Book Review – Yvain, The Knight of the Lion

By

M.T Anderson’s enthralling storytelling and Andrea Offermann’s evocative illustrations transport the reader to the age of the Knights of the Round Table in this rich graphic novel. The narrative follows the formula of an epic tale, following a hero’s journey and his many conquests as he fights to retain his honour and regain his love. The novel’s theme of love and hate existing as one is bittersweet and highlighted by expressive and symbolic artwork.

Translated from Chrétien De Troyes’ Yvain, le Chevalier au Lion written eight centuries ago, it is truly a treat to have such a classic and timeless tale printed in the modern format of a graphic novel. Offermann’s illustrations are done primarily in ink and watercolour; this use of traditional materials feels like a nod to the medieval age and keeps a certain integrity that wouldn’t have been present if it had been entirely digital. The artwork makes the story come to life, with thoughtful character designs and colour symbolism. The fight scenes are especially powerful, with every panel dynamic and exciting.

Yvain challenges the idea of a hero and what is really means to have honour. The protagonist is not without flaw, and no matter how hard he tries to do the right thing, he sometimes makes the wrong choice, bringing him greater misfortune but never causing him to lose sight of what’s important to him. Yvain is the sort of hero that, while you might not agree with all of his decisions, you can’t help but root for him. Despite having his own motivations, he doesn’t let that get in the way of helping those who need him, leading him into some interesting quests and keeping the reader enthralled.

Yvain is an excellent read for all ages; there’s an equal balance of dialogue and action scenes, complete with charming narration, and of course the wonderfully rough and rugged illustrations that create an enchanting fantasy world that’s easy to get lost in. It’s an exciting and accessible way to read a tale from the world of King Arthur and Lady Guinevere.

Posted in Book Review and tagged , , .
Share

Related Posts

  •
    13/06/2018

    Book Review – Small Spaces by Sarah Epstein

    Small Spaces by Sarah Epstein is a fast-paced psychological thriller with a distinct Australian flavour. One for those with a morbid curiosity, this novel is rife with dark themes and mind games, leaving you itching to uncover all of its secrets. Tash Carmody is confronted with her past when the ghosts of her childhood reappear …

  •
    22/02/2018

    Book Review – Untidy Towns by Kate O’Donnell

    Kate O’Donnell’s debut novel, Untidy Towns, sets up an escapist fantasy, and then fills it with the reality of running away from your troubles. Who hasn’t dreamed of abandoning school and clinging to the safety of home? When Adelaide walks out of her suffocating boarding school, she thinks she’s free to live her life however [...]
  •
    15/02/2017

    Book Review – Percy Jackson Series by Rick Riordan

    Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series played a huge role in my love of Greek mythology – the modern take on heroes and myths make them easier for a young audience to understand, and there are plenty of Easter eggs for those who already know their myths. The Lightning Thief kicks off the series wonderfully, introducing …

  •
    14/11/2018

    Book Review – Tilly and the Bookwanderers by Anna James

    In the first book of a fantastic new middle-grade series ‘Tilly and the Boookwanderers‘ we follow Matilda ‘Tilly’ Pages, an eleven-year-old book lover who is cared for by her loving grandfather and grandmother in the five-storey London bookshop Pages & Co. Tilly has lived with her grandparents for as long as she could remember, since …

  • P is for Pearl
    22/02/2018

    Book Review – P is for Pearl by Eliza Henry Jones

    Eliza Henry Jones’ P is for Pearl is a sweet piece of summer escapism. Set in a quiet beach town in Tasmania, complete with romance and hints of mystery, it’s an easy way to pass the time over the summer holidays, sitting out in the sun with a drink in hand. The reader is dropped [...]
  •
    27/04/2017

    Book Review – Contagion by Teri Terry

    Contagion by Teri Terry is a ticking time bomb of a novel, each chapter bringing the reader closer to the point of impact. This pre-apocalyptic dystopian novel set in Scotland follows two unique and compelling viewpoints; Shay, whose world is about to be changed forever, and Callie, who has seen everything but can communicate nothing. …