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496
Novel • Fiction
England • 1190s
1819
Adult
12-18 years
Ivanhoe by Walter Scott is a historical fiction novel set in 12th-century England, following the knight Wilfred of Ivanhoe as he returns from the Third Crusade to find his father supporting Prince John's usurpation of King Richard I's throne. The story intertwines love, chivalry, and political intrigue, featuring characters like Lady Rowena, the Jewish lender Isaac of York, and the legendary Robin Hood. The novel includes explicit depictions of bias and discrimination related to race, religion, class, and gender.
Adventurous
Romantic
Suspenseful
Gritty
99,310 ratings
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Walter Scott's Ivanhoe captivates with its vivid historical setting and engaging chivalric romance, praised for its rich characterizations and intricate plot. However, some readers find the pacing uneven and the archaic language challenging. Despite these drawbacks, its depiction of medieval England and timeless themes of justice and honor resonate strongly.
Fans of historical romance and medieval adventure will enjoy Walter Scott's Ivanhoe. Readers who appreciate the chivalric tales and intricate plots found in Le Morte d'Arthur by Thomas Malory or the rich historical settings of Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth will find Scott's novel captivating.
99,310 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Lady Rowena
Cedric’s ward and a noble Saxon lady, she is in love with Ivanhoe and resists her guardian’s plans for her marriage.
Cedric the Saxon
A staunch Saxon nobleman, he dreams of restoring Saxon rule and disinherits his son Ivanhoe due to his loyalty to the Norman King Richard.
Rebecca
The intelligent and honorable Jewish daughter of Isaac of York, she develops feelings for Ivanhoe while navigating societal prejudice.
Isaac of York
A Jewish moneylender, he is characterized by conflicting traits of avarice and generosity, particularly in his devotion to his daughter Rebecca.
Brian de Bois-Guilbert
A Templar knight, he is both a formidable opponent to Ivanhoe and obsessed with Rebecca, displaying ambition and cruelty.
Gurth
Cedric’s loyal swineherd and bondsman, known for his bravery and dedication to Cedric and Ivanhoe.
Wamba
Cedric’s fool and bondsman, he uses humor to outwit others and displays loyalty and bravery in times of need.
Athelstane the Unready
A noble Saxon known for his indecisiveness and slowness to act, he is Cedric’s choice for Lady Rowena's intended husband.
Maurice de Bracy
A Norman knight affiliated with Prince John's court, he is both ambitious and enamored with Rowena, leading to rash actions.
King Richard I (the Black Knight)
The Norman King of England, he is a courageous leader admired by Ivanhoe, returning to England disguised as the Black Knight.
Prince John
The ambitious and impulsive younger brother of King Richard, he seeks to usurp the English throne in his brother’s absence.
Locksley (Robin Hood)
The skilled archer and leader of a band of outlaws, who champions justice and eventually allies with King Richard against his brother's schemes.
The Clerk of Copmanhurst (Friar Tuck)
A jovial clergyman who enjoys simple pleasures and associates with Locksley’s band of outlaws, providing comic relief.
496
Novel • Fiction
England • 1190s
1819
Adult
12-18 years
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