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Book Review of The Adventures of Sir Gawain the True (The Knights' Tales Series)

The Adventures of Sir Gawain the True (The Knights' Tales Series)
reviewed on + 1453 more book reviews


This is a little book with a big message. It's the retold story of Sir Gwain the True, the Undefeated Knight. When he rescues a damsel in distress and danger from a dragon she tries to thank him but he ignores her and moves on. Just another day in the life of the undefeated! Obviously, ego surfaced in rudeness.

Of course, Sir Gwain is respected by his fellow knights and King Athur. When he meets Green Knight the two fight agreeing to trade blows. Sir Gwain gets in the first blow but when he removes the knight's head the knight picks up the head and rides away. The next time they meet the Green Knight will have the first blow and Sir Gwain may well lose his life. Sir Gwain's adventures continue when he meets Gologras who refuses to swear fealty to King Arthur. Arthur insists that Sir Gwain must meet Golgras to settle the matter.

The tale is full of humorous incidents that make the reader smile. The battles are funny and seem more like physical disagreements with knockdowns, bruises, broken weapons and unseating from their horses. The messages are simple. Keep your promises and be true to your nature reminding us that even in a children's book there are messages for adults.