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 a...