Saturday, May 4, 2013

A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court

Previous to April, I had never read any of the books of Samuel Clemens—more generally known as the satirical Mark Twain. A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court was my first exposure to him—happily, it did not disappoint.

Hank Morgan is a nineteenth century Yankee, one of those scientifically brainy people who are capable of crafting anything. Yet a single blow to his head sent him back to the sixth century—the era of King Arthur, the era of simplicity.

At first I was dissatisfied with Twain’s fast method of introducing the story, and, to a point, still am—but applaud him for getting to the point quickly, which I have trouble doing. The book was a little “hard to get into,” as classics can be, yet somehow simultaneously a very easy read. As it progressed, Hank Morgan’s attempts to “civilize” and “republicanize” King Arthur’s England were interesting . . . and evident both of Twain’s intelligence and his ardent disagreements with some of the issues in America at that time. (Indeed, Mark Twain’s political, social and economic ideas are more fully expressed in A Connecticut Yankee than anywhere else in his fiction,” said the introduction of my library’s 1960 copy.) Hank Morgan himself bothered me in his self-satisfaction but (mostly) won me with his pity for the poor and his work to equalize the citizens of the nation. The ending of A Connecticut Yankee was almost enough to make me cry—very bittersweet.

A Connecticut Yankee surprised me into admiration. Sincerely recommended—this one may appear as one of my Top Ten novels sometime soon.

Requested by Emily

Compare this review with my original thoughts on the cover.

12 comments:

  1. Yep, I really liked it too! Glad you enjoyed! I have read a bunch more Mark Twain, at least five more of his books I believe, yet the introduction from your copy applies, still after having read so many of his other works:) You should read more Mark Twain, though:)

    Layla.

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    1. Yeah, I should :) I really liked this one--found it very profound, the same I see in my other favorite books like The Lord of the Rings. Did I ever tell you that I love your name, btw?

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    2. Never told me;)But glad you do:) I liked how in this one Merlin was a bitter old man:)

      Layla.

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    3. Yeah, me too ... but I'm afraid I'll be prejudiced toward him when I read the Merlin series by T.A. Barron and the other Merlin series by T.H. White. :(

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    4. DO NOT BE PREJUDICED TOWARDS HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Enough words, eh?

      Layla.

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  2. Cool! :)

    I watched the movie that [I believe] was based on this book, called A Kid in King Arthur's Court. :) Have you seen it? :)

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    1. I haven't seen that movie, no! I want to find a good rendition of this book, though--it would be so interesting. The only one on IMDb is from 1949 ... somebody recent needs to make it ;)

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    2. I saw the movie. HORRIBLE!!!!!!!! Not at all like the book and one of the most cheesy thing's EVER! I advise watching it if you want to laugh, not because the movie is funny but because it is so ridiculous you can laugh at how cheesy it is! Ugh!

      Layla.

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    3. It sounded awful . . . why can't they make a remake--now? That would be such a great movie with all the technology they have nowadays. Of course, I'm sure they would stray from the book . . . everyone does. But maybe it would be better, anyway.

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  3. I haven't heard of this one, but Mark Twain does have a pleasant style! Another one to go on my future reading list. Right now all I have is the Drivers Book from the DMV and ACT prep...which is so thick. :0

    Rebecca

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    1. Ugh ... I need to start reading my ACT prep :P

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