Ivanhoe

By: Walter Scott

Narrated by: Simon Prebble

The epitome of the chivalric novel, Ivanhoe sweeps listeners into Medieval England and the lives of a memorable cast of characters. Ivanhoe, a trusted ally of Richard the Lion Hearted, returns from the Crusades to reclaim the inheritance his father denied him. Rebecca, a vibrant, beautiful Jewish woman, is defended by Ivanhoe against a charge of witchcraft - but it is Lady Rowena who is Ivanhoe's true love.

The wicked Prince John plots to usurp England's throne, but two of the most popular heroes in all of English literature - Richard the Lion Hearted and the well-loved, famous outlaw Robin Hood - team up to defeat the Normans and regain the castle. The success of this novel lies with Sir Walter Scott's skillful blend of historic reality, chivalric romance, and high adventure.

Public Domain (P)2010 Tantor

Rather corny but enjoyable nevertheless.

This was my first Sir Walter Scott and while I enjoyed it, it was to modern ears a bit corny. What did make it interesting was listening to an historical novel set in the middle ages written in English not too different to that written by Jane Austen. It gave the whole novel an authenticity as the descriptive passages were not written as they would be today.

Overall I enjoyed it and will listen to more Scott. Simon Prebble did a great job narrating as he always does.

So glad I listened!

The narrator created excitement through his reading of the story, which engrossed me throughout. Highly recommend.

It's a classic, of course

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Anyone who has not read this should get around to it. I read it when I was 10 years old. Nearly 50 years later it is well worth re-reading.I had forgotten how many of the movies about Robin Hood had their basis in this story.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I couldn't pick a favorite character no matter how I tried. Each seemed very alive to me.

Which character – as performed by Simon Prebble – was your favorite?

Simon Prebble was good at making the villains of the piece come alive. He has the voice for menace, I think.

Robinhood's birth

I liked the story, I should have read it 50 years ago. I didn't because I got tired of all of the words. They are one of the reasons I didn't. I have found that listing to this kind of book is an enjoy able experience.

If you loved ASOIAF…

Feast upon one of GRRM’s most obvious influences. It’s got knights, lists, battles, big dumb men having punching contests, Robin Hood, and what may be English literature’s first positive depiction of a Jewish woman. Simon Prebble narrates beautifully and compellingly. Such a fun listen, it will be on my list of things to listen to when I need to calm the heck down.