An excellent and hilarious deconstruction of the Arthurian legend. No fair maidens, castles or mediaeval Lancelots and Guineveres prancing about - instead, Arthur is a violent, greedy Dark Age warlord and his companion Myrddin (Merlin) is a slick spin doctor minus a moral compass. The tale is told by Gwyna, a plain-faced young girl rescued by Myrddin, and together they create the most iconic, unforgettable story of the Arthurian legends - the gift of Excalibur to Arthur by the Lady of the Lake. The title of the book comes from a Latin phrase carved on Arthur's tomb at Glastonbury: "Here lies Arthur the once and future king." (Hic Jacet Arthurus Rex Quondam Rexque Futurus)
Moving, unputdownable, and an interesting counterpoint to Malory and other more traditional Arthurian tales where chivalry, love and honour dominate - this is a modern Arthurian retelling for a more cynical modern world. This book is a Carnegie Medal winner, and it's not difficult to see why!
(Book cover photo from: www.timeout.com)
No comments:
Post a Comment