Robin Hood: The Story Behind the Legend [Audio Cassette]

I was pleasantly surprised at the scope of this book. It was a different take on Robin Hood but it was a believable one. This book has humor, romance, villany and derring-do. Plus Russell Crowe on the cover. How can you lose?

The writing style of this book is fairly good, but as it stays extremely close to the movie, it is rather redundant. Certainly, it might be worth reading, if one was planning on never seeing the film, but honestly, it cannot show some of the films best features. That being said, there are a few scenes that I predict will show up in the deleted scenes section of special features once it comes out on DVD. It is obvious that this book was written before the casting of the film was entirely complete, as the characterization of Little John is closer to the standard image than what he was in the new movie. Also, there is more time spent on some children of Nottingham, who are clearly modeled after the Lost Boys from Peter Pan, interestingly. What I really suggest is for people to see the movie, and perhaps even buy it once it comes out.

Before seeing the new Robin Hood movie, I had reservations about the idea of casting Russell Crowe as the title character. Watching, however, I was blown away, as his qualities fit this take on the legendary hero perfectly. Being a lifetime fan of Robin Hood, I can say that this version of the story doesn't follow traditional story lines, but that depictions of the period of history he usually inhabits were absolutely perfect. Whoever had been hired to see to historical accuracy, details, and the lives and characters of royalty present was clearly an expert. Even items such as the style of feathers on arrows, and the kinds of quivers and shields used came directly from historical sources and images. I will also tell fans of Russell Crowe that yes, you do get to see him without his shirt on, and that also, medieval armor really couldn't be removed without help.

Cate Blanchet has become my favorite Marian, as well, and portrayed a lady of her times quite neatly, give or take particularities of character. She is clearly in charge of her estate, concerned for underlings, and cool under the pressure of unusual situations. As already mentioned, in the role of Robin Hood, Russell Crowe acts the part in every way, being honest to a fault, caring for those who need his help, always coming to the rescue at the right moment, and of course, standing against the law of the land and corrupted rulers. This film even addresses the tensions in the original legends of Robin Hood, concerning whether his origins were common or if he was displaced nobility, by cleverly giving him a little of both, in a way that is integral to the movie plot.

Setting aside the historical inaccuracies (the Magna Carta was signed 13 years after John became King, and well after he lost Normandy to the French), the vastly different take on the legend of Robin Hood (which I actually quite liked), and the fact that I have not seen the movie, I'll say that the book was a delightful read so long as one checked their brain at the cover.

I don't fault Mr. Coe for the story issues, as he was given a flawed script with which to start. But it is the story that will get and hold a reader, and there are many concerns in this book. There are, essentially, two story lines flowing through the book: Robin Hood's struggle to find his identity, and Godfrey's treason. Unfortunately, it's Godfrey's treason that is the more interesting story, while Robin's floats around as filler. In fact, were Robin's story completely removed, I wouldn't have noticed, I think. Given that he was the main character, this is a very serious issue.

But it's a quick, easy read that entertains. Mr. Coe does an excellent job of making a purse of a sow's ear out of this script with great writing and wonderful language. His depictions of Little John, Allan, Will, and Friar Tuck were delightful, and while I never really understood the point of the Lost Boys, they, too, were brought to life with nuance. This is common in Mr. Coe's writing, and I think had he been given more freedom with this story it would have been a fantastic book. As it is, it's a good vacation book that one doesn't mind setting aside to do something more interesting and then come back during down moments.

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