Tristan and Iseult
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1971
168
Novel • Fiction
Cornwall, Brittany • Arthurian Legend
1971
YA
12-18 years
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
840 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
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.
840 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
168
Novel • Fiction
Cornwall, Brittany • Arthurian Legend
1971
YA
12-18 years
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