Review: Storyteller, by G. R. Grove

[persimmonfrost]

Storyteller is a lyrically written series of stories which make up an historical novel about the travels of Gwernin the Storyteller -- and about this he makes a very important distinction; he is not yet worthy to call himself "Bard" -- through dark age Wales. It's not just about medieval Wales, though that would provide material enough, nor just about Welsh culture and the oral tradition. It's also about growth and the education of a story teller, and his adventures along the way. Another reviewer likened it to "The Canterbury Tales" and the comparison is apt. Grove's stories introduce Gwernin to a whole host of colorful characters, and provide hearty doses of humor, surprise, mystery and the like.

This is not popularized medievalism, nor is it strictly academic. Rather it walks a path between the two, neither pandering to contemporary tastes nor remaining so obscure that contemporary readers will not be engaged by it. It remains thoroughly accessible, but without the sort of compromises that might rob it of so much of its authenticity. It's clear that Grove has done her homework here. In fact, it's clear that this is a labor of love for her, and as such it carries even more impact. You write best what speaks to you most clearly.

If I have a quibble with the book, it's that some of the stories lack dramatic tension. They are shortish, and sometimes don't so much end as stop. And yet there's enough here to keep you wanting to read more, which is, in the end, what propels the reader through any book. Recommended for lovers of good historical fiction, or anyone with an interest in Welsh legends and mythology.

Comments

[adair]

Very nice review. I have Flight of the Hawk, the followup to The Storyteller, and she has just finished a 3rd. I'll probably buy it when it appears on Amazon. I tend to go for celtic fantasy novels and then get annoyed at them for sloppy work and lame historical connections. The Storyteller was a real pleasure. Flight of the Hawk has a bit more plot and story chapter connection. but it is still structured much as Storyteller. She's clearly done a lot of research; she's gwernin on LibraryThing and did a little discussion on LT earlier this year.

[persimmonfrost]

Ah, thanks for the info on the second and third books. I have had some contact with her via LibraryThing, but didn't know about the discussion. I'll have to look for that.

Thanks for the kind words, too.