The Food of a Younger Land: A Portrait of American Food--Before the National Highway System, Before Chain Restaurants, and Before Frozen Food, When the Nation's Food Was Seasonal, Regional, and Traditional--from the Lost WPA Files

by Mark Kurlansky
The Food of a Younger Land: A Portrait of American Food--Before the National Highway System, Before Chain Restaurants, and Before Frozen Food, When the Nation's Food Was Seasonal, Regional, and Traditional--from the Lost WPA Files cover
Good Books rating 2.38
Technical
  • ID: 5300
  • Added: 2025-10-23
  • Updated: 2025-10-23
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-23
disappointing 2.00

The reviewer found the final book of Kiersten White's Camelot Rising trilogy disappointing, with a convoluted plot and unsatisfying conclusions. Despite enjoying the first two books, they felt the narrative lacked focus and coherence, leading to a less enjoyable reading experience.

The reviewer had high hopes for the conclusion of Kiersten White's Camelot Rising trilogy, having enjoyed the first two books. However, they found the final book, The Excalibur Curse, to be frustrating and disjointed. The narrative seemed to shift directions constantly, with too many plot points crammed into the ending. Questions about Guinevere's identity, her relationships, and the resolution of magical conflicts were left feeling rushed and unsatisfactory. The reviewer appreciated the series' initial charm and liveliness but felt that the conclusion lacked the care and depth needed to wrap up the story adequately. They noted glimpses of a stronger novel that could have been, but ultimately found the ending to be a letdown.

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    The narrative changed direction constantly, as if White had too many plot points to cram into the ending. It felt like a slog to wrap this one up, which was kind of a bummer. Instead, we’ve got this, and a not quite satisfactory wrap to an otherwise entertaining and lively series, though you can absolutely see the glimpses of the stronger novel that could’ve been there.

cmc.marmot.org · Unknown · 2025-10-23
disappointing 3.00

The reviewer found the book to be the weakest in the series, with unconvincing relationships and characters feeling like plot pieces rather than well-developed individuals. Despite some praise for the author's handling of Arthurian mythology, the conclusion was disappointing.

The reviewer expresses disappointment with the final book in the Camelot Rising trilogy, stating that it is the weakest in the series. They praise the author's previous work and the unique take on Arthurian mythology but feel that this conclusion falls short. The main issue is with the relationships and characters, which feel contrived and unconvincing. The characters, who were previously well-developed, now feel like plot devices rather than real individuals. The reviewer still has positive feelings for the series as a whole but wishes the conclusion had been more enjoyable. The writing is still good, but the plot and character development are lacking, leading to a disappointing ending.

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    definitely the weakest book in the series. such a shame the trilogy ends with such a _‘meh’_ conclusion.

    while i will praise KW for creating her own version of camelot that is exciting and has really intriguing characters in it, i sadly wasnt experiencing any of that charm in this particular installment.

    i still have positive feelings for the series and still like how KW handles arthurian mythology as a whole, i just wish this conclusion had been more enjoyable.

tracpac.ab.ca · Unknown · 2025-10-23
disappointing 1.50

The Excalibur Curse, the final book in the Camelot Rising trilogy, disappointed the reviewer with its abrupt and unsatisfying romantic developments. Guinevere's sudden realization of her feelings for Lancelot, after a series of confusing romantic entanglements, felt forced and unearned. The reviewer also criticized Guinevere's impulsive decision-making and lack of consideration for the consequences of her actions.

The Excalibur Curse, the conclusion to the Camelot Rising trilogy, left the reviewer feeling let down. The romantic plotlines, which had been a central focus of the series, took an unexpected and unsatisfying turn. Guinevere, the protagonist, finally admits her feelings for Mordred but then abruptly decides she is in love with Lancelot instead. This sudden shift felt unearned and disappointing, especially given the lack of development for Lancelot's character throughout the series. The reviewer also found Guinevere's impulsive and emotionally driven decision-making frustrating, as it often led to catastrophic consequences without any meaningful reflection or growth.

Quick quotes

    Mordred had been told all his life who he was — the eel, Arthur’s nephew, the fairyson, the Dark Queen’s savior. And still he carved his own path, chose where to walk and followed no one. She had shied away from his pain because it was a mirror to her own. But he lived in it, did not run from it. He made mistakes and then kept going. And he always, always saw her.

    I will save you in spite of yourself,’ he whispered into her ear. ‘I will save you even if I am saving you for someone else.

    But she had not been able to tell Mordred she loved him. And she had not been able to imagine a future with him, because it meant a future without Lancelot. It broke her heart that Lancelot thought no one ever valued her enough to try to protect her other than the accursed, faithless Lady of the Lake. Guinevere, would not, could not leave her behind.

eatwisconsin.wordpress.com · Unknown · 2009-06-11
frustrating 3.00

The Excalibur Curse, the third book in the Camelot Rising series, follows Guinevere as she uncovers the truth about her past and faces a difficult choice. The pacing was slow, and the romance was frustrating, but the character development and plot twists made it an enjoyable read overall.

The Excalibur Curse picks up with Guinevere captured by her enemies and Arthur lured away, leaving her to uncover the truth about her past. The pacing was a bit slow, and the romance was frustrating, but the character development and plot twists made it an enjoyable read overall. Guinevere's journey with the Picts provided a different perspective on Camelot, and her friends played significant roles in supporting her. The action-packed climax and conclusion were satisfying, despite some deviations from the original story. The series as a whole was enjoyable, and the finale, while not perfect, was a fitting end.

Quick quotes

    Kiersten White’s marvellous writing was what kept me turning the pages however, knowing that the story would take a turn sooner or later.

    Guinevere’s time with the Picts was an interesting addition as it showed her a different viewpoint of Camelot, that of the conquered rather than the conqueror, and how drastically it varied from Arthur’s ideals and vision.

    The romance continues to be the single most annoying thing in this book.

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