Watch by Moonlight

I know the poem, and I knew it before Lorena McKennit's rendering. Even though I used to listen to that CD incessantly, for some reason it didn't click with me, until the very end - I mean the END, when I turned the page and found the poem. But it was too late because I was absolutely depressed by the ending and then I read the poem and then I got this huge lump in my throat and then I wished I hadn't stayed up to finish the book. It was riveting. I don't agree with the two reviews below - the person who apparently doesn't realize Lorena McKennit didn't write the words, just put them to music, or the reader who felt the characters weren't fleshed out. In my opinion, the story was well developed, both the plot and the characters had depth, and the foundation for the finality of the story/the poem was superbly done. It took me a while to get to sleep, and that's unusual for me. I don't know if I'd read it again. I know the ending and it was too sad. I love West Side Story and Romeo and Juliet, but I won't read or watch either one of them again either. And to think I almost didn't check it out of the library. Despite the heartbreaking ending, I'd have missed a real treat.

When I found out this book was based on my favorite poem, I just had to read it. I'm glad I did. It's a rich, masterful rendering of "The Highwayman" by Noyes, with complex characters. Hawks brought the poem alive, made me feel for the characters, root them along. Even though I knew the ending from the poem, I cried anyway. Beautiful!This is a must read for any who love "The Highwayman" by Noyes.

I know the much loved Poem written ALFRED NOYES. It was a favourite of mine since childhood, so I was delighted when this book was given to my as a gift. It is a true homage to the essence of the poem The book is rich in detail, the revealing of the characters masterful, making them leap off the page in this a work of love. A must for anyone a favourite of the beloved poem by Noyes!!!

Kate Hawks may be a new name in the genre, but she writes with the sureness of a master. Anyone who has enjoyed the unabashed romanticism of Alfred Noyes's poem "The Highwayman" won't be disapointed in this fleshing out of both story and characters. From the quickly drawn sketches of the innkeeper (whose daughter Bess falls in love with the young highwayman) to the portrait of mercurial Abel Gant (mentor, philosopher and friend of the young bandit, Jason Quick) the cast is believeably human. And the love story between Bess and Jason draws the reader right into their world. A delightful read with some substance as well.

I'm assuming the quote from "The Highway Man" that's used in the title comes from the poem of the same name by Alfred Noyes, which existed long before Ms.MeKenna's song of that title.