Parzival: The Quest of the Grail Knight

by Katherine Paterson

Book Overview

Award-winning author Katherine Paterson retells a tale of high fantasy and chivalryKatherine Paterson's wide reading led her to the Parzival story, in which a simple but handsome boy becomes a knight in King Arthur's court, discovers he is of noble birth, and undertakes to seek the Holy Grail, emblem of enlightenment and redemption. The author's craftsmanship is apparent on every page as she retells a thirteenth-century epic poem by Wolfram yon Eschenbach. Parzival sets out on a long, five-year journey, going from wilderness to mountain, until finally he asks the proper question and is crowned the Grail King. Told with compassion, wit, and humor, and with great economy, this is a story that will open new worlds for readers of all ages. Both an adventure story and a spiritual quest, it makes a wonderful Easter gift. It is a story to be read on many different levels and will gain for its author many new fans.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0525675795
• ISBN13: 9780525675792
• Release Date: March 1998
• Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 0.46 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 4.4" x 7.2"
• Age Range: 10 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 5 and higher

Customer Reviews

Perzival,And The Quest For The Grail Knight

I really liked this book it had tons of neat stuff in it. If you like King Arthur, then you will love this book it has lots of excitement in it.And it starts out as a boy who doesn't know what knights and dragons or any of that good stuff is. And he finds out he is king and goes to get his kingdom back and he ends up going on a quest for the Holy Grail. I really liked this book .it is fun to read and has lots of potential so I recommend it to all ages it was fun for me to read and was really bone chilling and the edge of your seat kind of book.I loved this book because it was about knights and dragons and other strange and unusual things cause that's is what I'm into. This book is a good book for all ages and I recommend it for everyone.So sit back and relax and read a good book Perzival, and the quest for the grail knight.

Parzival

The book Parzival is about a young man who has a desire to become a knight. He goes to King Arthur's court and then becomes a knight and a king. He goes on a quest for the Holy Grail after he lets down a sick king. He encounters many adventures and learns a lot about god and who god is. He finally goes back to the king that he let down many years before and he finds the Holy Grail and heals the king. I think the book Parzival is a very good book. It was exiting and suspenseful. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to learn about King Arthur. I really enjoyed this book and I hope you will to.

A fresh, enjoyable retelling

"Parzival" is an excellent story, the story of a young man who learns about God, hope, faith and the will to continue. Parzival's mother has kept her sheltered son from knowing about knights, but when Parzival runs into three on a road, he can't be content until he is one. He sets off for Camelot, determined to follow his dead father's footsteps. But he soon discovers that knighthood is not all chivalry and flashing armor. Despite humiliation, dishonor, despair, and a curse, Parzival's innocence and goodness carry him through to the end.Paterson chose to write this story in formal prose, but that doesn't keep the hero's appeal from shining through. Parzival perhaps understands such commands as "Thou Shalt Not Kill" best--when defeating a foe, he gives them a chance to redeem themselves, and beats himself up mentally when he does something careless. Readers ache for him when he is laughed at and then cursed, or refuses to get rid of the shabby clothes his mother made him. Readers will also cheer when he makes up for his past, innocent wrongs.In a bookworld that lacks good, old-fashioned heroes, Parzival is a fearless guy that every boy will want to be like, and a role model that parents will adore. This legend is great, and the retelling is even better.

Josh's Customer Review

I strongly suggest you read this book Parzival because it has good medievil history and a religious background. It makes you think about God and Hope. I like the message about compassion.

A winner, especially for the boys!

All things Camelot are hot, and in the tradition of the great Narnia books this mix of history, fantasy and adventure will surely hook hungry young imaginations seeking a break from "Goosebumps" and Leonardo DiCaprio bios. Beautiful design and illustrations as well....