Robin's Country Hardcover – March 21, 1995

Dummy, a young boy who is unable to talk, runs away from his cruel master. Though he has heard there are wolves and outlaws in Sherwood Forest, it's the only place he can hide. Delirious with fever, he stumbles into a cave, part of Robin Hood's tiny "kingdom," hidden by a dense thicket and protected by Our Lady of the Forest. At first, Robin and, especially, Marian are afraid that Dummy might be a spy for the wicked Prince John, but soon he is accepted by the green-clad outlaws. It's Marian who teaches him to use a bow and arrow, because she's the best archer. Robin becomes Dummy's hero, and the boy hopes, one day, to be just like him. This is an inspiring story of faith, honor, courage and friendship. The descriptions of the greenwood are lovely, and the characters come alive. There are many exciting, often humorous, adventures. And there's a delightful surprise happy ending. Although "Robin's Country" is written primarily for young readers, I think anyone interested in Robin Hood would enjoy it. Some other good books based on the Robin Hood legend are Theresa Tomlinson's "The Forestwife" and "Child of the May" and Robin McKinley's "The Outlaws of Sherwood."

Robin's Country is the latest retelling of the ever-popular Robin Hood myth, and not one of the more successful. This rather slight forage into folklore never strayed far from the traditional legend and there were very few instances of the unusual creativity present in Monica Furlong's superior Juniper and Wise Child. While all the traditional people were present, almost all of them were given very little character. Even Robin and Marian were mere caricatures, given just enough information to give them personality beyond legends. To balance these flaws, Robin's Country contains plenty of action and is never dull. Dummy is a likeable enough protagonist, and his archery lessons, struggles to speak, and relationships with the other characters are fairly interesting. Not bad, on the whole; Robin's Country could lead the reader to Robin McKinley's realistic and complex Outlaws of Sherwood and perhaps even Jennifer Roberson's richly detailed Lady of the Forest.

This is an inspiring and well-written book. I love the way this book gives a new point of view to our old favorite outlaw Robin Hood. This is more to the caring side of the man and helps you to learn more about the most famous gang in literature. A young boy, Dummy, who can't talk, runs away from his cruel master due to the cruel and unusual punishment he has received. He runs to Sherwood Forest where he believes that he will be killed by either wolves and outlaws but it is his only hope to live. He soon becomes sick and he stumbles into a cave, part of Robin Hood's kingdom, which is hidden by a dense thicket. At first, Robin and, especially, Marian think that Dummy may be a spy for Prince John. Eventually he is accepted by the men in green. We also soon find out that his name is Richard. Marian is to be his teacher with the bow and arrow, for many believe she's the best archer. Robin become Dummy's friend and hero he hopes to become just like him. This book shows faith, honor, courage and friendship. All of which are greatly woven in. There is a surprise for all at the end, though it will make you think how it happened.

Mix together one mute servant boy, one fat friar, one fair maiden, one cruel sheriff, one tyrannical prince, and the most notorious outlaw ever, then add a dash of merry men, and sprinkle with daring and adventure, and what do you get? Robin's Country! Dummy, a mute servant boy, accidently stumbles across the secret hideout of Robin Hood, and then the adventure begins! The reader travels with Dummy through one exciting year in Sherwood Forest- the most incredible year of Dummy's life. For Dummy is about to regain his gift of speech, come face-to-face with his past, and discover his true identity. This book is a definite must-read!

My 7 year old son LOVED this book as a read along. He also did well reading some of the passages, as he is a good reader, so it is a nice "you-and-me" book. Story is gentle and engaging for this age.