Song Of The Sparrow

I just sat transfixed as I read SONG OF THE SPARROW from cover to cover. It is so beautifully written, and it really held me captivated. I am a huge fan of Arthurian legends, from THE MISTS OF AVALON to Clive Owen's "King Arthur," to Tennyson's "The Lady of Shalott," especially Loreena McKennitt's hauntingly sung rendition of the poem. Ms. Sandell's book truly brought to life the saga of Elaine, fated to love a man who did not return her feelings, and kept alive the heroism of Arthur, Lancelot, Gawain, Tristan, and all the other knights, who seemed like the kind of guys every girl would want to have around. The characters are so very human, from Arthur right on down the line. It is great to see Elaine's character given so much depth--always when I've read about her before, she is jealous and hateful, forever fated to take second place to Guinevere in Lancelot's heart. I've also never before seen Lancelot portrayed the way he is in this book, and I love the happy ending this tale is given. I've never read a book set in verse as this one was, and it truly enhanced the beauty of the words. I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of THE WEIGHT OF THE SKY, and very much look forward to Ms. Sandell's next book.

Something about King Arthur draws people to his stories. Gwynivere. Lancelot. The wizard, Merlin. Gawain. Tristan. The Round Table. The sword, Excalibur. Throughout the centuries the legend of Arthur continues to grow. Britain, 490 A.D. The adventurous Elaine of Ascolat, known throughout the myths as The Lady of Shallot, lives with her father in one of Britain's war camps. He is an avid supporter of Britain and has joined the army to serve his king and country. Ambrosius Aurelius, leader of all Britons, is about to lead his people into the battle of Mount Breguoin against the Saxon army. Britain is on the brink of war, again. Elaine has been raised to believe that a woman's domain is in the home, not on the battlefront. But when she thinks of her father and brothers and the other men she's grown to care for, she feels she's in the right place. The people she loves most could march off to battle today and never come back. Why would she want to be anywhere else? The only other girl at camp is Morgan, Arthur's older sister, but she's much too close to the king for Elaine to share her deepest secret with --- Elaine is in love with Lancelot. Elaine and Lancelot grew up together, playing games and running along the riverbanks, but all that was long ago. Now when Lancelot looks at her, all he sees is a wonderful girl. He sees a gifted healer, a girl armed with milfoil and poultices to stanch the wounds of the soldiers. He sees her skill at mending clothing and chain mail. He sees her loyalty, her hard work and her vital job within the army. But he doesn't see a woman. When King Aurelius is poisoned by a Saxon spy, Arthur is the obvious replacement. Young, powerful, intelligent and already popular among the troops, Arthur would lead the retaliation attack. Days before they leave, a beautiful woman arrives at camp. Gwynivere is supposed to be for Arthur, the new king, but immediately Elaine can see that Lancelot's eyes are drawn to her. The men who mean so much to her will soon march to battle, leaving her behind at the camps. The man she loves is falling for someone else, and since Lancelot doesn't yet see Elaine as a woman, who can blame him? With all that Elaine holds dear weighing in the balance, she must decide who she will be, what role she will play and how far she will go for love. Written entirely in free verse poetry, SONG OF THE SPARROW is a wonderful addition to the Arthurian legends, offering readers an inside look into the mysterious Lady of Shallot. Lisa Ann Sandell weaves together lyrical images and vivid characters to create a compelling romance between two of the famous players in Arthur's world. Elaine's story transports readers and dares them to imagine a time long ago --- when powerful men vied to rule the land through war, the weak had to fight for their rights, and the common people dreamed of equality and hope. A time not so unlike our own. --- Reviewed by Jonathan Stephens

I will admit it. I have a passion for the tales of Arthurian legend. I have since early childhood. What boy didn't want to discover a sword meant especially for him, where he could be the ruler of a glorious kingdom, and face down the black knight? THE SONG OF THE SPARROW captured that imagination brilliantly. Each word drew me in further, and I could taste, touch and smell all that was around me. Arthur was painted as the perfect hero: strong yet sorrowful, inspiring yet vulnerable. Tristan was brillilant as well. The new take on Gwen was superb. I've never both loved and despised Lancelot with such rigor before. And telling this tale through Elaine's eyes was the perfect choice. This book transends gender as well. Though it will likely attract female readers, boys (and men) would delight in the tale. Not one person, young or old, male or female, fans of action or strong characters will be left wanting. I recently read Avi's CRISPIN: CROSS OF LEAD. It won the Newbery award, and was excellent. He doesn't waste words on the page, yet the tale is vivid. This book, SONG OF THE SPARROW is much like that. Lisa does not waste words, yet she crafts a cinematic tale that will let the readers paint the most glorious pictures inside their heads. I don't know what the qualifications of a Newbery winning novel are, but if I've ever read one -- SONG OF THE SPARROW is it. It was a truly amazing book.

Sixteen-year-old Elaine of Ascolat is amazingly beautiful with her long red hair and her soft natural face. Living in an army camp full of all guys, Elaine figures the handsome Lancelot to be her true love. Until her troubles and daydreams get the best of her, when even prettier Gwynivere arrives at the camp and is immediatley drawn to Lancelot - even though she is engaged to Arthur. Gwynivere's mean remarks but beautiful outer self makes Elaine jealous enough to play a cruel prank on her, but when her friends and family leave her to go fight the Saxons, her heart tells her to pack a bag and go with them to heal the wounded. Shot by arrows and cut by a knife, Elaine gains both friendship and confidence in herself. This exciting book by Lisa Ann Sandell makes you feel like you are back in olden times, right there fighting with Elaine. This is a VERY well-written book and I recommend it to all. A great read! Reviewed by: Holly