I didn't mind the theme or even the writing style - but I didn't like a single character. And, to me, if I don't like anyone in the story - I typically just don't like or don't care about their story. Very true here. I just couldn't care if Tristan and Iseult got to stay together or, if they would be hung/burned/banished to the lepers, etc. It lacked the great dialogue, character development and even lovely foreshadowing that Shakespeare has. I'd rather read 700 pages of more dialogue and interaction than suffer through this fable again....