robert R. McCammon's  Boy's Life. The Short of It Plot: Twelve year old Cory's quiet life in 1960s Alabama is shaken up when, by chance, he witnesses a murder. Page Count:  625 Award:  1992 World Fantasy Award Worth a read : Absolutely Primary Driver:  (Plot, World, or  Character ) Bechdel Test : Pass Technobabble: N/A Review:  This objectively boring and meandering book is somehow completely and utterly engrossing. Truly exceptional writing captures both the whimsy of childhood and the slow maturation of its characters. Backdrop of 1960s in the South used well: both the idyllic aspects of life in days when the milkman still made his rounds, and the darker aspects of embedded racism. It's a snapshot of life with overlaid story elements - but it just works. Switches from casually humorous to introspective to devastating and back, without warning. A few scenes really punch you right in the gut. The Medium of It Spoi...
Read more

Don't Forget to Read a Book!

-
Image
Hello, Stranger. In July of 2017 a man named Derrick McGlashen died of Stage 4 lung cancer.  He was not famous, so you didn't miss the announcement.  Even most of us who did know him never knew his name until he passed away.  We just thought of him as the Book Guy. McGlashen was a panhandler in Park Slope, Brooklyn, and stationed himself in front of a grocery store on 7th Avenue.  He always had his cup to gather change, but instead of asking for money, he would strike up conversations with people passing by. He was a warm, gregarious fellow, with a broad smile.  His disarming charm made him a neighborhood staple, to the degree that if he was not at his usual spot, it was a topic of conversation.  He'd be gone for a few days, and when he came back, people would say, "You weren't here!" and he would laugh and say, "Just had to stretch my legs!"  He was probably in his spot 300 days a year, for as many years as I can recall.  He always addressed the ...
Read more