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Product Description
Book Description
From master storyteller Bryce Courtenay comes the colourful epic of Sylvia. Late twelfth-century Europe is torn by religious intolerance. Sylvia, with a singing voice that can literally charm the birds out of the trees, and an acute and questioning mind that refuses to accept unreasoned beliefs, embarks on a pilgrimage. She joins the Children's Crusade, bound for the Holy Land. From a bawdy life as an entertainer in a whorehouse to an austere and frequently cruel existence in a convent, she fights to be true to her destiny. And her mysterious birthmark causes much confusion: can this peasant maid indeed be a chosen messenger? SYLVIA is a tale of adversity, of adventure and crusades, and of a beautiful and gifted woman.
About the Author
Bryce Courtenay was born in South Africa, and has lived in Australia for the past forty years. He is the number one bestselling author in Australia and a much-loved author in Canada, where his first book THE POWER OF ONE has sold over one million copies. He recently received an honourary doctorate from the University of South Wales.
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Most helpful customer reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Beacon of Light and Courage in an Age of Darkness,
By Ian Gordon Malcomson (Victoria, BC) - See all my reviews (HALL OF FAME) (TOP 10 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)
This review is from: Sylvia (Hardcover)
Bryce Courtenay has produced yet another startling story of how individuals can single-handedly make a difference in a world steeped in moral decline, ignorance, and political avarice. As historical fiction goes, this novel has many levels of appreciation. It weaves the strands of medieval culture, religion, and economy into the life of a young girl named Sylvia as she attempts to survive some very horrific times. Courtenay begins with an uneducated, coarse peasant girl, whom he then introduces to the savage environment of medieval Germany. He, then, proceeds with a dash of legend, sleight of hand, and a few historical facts, to produce a transformed being named Sylvia Honeyeater, who has the power to change the world she inhabits. As the story shows, she is no ordinary social butterfly. Her startling rise from obscurity, in a time when life has become very dismal for most, brings with it both the promise and threat of miraculous powers to all and sundry in the city of Cologne. Unfortunately, her ability to perform miracles ends up dividing the society between the common people who want to believe and those church officials who won't because to do so would threaten their very grip on power. This growing conflict over the authenticity of Sylvia's miracles reinforces the notion that there is very little moral compass in medieval Germany at this time. It is in the midst of this turmoil that a so-called `democratic' vision arises to take thousands of Cologne's urchins and weld them into a crusading force to reclaim the Holy Land. Once again, Sylvia's special powers are competed for by opposing forces trying to control her. While the Children's Crusade obviously lacks any chance of success, Sylvia's presence in this harebrain scheme is to stand by these street children who are definitely being manipulated in this pathetic cause. In a society fraught with all kinds of disillusionment and corruption, she has only one option, and that is to stand for truth. For Sylvia, like Joan of Arc, it is the conviction of doing the right thing even if its means putting oneself in harm's way. Be prepared for an interesting conclusion.
4.0 out of 5 stars
It's what you'd expect from Mr. Courtenay,
By Christine (Dartmouth, NS) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Sylvia (Mass Market Paperback)
Like all of his books, an excellent read. If you are an avid fan you will pick up on his formulaic writing but enjoy it nonetheless. Why mess with a formula that works exceptionally well? You will notice references to other books (if you've read them all) but I won't spill them here, you have to find them. Mr.Courtenay can write so fluidly that anyone can follow the story and yet still be intrigued. He incorporates a range of vocabulary that adds to the characteristic style of writing that doesn't leave the reader reaching for the dictionary. The context provides your definition. The first half did remind me a lot ot "Memoirs of a Geisha". Enjoy.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta) Amazon.com:
3.6 out of 5 stars (7 customer reviews) 7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
A historical page-turner, if perhaps a little too long.,
By Naomi12345 - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Sylvia (Hardcover)
The book's namesake is a girl living in medieval Germany, who has a remarkable gift of being able to imitate birds. The story cleverly weaves historical elements and nuances of folk stories, linking historical events (notably the Children's Crusade) with characters from folklore (eg the Pied Pier of Hamlin). Courtenay has certainly done his research, and while the plot does ring true, I found it hard to believe that all of these characters and events would revolve around Sylvia's life.My only criticism is that the book seems about 50 pages too long. After the climax of the story, the denouement is quite a let-down and I found myself skipping pages. Still definitely worth a read, though. 3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars
Okay,
By A. Reader - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Sylvia (Hardcover)
I've read about a half dozen of Bryce Courtenay's novels so far, and I find them very hit and miss. I was a bit disappointed with Sylvia.Sylvia is an orphaned peasant in 13th century Germany who finds herself blessed with an extraordinary singing voice, an aptitude for learning and mimicking, and a birthmark shaped like a fish. While I generally enjoyed the plot, I found the narrative to be excessively wordy which made it tedious to read. I also found that (like many Courtney novels) "Sylvia" ended rather abruptly. If you are looking for a read with an interesting character who faces unique circumstances, "Sylvia" will probably satisfy you. But don't expect to be blown away.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sylvia/Bryce Courtenay..,
By Patty - Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Sylvia (Paperback)
Bryce Courtenay is BY FAR the BEST writer around!!!! I only wish he were in Kindle!!!! This book is, like all of his, fascinating, heartwarming & exciting~ Highly recommended.
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