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The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood

About 

This is my favourite novel. A copy sits on my desk with my dictionary. Having first read it in grade five, I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve re-read it – including once in the rain in Sherwood Forest, sitting under an umbrella. The three chapters spanning Little John’s fight with Arthur a Bland, and Robin Hood’s fight with Will Scarlet, culminating in all four of them getting bested by Midge the miller’s son is my favourite part, though the chapter on the Chase is also incredibly fun. The stories have a great sense of humour. The language and generally cheery outlook do a great job of transporting you into the world Pyle portrays. Robin has human foibles, but is also shown to full advantage as a role model with an innate sense of justice.This novel brought Robin Hood and Sherwood Forest to life for me, more than any other retelling of the legend. It inspired me to write my first novel, and propelled me more than any other book toward the study of medieval England, which years later became my MA. This book changed my life.

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