Song of the Sparrow- Lisa Ann Sandell

Here I am, minding my almost 20 month-old granddaughter and wondering if I can do to two things at once. Her interest in the computer lies solely in the large number of family pictures stored on it, which she loves to watch. It’s great entertainment for her, unless you have something else that needs to be done. Naturally, if it doesn’t work out, she takes priority over any post.

Well, a short break later, we’ll try again. Back to Song of the Sparrow. What an utterly delightful read! This is definitely a must addition to your Arthurian lore. Written in exquisite free verse style, this is the story of Elaine, hero of Tennyson’s Lady Of Shallot. Elaine’s mother has been killed and she is left with her father and brothers, ending up being the only female in a world of men, living in a war-camp. her services as healer and mender invaluable to the men. As she grows older, her friendship with Lancelot changes into something which she believes to be love. Then arrives Gwynivere, betrothed to Arthur, but beloved of Lancelot. Thus Elaine realizes that her wishes and dreams are not to be realized. With a deft blend of history and love story, this novel then takes us to the battle which Arthur leads against the Saxons, long-time enemies. Unknown to her family, Elaine decides to follow the men to the battle field in order to offer her services, but is caught by the Saxons, only to have Gwynivere unexpectedly come alongside in her efforts to escape.

Each word of each chapter appears to have been chosen with great dexterity by a very gifted author. This novel would suit many of your Young Adult readers and would be a fine addition to a high school collection as well. I am calling it historical fiction even though much of what we know about Arthur and his times is embedded in legend. But surely there is a grain of truth in all of this! I’m a believer!