The Mists of Avalon, Marion Zimmer Bradley

One of the first gifts I received from my husband was The Mists of Avalon. Marion Zimmer Bradley wrote the book in 1982.


It is the story about King Arthur, from the point of view of the women of Avalon. The usual cast of characters are present in the novel; Arthur, Gweneviere, Merlin, Morgana, the Lady of the Lake, and others, including the sword Excalibur.

Some reviewers call this a femnist book. There is also the conflict between Christian and pagan points of view that many are drawn to. In the reviews I've read people seem to love or hate the book. The fact is, I loved it 100%. The story, itself, is well-written. The point of view from the women's perspective is unique and interesting.

One review by Beth Derochea calls it "one of the more controversial books in Arthurian fiction."

The book has since been made into a tv movie. This is a link to the tv movie site with various pictures and a synopsis that is quite good, with lots of pictures from the movie. Actors such as Julianna Margulies, Uli Edel, Mark Lewis Jones, Caroline Goodall, Michael Byrne, Michael Vartan, Hans Matheson, Joan Allen, Samantha Mathis, Anjelica Huston, Clive Russell, and Edward Atterton  are in the movie. The movie trailer is linked here.

As a big fan of all things Arthurian, I found this book and its different perspective really intriguing. I loved it all of those years ago, and still love it now. I've recently reread it and still find it interesting.

Diana Gabaldon

Diana Gabaldon is an interesting author. She started out working in the scientific field, having earned a Bachelor of Science in Zoology, a Masters in Marine Biology and a Phd in Ecology. She also had a strong interest in history and writing. She wrote her first novel just to see if she could. She often posted portions of it on an internet message board, and ended up publishing in part from the encouragement of those she'd met online. I think she also realized that she did have the talent.
That novel, Outlander published in June of 1991, won a RITA award for best romance novel of 1991. However, the novel is more than romance. It is historical, science fiction, and fantasy. Its depiction of Scottish clan life in the 18th century is detailed and by all accounts extremely realistic. The novel marked the beginning of a series in which there are now 7 books, each a whopping 650 to 800 + pages. They are not trite, nor quick brain candy reads that many equate a romance with. These are great books that get you thinking, keep you interested and focused.

I've met all sorts of people who have read Gabaldon's books, doctors, business people, store clerks, students, teachers, you name them, they've read them. I think that what sets Gabaldon apart from typical romance writers is the incredible quality of writing. Yes, I read romance once in awhile. I like to escape with a fun novel, it's like watching a movie. But Gabaldon's novels aren't your typical escape novels, nor are they your typical quick reads. There are lots of details to remember, the quality of writing asks you to stop and savour the setting and to notice the features of the characters. 
These are well-written books that are hefty and meaty. They last more than a rainy weekend, and I'm glad they do. They just take so darn long to come out in print, so don't get too hooked. 7 novels in almost 20 years. If you read faster than that, it's a long wait.