A Search for the King

A narrative that toys with myth in a way that reminded me of Baudolino, except to much lesser effect. The historical part of the novel lacks the sophistication of Vidal's later attempts, sticking very close to the person of Blondel, and while letting him come into contact with different segments of society and the European world, never shines in a didactic novel sense as something like Creation did. Nor does he have enough of a stake in the history to write a compelling portrait or point of view as in the Narratives of Empire (Lincoln for example). As one of his early outings perhaps we should expect no more. I'd still pick any one of them over this, or even reach for cheesier fare.

Some years ago, I read and enjoyed Gore Vidal’s Julian, which tells the story of the young pagan who becomes Emperor in a post-Constantine, Christian world. Since then, I’ve been keen to try more of his historical fiction and this book was the first to come into my hands. I had high hopes for it, as I’ve always been fascinated by Richard the Lionheart – probably due to my childhood fondness for Robin Hood stories: Richard’s own record as an indifferent King of England certainly doesn’t do him any favours. Vidal focuses on a particular episode from Richard’s life: the King’s famous capture in Austria on his return from the Crusades, and the faithful (and probably fictional) quest of Richard’s troubadour Blondel, who show more sets out to find his master’s prison, armed only with his viol, his voice and a good deal of faith...

For the rest of the review, please see my blog:
https://theidlewoman.net/2017/12/11/a-search-for-the-king-gore-vidal/ show less

Not historically accurate, but a fine adventure story following Blondel's (Richard the Lionheart's troubadour) search for his captured King after the Crusades. The book is full of courtly love, troubadours, castles, touches of fantasy, male companionship and a battle at the end. It completely ignores the question of Richard's sexuality, surprising considering Vidal is gay. I enjoyed this more than some of Vidal's tomes of historical fiction.

No el amor tempestuoso sino la amistad fiel y valerosa es el tema de esta entrañable evocación de una leyenda del siglo XIII: Blondel busca denodadamente a su amigo, el rey Ricardo, secuestrado por el austríaco Leopoldo.