Plot Summary

Tristan and Iseult

Rosemary Sutcliff
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Tristan and Iseult

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1971

Book Brief

Rosemary Sutcliff

Tristan and Iseult

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1971
Book Details
Pages

168

Format

Novel • Fiction

Period
Setting

Cornwall, Brittany • Arthurian Legend

Publication Year

1971

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

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Super Short Summary

Tristan, born to the princess of Cornwall and King Rivalin of Lothian, is raised by Gorvenal after his parents' deaths and becomes an accomplished prince. He journeys to Cornwall, where he impresses his uncle King Mark and falls mortally wounded, only to be healed by Irish Princess Iseult. After slaying a dragon, Tristan wins Iseult for Mark but falls deeply in love with her. Despite their struggle to remain apart, their love continues, leading to Tristan's banishment and eventual reconnection with Iseult, resulting in mutual heartbreak.

Romantic

Melancholic

Bittersweet

Mysterious

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.3

840 ratings

58%

Loved it

32%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Rosemary Sutcliff’s Tristan and Iseult captivates with its poetic retelling of the legendary romance, praised for rich historical detail and emotional depth. Critics commend Sutcliff's evocative prose and skillful character development. Some find the pacing slow and the complexity potentially challenging for younger readers. Overall, it is celebrated for its timeless appeal and lyrical storytelling.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Tristan and Iseult?

A reader who enjoys Tristan and Iseult by Rosemary Sutcliff is typically fond of classic romance and epic tales. Fans of medieval legends and Arthurian literature, as seen in T.H. White's The Once and Future King, will find this retelling captivating with its poetic prose and timeless themes of love and fate.

4.3

840 ratings

58%

Loved it

32%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

168

Format

Novel • Fiction

Period
Setting

Cornwall, Brittany • Arthurian Legend

Publication Year

1971

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

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