Four stars for the actual stories in Moyra Caldecott's collection, _Women in Celtic Myth_. But then I always like a good retelling. I was particularly impressed with "Findabair and Maeve", since the story of Queen Maeve's daughter is obscure. Ditto for the two Scottish folk tales, "The Sea-Maiden" and "The Farmer's Youngest Daughter." The other stories in the collection aren't anything new; everyone who retells Celtic myth ends up talking about Blodeuwedd and Macha and Emer and Etain. Caldecott spices things up by changing a few of the stories, most notably Etain's; this story takes on a MUCH darker cast in Caldecott's version.

Read it for the stories, SKIP the psychological and/or mystical theory that follows each one. It is completely obnoxious and off-base. The example that really sticks out in my mind is the analysis of Maeve and Aillill as the animal passions and the thinking mind, respectively. Huh? Maeve drinks and fights and has sex, so she represents the id? I don't buy it. Maeve drinks and fights and has sex because the Irish likes stories about people who did those things. Or, if you're determined to read a deep meaning into the myth, at least come up with one that's germane to the culture. If you want to tell me that Maeve's behavior indicates a sovereignty figure, I'll listen. If you want to tell me her myth is a Freudian text written long before its time, I'll just groan and skip ahead to the next tale. The worst part is this: remember how I said she changes some of the stories? Well, she doesn't say where she's making changes, and then she analyzes her own additions as if they're part of the original story. (I'll admit I could be wrong; maybe those parts of the story might just be hidden in obscure texts, or something. But I believe they're Caldecott's additions, since I've read a lot of versions of these myths, and those parts are new to me.) This book would have been much better if the modern psychological theory could have been left out.

I read this book a number of years ago, and I still love it. Each goddess is given a new myth, based in the old, and written from a new, feminist perspective. If you are into Celtic spirituality at all, I highly recommend this book. If you are a student of Celtic mythology, I also recommend this book, for the different perspective it will give you. It is an easy read, and great introduction to the central goddesses in Celtic mythology.

This book takes each of the Celtic goddesses (Irish, Welsh, and Scottish) and devotes a little fictional short story to her. Chapters include "Arianrhod and Bledouwedd," "The Three Etains," and "Emer and the Women Who Loved Cu Chulaind," as well as chapters (or stories) on Maeve, the Morrigan, Grania, Macha, and many others. The stories are based on elements of the actual myth, but because they are new short stories crafted by the author they flow smoothly and are so interesting you can't put the book down.. I have found that learning about the myths this way has helped me to understand them much better. Caldecott also has a good introduction discussing the Celts and their myths, and a commentary after each story with added info about each myth and listing her sources for further reading.

My major reaction to reading this book was a burning desire to go back and rewrite it. The writer has a lot of imagination, interesting characters, and a good plot. Unfortunately she simply doesn't write very well. Problems with character viewpoint, problems with explication, slow writing - nothing truly awful, but if bad writing bothers you, you'll find it hard to get past it to the story. I certainly did.

the first time i read this book was when i was 11, and i loved it. i used to wish i was kyra and that someday, i'd be able to go on the same journey, meet a handsome young man, and reach her level of wisdom. now, that i am much much older, (i am now in college and still enjoy peeling through crinkly pages of book), i look to this novel with full reverence, for it has been the inspiration for my writing, my faith, and my life.

i currently own (actually, they're my father's) the old separate books published by corgi in 1979 and am proud that they are well-worn and crinkly. =) i read them again every chance i get (also, in alternation with Tolkien's books) and am always entraced by its beauty and the mysticism woven into its story.

but this is not a book for those who do not like novels without sketches. this is a book of words, of images brought forth by our own interest, background and imagination. the novel is just not another mystical adventure story, but it is one read that lets us analyze our own faith in ourselves, what we believe in, what we hope for and that force that drives us to our ultimate goal.

if you'd rather see pictures on the cover, i suggest you try to find old corgi copies that have wonderful art on the cover of each book. i think that would really help visualize the characters and mood of the story. =) too bad emails aren't allowed on this review, i'd be happy to share my scans of those old covers... =)

This was the first BIG novel that I read, 3 in 1 book that made me think long and hard if I really wanted to read something with so many words. My older sister told me to read it and be quiet, so I did. Then thanked her because I loved it! I loved the storyline, loved the characters loved that I could see what was happening visually as I read it. I cannot stand books that don't make you picture anything other than little black letters, so I found it to be one of the best books (and equal first place as one of the best long books) I have ever read.

This is a novel about Bladud, a mythic king of Britain, set sometime between 800 and 500BC.Legend has it that he was descended from the Trojans.Spurred on by visions of the beautiful Imogene Bladud travels to Greece, where he finds love and adventure.After hearing about the flying exploits of Daedalus and Icarus he develops a passion to fly.He returns to Britain and eventually becomes king.He faces treachery from those close to him, and invasion from the north.At last he does fly, in a manner of speaking.On numerous occasions in this story the veil between this world and the Otherworld is pierced.Bladud sees and talks to gods and goddesses, oracles and beings from the Otherworld.The author weaves into her story many elements from Greek and Celtic myth and legend, as is explained in helpful notes.The storyline is exciting, and the period is brought vividly to life.Nitpick: the ending is a letdown.

...was to order this. It is poorly written, incredibly boring and not worth the 'money'. Doesn't seem like the writer did an iota of research on Hatshepsut.

Moyra Caldecott really knows how to bring an ancient world to life. Well written, well-researched and enjoyable. Not quite as good, perhaps as the other two Egyptian novels by this author ("Akhenaten" and "Tutankhamun") but highly recommended. Much better than the over-rated "Ramses" books.