Forbidden Forest: The Story Of Little John And Robin Hood - Hardcover

Cadnum, Michael

3.16

76 ratings by Goodreads

9780439317740: Forbidden Forest: The Story Of Little John And Robin Hood

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0439317746 ISBN 13: 9780439317740

Publisher: Orchard, 2002

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This companion book to the author's highly acclaimed "In a Dark Wood" tells the story of one of the most beloved literary legends of all time: Little John.

Michael Cadnum takes us on a journey through medieval England and deep into the heart of Sherwood Forest. From his humble beginnings as John Tannerson , son of the Tanner, we watch John Little's story unfold as he grows into one of our most beloved heroes of lore--Litte John. The adventure begins on a ferry north of Nottingham. A thwarted attempt to save a man's life forces John into the life of an outlaw. To escape capture, he hides in Sherwood Forest, where he joins Robin Hood and his band of merry men--and the excitement begins.

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Review:

Robin Hood's sidekick Little John has always been one of the most intriguing characters in the legend--a big, goodhearted fellow whose nickname was Robin's joke after John earned a place in the outlaw band with that famous quarterstaff duel on the bridge. In this book Michael Cadnum returns to Sherwood Forest, the setting of his award-winning In a Dark Wood, to imagine how Little John comes to be on the run from the cruel Red Roger, and how he gains the respect of Robin's men with his doughty courage and his way with a story round the campfire. Cadnum realistically and authentically tells the tale of Margaret Lea, a wealthy merchant's daughter who is betrothed to the despicable Sir Gilbert. She struggles to do her duty by marrying him, and on her wedding night finds her new husband stabbed to death on the doorstep. When the sheriff's man, Hugh, accuses her of the murder, she flees to the forest, where Little John and the outlaw band take up her cause in a rousing and suitably violent adventure with just a tinge of romance. (Ages 12 and older) --Patty Campbell

From School Library Journal:

Grade 7 Up-Cadnum returns to the setting of In a Dark Wood (Orchard, 1998), which depicted Robin Hood from the perspective of the Sheriff of Nottingham. This book focuses on the outlaw's right-hand man. John Little, a huge young ferryman, comes to the dangerous and dreamlike realms of Sherwood Forest unwillingly, fleeing the Sheriff's men after an accidental killing. While on the run he makes an enemy of the nefarious Red Roger and encounters fey and mysterious Robin, who renames his new acquaintance and initiates their famous "game" of bridge combat. John moves from the status of guest to valued member of Robin's merry men, soon figuring prominently in local songs and stories. When he meets Margaret, a stunning young widow seeking protection from false accusations of murdering her husband, they both reach unexpected turning points. John's adventures unfold in poetic language that evokes the beauty and the violence of a time when faith and superstition, acts of kindness and extreme cruelty, existed side by side. Primary focus is always on Little John; the Sheriff plays a background role, and Robin Hood, while an important presence, is most significant for his influence on John, who is both exasperated and fascinated by his sprightly leader as they plan and carry out their exploits. A convincing interpretation of a well-known legend.
Starr E. Smith, Fairfax County Public Library, VA
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

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