Thomas the Rhymer

Read this! You will be glad you did... An ancient myth told in a thought provoking way. Well worth the time

Very enjoyable read in four rather distinct sections (each told from the perspective of a different character). Not epic, which is something of a relief, but finely told. The long middle section about the stay in Fairie Land is atmospheric, but so too are the descriptions of regular, mundane medieval life.

Excelent tale that sucks you in from the very first. A rare treat.

Read this book when I was younger. Still remember it. I had checked out the book but finally bought it.

Thomas the Rhymer Drawing heavily on existing mythology, Ellen Kushners novel THOMAS THE RHYMER relates the story previously told in ballad form. Expanding on the available verse, Kushner tells the story of a young and flashy balladeer, a dashing man who follows the courts of the powerful while maintaining a friendship with a farming couple and flirting with their comely neighbor. He disappears, mysteriously -- hes been taken by the Queen of Elfland to sing for her court and entertain her in her bed. After a tumultuous seven-year tenure by her throne, Thomas is returned to the world of humanity, unaged and unable to speak anything but the truth. He faces the challenge of reconnecting with those he left behind. Kushner does an excellent job of creating the characters that populate the tale. The four primary characters are each given an Act in the story to narrate, with Thomas himself relating the tale of his semi-forced interplanar relocation. Kushner handles this so skillfully that she completely conveys the mud and the grime of the real world, but still allows it a powerful appeal that contrasts with the unreal beauty of the land of the elves. Each of these characters brings joy to their own existence and their jobs, especially Thomas, who rhymes as easily as he walks. It is these perspectives that give the story its air of tragedy when the characters lives are interfered with by wondrous forces. In giving these people authentic voices, Kushner risks losing clarity at points when it would be useful for the story. These confusing points occasionally mar Thomas trip to Wonderland, but otherwise, this is an elegant, and ultimately, very romantic read.

Im always shocked that Ellen Kushner is not more well known. She blends fantasy with interesting characters so seamlessly. The words are so well written that music is in the background of my mind as I read. There is a reason why there is always a recommendation from Neil Gaiman.

For fantasy purists, it doesnt get more pure than this.

Nice classic story. Very interesting read and a fun tale. If you like Irish history, its a good read. And if you dont, you should read more :)

Thomas the Rhymer by Ellen Kushner I must admit that Ellen Kushner, award winning writer, radio personality and lecturer was unknown to this reader prior to Thomas the Rhymer. Going forward that will not be the case. I was very impressed by this book on many levels. First and foremost Ms. Kushner is a storyteller in the most positive connotation of that term. I have always believed that speculative fiction novels - be they fantasy or science fiction - must at a minimum present an engaging story that the reader dearly desires to explore and even inhabit. The characters must be a combination of the sympathetic, feared, mysterious and courageous types and the prose must weave a spell with words. Ms. Kushner has met and exceeded all my criteria and I echo the praises of professional reviewers for her brilliant novel. The account of Thomas and his love affair with the Fairy Queen, the hard bargain he made to be with her and the girl he left behind kept this reader engaged from cover to cover. The ultimate tribute I can pay to any author is to say that as a result of this book I will seek out other title they have written - so be it.

Thomas the Rhymer is a bewitching tale that speaks to our longing for other more perfect worlds. Im going to read the book again because the storys message has to do with the truths of being human and how Thomas came round to being a real person. This book is filled with rich imagery that can easily throw off the impressionable reader. I love the book.