The Story

Okay, let's set the scene: France is under attack by a massive army from the south. The legendary knight Roland is needed to save the day. There's just one huge problem. Roland has gone completely mad because the woman he loves, Angelica, doesn't love him back. So instead of leading armies, he's running wild, tearing up trees and fighting anything that moves.

While he's off having his meltdown, a wild cast of other knights, ladies, and magicians are all chasing their own goals. Some are trying to find Roland to cure him. Others are on quests for magical objects. Angelica is just trying to escape every knight who's obsessed with her. The story jumps between all these characters, creating this massive, messy, and incredibly entertaining puzzle.

Why You Should Read It

I was shocked by how modern this 500-year-old poem feels. It doesn't take its heroes too seriously. The so-called 'greatest knight in the world' is a love-sick disaster. The characters make terrible decisions, get into absurd situations, and the narrator sometimes just stops to make a joke. It's epic, but it's also playful. You can see where every fantasy author from Tolkien to George R. R. Martin got their ideas. It's the foundation of the entire genre, but it's never stuffy or dull.

Final Verdict

This is for the reader who loves big, imaginative stories but is tired of the same old tropes. If you enjoy sprawling fantasy series with a huge cast, intricate plots, and a sense of humor, you'll find its ancestor here. The translation by Francisque Reynard is lively and clear, which is a big help. A fair warning: it's a lot. The plot is famously complicated. But if you're willing to just go with the flow and enjoy the ride, it's a uniquely brilliant and fun experience. Perfect for fantasy fans with a sense of literary adventure.