Otto of the Silver Hand

This historical fiction novel, set in the Middle Ages, tells the story of the fictional character Otto, son of robber Baron Conrad. While the story reveals the cruelty and vengefulness that pervaded Medieval society, young Otto, who grows up surrounded by holiness and gentleness in a monastery, displays love, courage, and strength of character when he is thrust into the bitter feudal world. Written over 125 years ago by Howard Pyle (author of King Arthur and The Adventures of Robin Hood), this book is an example of writing at its finest. The rich, vibrant, and skillfully crafted language paints a picture so real that you can hear the clash of iron; you can see the sunlight’s rays of misty, yellow light and the treetops that roll in endless billows of green; you can smell the pungent scent of burned vinegar; you can feel the cold stone walls and the folds of a coarse gray cloak. The mind-expanding elements of classical literature abound in this book: varied and complex sentence structures, elevated vocabulary, powerful and extensive description, figurative language, sensory description, and profound insights into places, cultures, history, and human nature. This is challenging reading.

This book is retired from The Good and the Beautiful Library.

(Reviewed by Jenny Phillips)