FORBIDDEN FOREST

In this companion to In a Dark Wood (1998), Cadnum intertwines two tales, neither (despite the subtitle) belonging to Robin Hood. One introduces John Little, a youth strong of body but slow of thought, assistant to a thieving ferryman. When a fracas results in a knight’s death, John is protected by Red Roger, an amoral nobleman who trains him in outlawry. Repelled by Roger’s cruelty, John flees and joins the more lighthearted Robin, and soon becomes Little John, his trusted lieutenant. The second story tells of Margaret Lea, a Nottingham tradesman’s daughter, betrothed above her station. When her husband is murdered on her wedding night, Henry, the Sheriff’s avaricious deputy, attempts blackmail; but Margaret escapes to Sherwood and is rescued by Little John. Their mutual attraction inspires John to a daring scheme to free her from Henry’s threats and himself from Red Roger’s retribution. Although setting and character overwhelm the plot, Cadnum succeeds admirably in capturing the squalor and casual brutality of the times. John, the introspective giant with the instinctive connection to the spirits of woodland and field, and the more spirited Margaret, barely comprehending her own chafing at the restrictions of town life, are portrayed with subtle nuance. While modern teens may not relate to their submissive attitudes towards fate and society, they will appreciate their aspirations for self-determination. Readers looking for a swashbuckling adventure may be disappointed; those willing to put the effort into a more restrained exploration of mood and character will be rewarded. (Fiction. YA)