Title: Thomas the Rhymer
Author: Ellen Kushner
First published December 31, 1990
258 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780553586978 (ISBN10: 0553586971)
Rating: 3.87
Overview
Ellen Kushner’s award-winning Thomas the Rhymer is an enchanting retelling of an age-old legend that seamlessly weaves magic and mythology into a contemporary novel about the complexities of the human heart. Overflowing with charming ballads, enigmatic riddles, and mesmerizing transformations, it is the timeless story of a captivating bard whose talents earn him a rare and dangerous gift.
A troubadour lives by his words, melodies, and sometimes his deceit, but when Thomas the Rhymer attracts the attention of the formidable Queen of Elfland, he realizes that his gift of gab may not be enough to save him from his destiny. Transported away from the people he holds dear into a realm of magic, splendor, and captivity, Thomas discovers the essence of being human.
When he brings back the Queen’s parting gift to his home, he must face the daunting task of seeking out the girl he once loved and let down, and offer her the ability to speak only the truth.
About the Author
Ellen Kushner is a multitalented writer, radio host, teacher, performer, and public speaker. She grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and attended both Barnard College and Bryn Mawr College.
Her career in publishing began as a fiction editor in New York City, but she left to write her first novel, Swordspoint. This novel has become a cult classic and is known as the progenitor of the “mannerpunk” school of urban fantasy.
She followed up with Thomas the Rhymer, which won the World Fantasy Award and the Mythopoeic Award, and two more novels in her “Riverside” series. Her short fiction has appeared in numerous anthologies and has been translated into several languages, including Japanese, French, Dutch, German, Spanish, Latvian, and Finnish.
She moved to Boston and became a radio host for WGBH-FM, where she created Sound & Spirit, a national public radio series that aired until 2010. Ellen has also performed solo spoken word works, including Esther: the Feast of Masks and The Golden Dreydl: a Klezmer ‘Nutcracker’ for Chanukah, and even played the role of the magical Tante Miriam in the full-scale theatrical version of The Klezmer Nutcracker.
In 2012, she entered the world of audiobooks, narrating and co-producing “illuminated” versions of all three of the “Riverside” novels, and won a 2013 Audie Award for Swordspoint.
Ellen Kushner is also a co-founder and past president of the Interstitial Arts Foundation, an organization that supports work that falls between genre categories. She lives in New York City with author and educator Delia Sherman and enjoys traveling as a guest of honor at conventions around the world.
She also teaches writing at the prestigious Clarion Workshop and the Hollins University Graduate Program in Children’s Literature.
Editoral Review
Thomas the Rhymer by Ellen Kushner is a masterful work of fantasy fiction that will transport readers to a world of magic, adventure, and romance. First published on December 31, 1990, Kushner’s book is a unique blend of historical realism, folklore, and mythology, that showcases her prodigious talents as a storyteller.
Set in medieval Scotland, the novel tells the story of Thomas of Erceldoune, a young man who is blessed with the gift of prophecy and the ability to enter the realm of the faeries. Thomas’s life is forever changed when he meets the queen of Elfland, who takes him on a journey that will test his courage, his wit, and his heart.
Along the way, Thomas encounters a cast of memorable characters, including a troubadour, a warrior, a sorceress, and a wise old woman, all of whom help him to navigate the treacherous terrain of Faerie. Kushner’s writing is richly descriptive, evoking a sense of time and place that feels both authentic and otherworldly.
Her characters are fully realized and dynamic, with unique voices and motivations that drive the plot forward. The book’s themes of love, loyalty, and sacrifice are deeply resonant, and its exploration of the human condition is both poignant and compelling.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its depiction of Scottish history and folklore. Kushner weaves together elements of history and mythology seamlessly, creating a world that feels both tangible and fantastical.
Her attention to detail in the setting and culture of medieval Scotland is impressive, and her use of traditional ballads and tales adds depth and texture to the narrative. While Thomas the Rhymer is a remarkable achievement, it is not without its flaws.
The pacing of the novel can be slow at times, and some readers may find the use of old Scottish dialects and language hard to follow. Additionally, the novel’s exploration of gender roles and women’s agency, while progressive for its time, may feel dated to some modern readers.
Despite these minor criticisms, Thomas the Rhymer is a must-read for fans of fantasy fiction. It is a timeless classic that offers a unique perspective on the genre, and a compelling vision of a world steeped in myth and magic.
Ellen Kushner’s skillful prose, vivid imagination, and compassion for her characters make this book a true gem that deserves a place on any reader’s bookshelf. Recommended for fans of Neil Gaiman’s Stardust or Susanna Clarke’s Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, Thomas the Rhymer is a beautifully written and enchanting novel that will capture your heart and leave you spellbound.
4.5/5.
