Song of the Sparrow
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5.0 • 13 Ratings
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- $5.99
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- $5.99
Publisher Description
This gripping addition to the Camelot canon -- written in beautiful verse -- has received glowing praise, and is an empowering story of rebellion and courage.Since the days of King Arthur, there have been poems and paintings created in her name. She is Elaine of Ascolat, the Lady of Shalott, and now there is a book all her own. The year is 490 A.D. and 16-year-old Elaine has a temperament to match her fiery red hair. Living on a military base with her father, brothers, and the rest of Arthur's army, Elaine pines for the handsome Lancelot, and longs for a female companion. But when the cruel, beautiful Gwynivere arrives, Elaine is confronted with startling emotions of jealousy and rivalry. Can Elaine find the strength to survive the birth of a kingdom?
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Sandell (The Weight of the Sky) invents a unique and eloquently wrought addition to Arthurian lore in 44 verses expressing the sentiments of Lady Elaine, the subject of Tennyson's "The Lady of Shalott" and other classical legends. Here, Elaine is cast as a motherless tomboy living in Arthur's encampment with her father and two brothers. Raised amidst soldiers who are like brothers to her, she knows little of what it means to be a woman until her passion is roused by handsome Lancelot. Any hope that Lancelot may some day return her love quickly dissolves with the arrival of beautiful Gwynivere, Arthur's future bride, who immediately steals Lancelot's heart. Elaine despises Gwynivere for her haughty and flirtatious manner ("A gown woven by faeries/ could not disguise her cruel nature," Elaine declares). Gwynivere conveys equal dislike for Elaine, but the two women form a bond in the throes of danger after they are kidnapped and held hostage by invading Saxons. The poetic narrative a mix of observations, dialogue and laments evokes a remarkable range (and natural progression) of emotions. Elaine's coming of age encompasses moments of adolescent infatuation, jealousy, grief and sacrifice and an evolution of friendship into mature love as she ultimately relinquishes her feelings for Lancelot and pledges her heart to Tristan. Characterized as unconventional for her time, Elaine encapsulates modern feminist values, proving herself to be as intelligent, determined and loyal as her male companions. Ages 12-up.
Customer Reviews
Love the book
I read this back when I was in 6th grade picked it back up in 10th and still loved it just as much. Wish there was an audio book though so I can listen while going through out my day in the car now as an adult and doing chores in the house.
Still my favorite!!
I bought this book at a book fair when I was in high school, about 8+ years ago, and it’s still my favorite book to this day! I recommend this book to everyone!
Still love it!
I first read this book in my high-school days (about 10 years ago). I immediately feel in love with the story. I have read it so many times. It's beautifully written. I am not a huge fan of the lyrical aspect. I'd much rather read it as a novel myself, but that doesn't deter my desire and love for this literary adventure. I'd recommend it to anyone and everyone!