Gerald Morris: The Savage Damsel and the Dwarf

Lynet is the younger sister to Lyonesse, the heiress of the Castle Perle. Unfortunately for them, the evil Knight of the Red Lands is determined to win the fair Lyonesse's hand in marriage, and has laid siege to them. Lynet, determined to right wrongs, sneaks out in hopes of reaching Camelot and convincing one of the famous Knights of the Round Table to defeat the Knight of the Red Lands. Along the way she meets the dwarf Roger, the kitchen knave Beaumains, and many other characters, and finds out that many things are not as they seem.

The Savage Damsel and the Dwarf is the third book in Gerald Morris's Arthurian series, and is the first novel to feature a different protagonist. The story is modeled after Sir Gareth's tale in Le Morte d'Arthur - although as the author himself points out, the original source material is very sparse, arbitrary, and lacking in details. Morris invents his own material in many spots to great success, and the characters are handled very deftly. Lyonesse is portrayed as a selfish, haughty princess, and the not-so-glamorous realities of shining knights and courtly love are amusingly pointed out by Roger's sharp wit. The overwhelming tendency of knights to hide their names and the fact that a simple beard can hide one's true identity features prominently throughout the whole novel, often to a ridiculous extent. It seems as if no one in England is smart enough to pierce a simple disguise - but this irrationality itself points fun at the often absurd Le Morte d'Arthur.

Although the world is not entirely believable, the novels are meant to be whimsical and fantastical. From faery enchantresses to magical potions, the England in this novel is mysterious and filled with adventures. Although quests and magic abound with seeming nonsense, the characters are the focus, and they are completely believable. The powerful characters like King Arthur and Sir Gawain take a side role, as Lynet, Roger, and Beaumains are the real protagonists of the story. They contrast quite well with each other, with Beaumain's courtly mannerisms a perfect foil to Roger's pragmatic wit.

As ever, Morris continues his snappy dialogue, and several moments actually induce physical laughter. One specific scene involving a duel, a fish, and various musings upon the conjugation of the past tense of "cleave" is rendered quite spectacularly and merits special notice. Though lighthearted as ever, the quest form of the novel never feels old and is a joy to read.

The Savage Damsel and the Dwarf is a excellent addition to an addicting series. Although it features a different protagonist, the reader can identify with Lynet just as easily as with Terence. These novels offer a vivid spin on the established work of Malory, creating a new tale of King Arthur that is just as captivating as the original.

Rating: (7/10)