The Savage Damsel and the Dwarf

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!

A hilarious book, told in a contemporary voice (one exceptionally funny example concerns a fish "cloved" in twain) that still manages to work with the Arthurian action. Trapped in her home by a ferocious knight who seeks to marry her sister Lyonesse (by force, if necessary), Lady Lynet travels to Camelot to request the aid of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Along the way there and back, she meets some memorable characters: Roger, a sardonic dwarf, Beaumains, a directionally-challenged kitchen boy who is also her appointed champion, and an array of peculiar knights who make up a veritable rainbow in their armor.

Morris based this book on a story from Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte D'Arthur, one with some particularly show more glaring holes that he was only too happy to fill. Therefore, readers will recognize some of the characters such as Morgaine and Gawain; but I didn't feel the story lacked anything by their only-sporadic presence. I found the adventures of Lynet and Roger completely engrossing and entertaining. show less

Clever, occasionally trite, but really interesting. I knew the story, so I ignored all the clues, which turned out to be a mistake, as the story was slightly enhanced. The author makes some interesting remarks about his sources in the afterword.

It should be interesting to read more about Lancelot's development from the deeply annoying person, but brilliant jouster of the previous books.

This has my very favorite kind of romance -- where the girl falls in love with the obvious hero, and then realizes the hero's a dipshit and falls in love with the sarcastic sidekick instead. You can't go wrong with a sarcastic sidekick.

Another fast paced story with endearing characters. A good modern take on the Arthurian legends. The only draw back is the modern language that isn't historically accurate.
Although the books are sold as juvenile, this story left me even more with the impression that they would appeal more to adults.

What to be satisfyingly full of humor, action, love, and wit? I was.

The Savage Damsel and the Dwarf by Gerald Morris
5 out of 5 stars

The Savage Damsel and the Dwarf Book Three in The Squire’s Tales Series by Gerald Morris was a magical tale.

Lady Lynet has set off to find a champion to free her family’s castle from the dreadful Knight of the Red Lands. Lynet is disappointed, hurt, and angered when instead of a knight she is given a lowly kitchen hand named Beaumains. During her escapade she meets and befriends a dwarf, learns of her magical heritage, and encounters a very colorful group of knights.

The entwining of romances, vows, pasts, and secrets were done with a rough-edged elegance that meshed well with this witty novel.

The quick show more mouthed lady, the acceptive and grumpy dwarf, and the daft kitchen hand join prior characters smoothly. Already on page twenty, you feel like you have known them forever, or at least you wish you had.

The book is deeper than meets the eye. Each character, each scene, and each chapter is full of morals. Each character has a moment when he/she experiences shame, respect, guilt, and love. Each quirky character grows emotionally mature and gains knowledge on this life changing journey.

Drenched in humor and action, The Savage Damsel and the Dwarf is a satisfying fill that leaves you smiling at it’s aftertaste.

Date Reviewed: October 22nd, 2008 show less

This is an Arthurian tale about Lady Lynet who is trying to save her sister and lands from the Red Knight and Sir Gareth and a dwarf who goes with her to do so. For someone familiar with Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte d' Artur, the characters should seem familiar, except that Gerald Morris fleshes the sometimes characters out into a more believable persona. He adds humor, making the gallant Sir Gareth a pompous jerk, making the Savage Damsel into a intelligent, if harsh woman, while portraying her sister as empty headed as any traditional arthurian tale could want. Because this is a chapter book, the plot is very episodic and action filled, each chapter having at least one if not more fights. But they are all interlaced with humor. The show more setting is in the traditional idea of King Arthur's Britain, including all the magic and Avalon. The theme is over all good vs. evil, but it can also be seen as a struggle to prove that intelligence is more important than gallantry. The voice of the book is very humorous, which is very different them most Arthurian tales. Morris tries to add humor into every aspect especially by poking fun of the chivalry that medieval writers so highly praised, but knights didn't follow. I would recommend this to a middle school library and to any person who likes medieval or arthurian tales. show less