The back of my copy of The
Black Arrow unironically states that Robert Louis Stevenson wrote the book
“primarily for boys”, which shocks me; not because the publishers were
purposefully sidelining a portion of its readership, for it kindly lets the
reader know that Stevenson “did manage to include a lovely heroine” (thanks),
but because the language is quite (a lot) advanced. Not only is it advanced but
it very clearly evokes a past historical period. This is clearly a great thing
but it makes me wonder about my own literacy at the ambiguous age-range of
“boy” or “young reader”, and I wonder, for this reason, how well this book
holds up as a “book for children”.
For a start let me get this out the way: I have yet to read
any other books by Stevenson. He’s one
of those writers I never knew I wanted to read. Unlike other authors whose mere
name entices you to imagine reading their books (Ursula le Guin, Fyodor
Dostoyevsky, Mervyn Peake , Joe Smith), Stevenson, who has of course been known to
me (there is an active Robert Louis Stevenson society here in Bristol), I’ve never been that interested in – who knows why. In any case, this book caught
my eye, primarily because of its title and this edition’s cover (such as it
is); I then noticed Stevenson’s name and I thought yeah why not.
The book itself has an enjoyable story based around familiar
tropes such as the disguised heroine, the evil lord, and the outlaw forest
band. I feel reluctant to say the book develops its characters particularly
well; though to begin with the relationship between the hero Dick Shelton and the
disguised heroine Joanna is good – partly because the book slyly lets the
reader in on the secret – but unfortunately once Joanna has been revealed she
slips into the margins of the story, playing the usual role of Princess Peach.
Equally, the book’s numerous side characters play their part
but never much more. The roguish Will Lawless shows promise as a counterweight
to Shelton’s wholesome pursuit but ultimately gets sidelined , like Joanna, once
he’s served his purpose. Perhaps one of the most intriguing characters which
shows up is Arblaster, who is quite literally marginalised by Shelton’s quest,
only to re-emerge later and seek retribution.
The plot moves along at a brisk pace as Dick rushes from
endeavour to endeavour to save his true love (most fail in surprisingly
embarrassing ways). Along the way he meets characters whom we never truly
have the time to get to know (nor have much fun with). Shelton haphazardly
falls into the historical drama surrounding the War of the Roses – choosing
sides more as a means to his own ends than any true allegiance to their cause.
Equally, Stevenson himself is weary of the historical ‘victors’ in this
context, evident in the story’s somewhat bleak, nervous final battle scenes;
and personally my favourite character in the novel, the young Richard III – a
hard, ruthless character who represents the horror of the single minded Will to Power which
Dick wisely avoids (in favour of single minded romance no less).
As I mentioned above (and until now have forgotten to address),
the book’s language is surprisingly evocative of the historical period. As such (without meaning to sound too pedestrian and all that), it may prove difficult for truly young readers; however it would serve as a great example to young adults of how language and dialogue have changed over the centuries. I would
certainly never discourage a young reader from attempting the book and it
certainly added a few new words to my own (IN NO WAY LIMITED) vocabulary.
Overall, The Black Arrow
has a good story and there’s enough thoughtfulness to the setting,
characters and plot (especially its surprising climax) to encourage me to have a go at reading other books by Stevenson. Lastly, (in order to cover my back) with more knowledge of the
historical period this will no doubt offer more to the reader than it has done to me - I thereby offer my indisputable seal of approval! I'm sure Stevenson would be over the moon - what acclaim!
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