Wandering Unicorn

I have read this book three times! I always found something new in it. I have to buy a new one as i lent my original out and never got it back!

I agree that it is slow going sometimes but some of the best works usually are. I loved this book and have been looking for another copy for years I would suggest not that you try to read it . If you can't read it then don't. But if you do dredge on and try...you will not be disappointed.

I found the book very well written. From the begining it has kept me entertained, the attention to detail pulls you in and hooks you. I particularly liked the historical link tied in with the "fairy tale". It vaguely reminds me of Boccacio with a "Avalon" twist to it. A little fantasy, a little fiction, just a fun book to read. It entails a story of an immortal fairy, love, and life during the crusades.

Out of print now, I found this book only through browsing through a library book sale. Translated into English, it is probably a poor shadow of what it must be in its original language, but the epic feeling is still brought through in this novel. The book follows the story of one fairy, doomed to immortality, Melusine, as she travels from France to Jersualem during the Crusades. She follows one boy, Aiol (her descendant), who she is in love with and sacrifices much to be with him. It is also the Aiol's story as much as Melusine, as the hunted 'unicorn,' the blameless and at the same time, the sinful. Rich in description, the war- and religion-torn society of the Crusades is brought through rich and evocative images of life in Jerusalem as a knight, a Crusader. What I thought was the most interesting was the theme central to this novel--'forbidden love,' in all forms, are examined...but not wholly judged. Incest, homosexuality, and simple unrequited love are some themes touched in this book that I thought was interesting in their portrayal. I recommend this to anyone with a taste for history and fantasy--it is excellent, and I enjoyed it immensely.