Sherwood by Meagan Spooner

Abstract

Reviewed by: Sherwood by Meagan Spooner Natalie Berglind Spooner, Meagan Sherwood. HarperTeen, 2019 [496p] Trade ed. ISBN 978-0-06-242231-6 $17.99 E-book ed. ISBN 978-0-06-242233-0 $10.99 Reviewed from galleys R Gr. 8-12 When Robin of Locksley dies in the Crusades, his betrothed and childhood sweetheart Marian dons his cloak and exacts justice in his name, creating the legend of Robin Hood entirely herself. Hiding her face (and gender) beneath Robin’s cloak and a mask, Marian leads Little John, Alan-a-Dale, Will Scarlet, and Much through clever schemes to rob the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham and redistribute his wealth to the poor; every step of the way, Sir Guy of Gisborne impedes her as Robin even as he proposes to her as Marian. The nuanced characters and female lead breathe life into this Robin Hood retelling as Spooner masterfully weaves a tale about grief, idealism, and identity. Marian mourns Robin and concludes that her actions don’t fit his principles; the idealism of robbing from the rich to give to the poor is exposed as a short-term solution; Marian’s identities as Marian and Robin lead to confusion over which, if any, are the real one. The suspense of whether her ruse will be discovered by friend and foe alike lingers on every page until the satisfying, happy conclusion: though Marian does not make the poor wealthy or well-fed in the long run, she gives them hope. Marian’s Robin Hood proposes to the people of Nottinghamshire and readers of the novel “the idea that one man could make a difference”—and that one woman can, too. [End Page 272] Copyright © 2019 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois