"The White Company" by Arthur Conan Doyle. A Little Review

The White CompanyThe White Company by Arthur Conan Doyle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Written in 1891, long before the hyper-sensitivities of the more extreme egalitarianism and high-brow "tolerance" of the 21st Century. This historical-fiction about a small sliver of the 100 Years War deftly plays out the rags-to-riches rise of Alleyne, or more accurately, from cloister-to-Gold Spurs. Much of the turns-of-phrase reminded me of Howard Pyle's Robin Hood, penned around the same time.

The major characters - whether men or women - are humorous, noble, brave and gallant. The storyline, action, adventure, successes, failures and dialogue are attention-keeping. There is subtle distaste toward the Roman Catholic Church and the cloister that likely reflect 19th Century England, but it does not detract from the tale. The novel will appeal to teens as well as adults. It was a fun summer read. I happily recommend the book.


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