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Outlaw
First in a new series

by Angus Donald

     

Young Alan Dale, narrator of this story, is caught stealing and has no choice but to leave his family and hide out with a bunch of outlaws in the woods. These are Robin Hood and his merry men, and this is the story of their exploits.

The perennially popular tales of Robin Hood need little introduction, and have recently experienced one of their periodic upsurges of interest thanks to the BBC TV series. I liked the way in which the period was presented warts and all, but at the same time there was plenty of adventure with something going on all the time to keep the pages turning. This Robin Hood came across as a real, believable outlaw and not a man to cross, while the political machinations of the sheriff and others are nicely contrasted with the hand-to-mouth existence of the outlaws and other poorer folk. If you think that any modern treatment of the legends are going to smack too much of Hollywood give this a try—you will be impressed. Particularly as this is the first book of a series.

The Book

Sphere (Little, Brown)
August 2009
Paperback
0751542083 / 9780751542080
YA and Adult Historical Fiction / Sherwood Forest etc, England / 1189
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Excerpt
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The Reviewer

Rachel A Hyde
Reviewed 2010
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