The Shining Company (Sunburst Book)

I am going back to many of Sutcliff's books now in my mid 60's. This is a new favourite of mine. Deeply moving. Sutcliff speaks to honour and fidelity in nearly all her books but here, she shines a brighter light than ever on these important values. There are moments when I had to book the book down as my tears prevented me from seeing the words.She claimed that she wrote for all children from 8 - 88. So true.So if you wish to escape to a time when people would die for their friends and live for their truth, then this is a book for you.Made all the more remarkable that RS was a woman who was confined to her bed and a chair for much of her life. I am thinking now that this world of boys and men, living in changing and often dark times, relying on horses and big dogs and in a natural out door setting was her real life. How wonderful that she wrote nearly 60 books and was writing on the morning that she died.

The Gododdin is a poem many Dark Age history buffs are familiar with, very little is known about the actual events that inspired its making. While many historians have tried to piece together the details of this legendary battle; Rosemary Sutcliff does this in a way that is wildly entertaining and also makes much more sense than some of the crackpot theories I've read over the years. She also demonstrates a thorough knowledge about the tactics, motivation, and culture of the Dark Age Britons as well as their Saxon foes. I loved this book so much and if you're a fan of this era in history, you will not be disappointed!

I found this book to be a greatly entertaining and informative work. It is based on the "Gododdin" (pronounced Godothen), the oldest written tale to come out of northern Britain. It is written as a narrative, told by a shieldbearer in the service of an aging king. This king wishes to reform the "Celtic Arrow", an elite fighting force consisting of 300 knights and their respective pair of shieldbearers in order to repel the encroaching Saxons. If you like history and/or tales of the sword, this is a must read...Enjoy!

The author has an engaging, interesting style of writing. Her characters are real, and she creates a good whiff of history.Good for adults too.

Sutcliff is called Britain's preeminent historical fiction writer, and anyone that has read her work (Eagle of the Ninth is another favorite) would know why. This is a retelling of a Medieval version of a Viet Nam-like war (pointless, and costly) that did happen. Sutcliff puts you into the Middle Ages and makes sure you don't get lost.

Great addition to our homeschool curriculum! The previously used library book was in excellent condition.

great writer

Excellent

This moving true story maintains that deep human understanding that speaks to young and old along with unrivalled ability to bring, people, history and events alive in a way that is magical. I read this book when young and now late in life and its magic and emotion have only increased.

I am loving stocking up on her books on kindle. I can see why this post Roman/ Dark Ages historical novel is one of her lesser known works, as I'm not sure how it would work as teen fiction. I had no idea I would find myself reading about The Gododdin when I started this book. I just happen to be a nut for this neglected period of history. It had me practically in tears by the end. Wonderful.

Love Rosemary Sutcliffe's books. Have been reading them for years, on and off. The atmosphere is there and it is easy to get lost in her descriptive narrative. Am slowly re-reading her novels and finding ones I haven't read before. A good read for all ages.

Brilliant book by a brilliant writer.

not up to rosemary sutcliffs usual standard