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Stonehenge |
| Bernard
Cornwell's new novel, following the outstanding success of his Arthurian trilogy, is the
story of three brothers and of their rivalry that creates the great temple we know
as Stonehenge. One summer's day, a stranger carrying great wealth in gold comes to the settlement of Ratharryn. He is killed in the old temple. The people assume that the gold is a gift from the gods. But the mysterious treasure causes great dissension within the tribe and beyond. The three sons of Ratharryn's chief each perceive the great gift in a different way. The eldest, Lengar,the warrior, harnesses his murderous ambition to be a ruler and take great power for his tribe. Camaban, the second son and an outcast, becomes a great visionary and feared wise man, and it is his vision that will force the youngest brother, Saban, to create the great temple on the green hill where the gods will appear on earth. It is Saban who is the builder, the leader and the man of peace. It is his love for a sorceress whose powers rival those of Camaban and for Aurenna, the sun bride whose destiny is to die for the gods, that finally brings the rivalries of the brothers to a head. But it is also his skills that will build the vast temple, a place for the gods certainly but also a place that will confirm for ever the supreme power of the tribe that built it. And in the end, when the temple is complete, Saban must choose between the gods and his family. Stonehenge is Britain's greatest historic monument, a building, created 4 millenia ago, which still provokes awe and mystery. Stonehenge is first and foremost a great historical novel. Bernard Cornwell is well known for the realism and imagination with which he brings an earlier world to life. Here he uses all his skills to create an extraordinary cast of characters and the world of primitive Britain, and to solve the mysteries of who built Stonehenge, how and why. Reviews
"In a world miles away from the hell and fury of the Sharpe novels, Cornwell has once again excelled himself. The power of his attention to details is totally compelling, especially when we realise that so little is known about the poeple who built Stonehenge. The scope of the book is truly epic with the development of the very well-drawn characters superbly effected. As a reader you are constantly on the edge of your seat, as just when you thought things were returning to normal, all hell breaks loose again. I disagree strongly with the other readers who stress the comparisons with the Warlord Chronicles, as the whole outlook is totally different. Well done, Bernard Cornwell !!! "
"I have to start by saying that I did enjoy this book. If I had not read the Warlord Chronicles first I think I would have enjoyed it rather more. As usual Cornwell has researched the subject well and I can't fault him in this area. However I do have a tendency to agree with those who say he rushed this book. I base my opinion on the fact that he seems to have borrowed a few of the characters from the Warlord Chronicles. For example, Saban has some of the characteristics of Derfel, Camaban is a little like Merlin and Derrewyn is just a reworking of Nimue. I would say to those that are new to Bernard Cornwell and are contemplating buying this book, please read Stonehenge before the Warlord Chronicles. They are both good pieces of work but you may enjoy them more if you read them in that order. " |
Buy
the book online in... |
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Hardcover - 433 pages ( 4 October, 1999) HarperCollins
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Paperback
- 512 pages (November 1999) HarperCollins
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Audio
Cassette (13 September, 1999) HarperCollins Audio Books |
Buy the book online in...
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Hardcover (April 2000) |
(USA)