Gerald Morris

This is my favorite Arthurian fiction of all time, and I readily admit that it's entirely because Gerald Morris shares my stance on the original tales: the Celtic stories are fabulous, and the French stories are...kind of irritating. I love that his Arthur has a sense of humor; I love that his Faerie is slightly threatening; most of all I love that Gawain is the main character.

Still love it!

First review: A delightful mockery of the ideals of knightly courtesy as well as feminine and masculine roles-- all in Gerald Morris's fantastically wry tone. My introduction to Roger the dwarf gave rise to one of my last imaginary pals, and Lynet is the Bella that should have been. And as for Beaumains- One can only wish that Edward would take a page out of his book!

I initially wanted to rate this one a 4/5, but...

It was the first thing I thought about this morning when I woke up. It's rare that a book sticks with me so strongly for more than a few hours, so that's high praise in and of itself.

In addition to that, this book made me cry twice. Twice! That is even rarer than the mental "catch".

For all that, and for a wonderful ending to a series that struck just the right note between mournful and lighthearted, and for a skilled remembrance of all the show more characters Morris has introduced in the last nine books...this was an ending fitting of the series.

As another reviewer said, though, I don't think I could read it again...at least not anytime soon. show less

Bottom line: Super funny, engaging, and it all comes together in the end. Love love love it for third and fourth graders.

Plot: Sir Gawain the Undefeated is a great knight and a nice guy, but he's a little rude. What could make Sir Gawain appreciate the importance of good manners? Maybe the threat of losing his head? Hardly a simple morality tale, this awesome little book explores the importance of promises, of taking vows, and what it means to be a good friend.