When we stand against tyranny, we show our own values and courage. In fiction, this means that action is soon to follow. In this post, we are going to explore The Black Arrow by Robert Louis Stevenson.
Summary
The Black Arrow: A Tale of Two Roses is about Richard Shelton. During the Wars of the Roses, Shelton becomes embroiled in a conflict between his guardian and a renegade group The Black Arrows. The novel was first published as a serial in 1883 in a “periodical of boys’ adventure” and was later published as a book. The story goes into detail about Shelton’s “loyalties” between his family and The Black Arrows themselves. Other aspects of the novel feature “war, shipwreck, revenge, murder, and forbidden love…” (Elibron Classic).
Book Blurb
From Amazon: The Black Arrow tells the story of Richard (Dick) Shelton during the Wars of the Roses: how he becomes a knight, rescues his lady Joanna Sedley, and obtains justice for the murder of his father, Sir Harry Shelton. Outlaws in Tunstall Forest organized by Ellis Duckworth, whose weapon and calling card is a black arrow, cause Dick to suspect that his guardian Sir Daniel Brackley and his retainers are responsible for his father’s murder. Dick’s suspicions are enough to turn Sir Daniel against him, so he has no recourse but to escape from Sir Daniel and join the outlaws of the Black Arrow against him. This struggle sweeps him up into the greater conflict surrounding them all.
Reviews
On Goodreads, the novel has 18,608 ratings and 825 reviews. There are 4,823 five-star reviews and 303 one-star reviews.
Five-star reviews highlight the attention to more than just swashbuckling in the story. Likewise, they point out Stevenson’s approach to “morality and its inevitable complexity.” Additionally, reviewers call it a “classic” and a “swashbuckling romance.” The Black Arrow by Robert Louis Stevenson is certainly an action novel. Stevenson leans in that direction, as that is mostly his focus in other novels as well. These reviews highlight these aspects.
One-star reviews address the excessive “breathtaking” violence as there are “dozens of deaths by arrow and sword.” Moreover, reviewers critique the main characters lack of empathy. They also critique that the book has “careless killing, poorly written romance and poor ideals.” These things are probably true, though it stands to reason that Stevenson made a livelihood telling stories of violent action.
Illustration by H.M. Paget
Conclusion
Considering this, I think it’s fair to say that I enjoy the action genre quite a bit. Yet, there is something about the premise of this book that’s a little tricky. So, if you aren’t for intrigue and spending time parsing out alliances, it’s a good read. Another book, The Scarlett Pimpernel is similar in its density. However, the historical context of both novels help save both books from being too “careless.” However, Stevenson’s writing style and attention when writing action is some of the best in fiction even to this day.
Works Cited
Stevenson, Robert Louis. The Black Arrow. Penguin Classics, 2008.
One response to “Fighting the Power in ‘The Black Arrow’ by Robert Louis Stevenson”
Nice, I picked this book up second hand at a shop yesterday. Can’t wait to read it.