Here lies Arthur

Reeve, Philip ~ Here Lies Arthur ~ Scholastic, 2008 ~ 333 pages ~ tweens,teens, some adults.

"Even the woods are burning. I plunge past the torched cow barn and hard into the shoulder-deep growth of brambles between the trees, but there's fire ahead of me as well as behind."

We are in South-west Britain about A.D. 500. Gwyna is barely surviving even before Arthur's war band attacks the holding. Somehow, a mere girl-child, she escapes and is discovered by Myrddin [Merlin] the bard who serves Arthur as advisor, manipulator, and teller of stories designed to inflate Arthur's reputation and encourage him to become the ruler of a united Britain. Here, Arthur is just another of many young warriors with a band that follows his leadership as he takes what he wants and attempts to become more powerful. Unlike many of the Arthurian tales, Gwyna's tells us about a rough warrior who was often thoughtless and had little interest in the larger picture. He certainly didn't understand politics. Thus, the Arthur seen here is gritty, talented at hand-to-hand warfare, but with limited imagination. He is no different than other leaders of small war bands except that Myrddin is a most accomplished tale-teller who combines myth, tales of the old religion, and creates stories that present Arthur the King that will be. The contrast between Arthur in real life and in the tales is dramatic, but quite persuasive.

With her home burned and surrounded by warriors, Gwyna takes service with Myrddin. She becomes the Lady of the Lake, then a boy, and finally a young lady who takes service in Gwenhwyfar"s household but as a spy for Myrddin.

A variety of adventures follow Gwyna in her various roles and these provide many opportunities to comment on 6th Century society/culture/values as well as the differences between girl behavior/thinking and boy behavior/thinking since Gwyna plays both roles at different times.

The plot follows Gwyna from that first attack to Arthurs' death and then her own role in embellishing Arthur's legends with her own story-tellling. Along the way, there are small battles, plotting, reflections on daily events, and a notably persuasive sense that this is the way that it probably was. Character development is well done, especially that of Gwyna, but Gwenhwfar too. Arthur receives ample attention but we never really get inside his thoughts or learn much about his earlier years.

Reeve is best known for technologically oriented worlds to serve as a background for well developed and different characters. This novel is very different from the Mortal Engines quarter or the science-fictional Larklight series except that it is gritty and realistic in its depictions. Writing is first-rate and sometimes poetic. The reader quickly becomes at home, but not at ease, in Arthur's Britain.

Recommendation:

While many books on Arthur and the Arthurian Saga are available for tweens and teens, the focus here makes the book standout. Gwyna is a strong, resourceful heroine so the book should appeal to females. The physical book is easily read. A map would have been a helpful addition. Cover art by Cliff Nielsen shows Gwyna holding the great sword for Arthur to take from the lake. This is a theme/logo associated with Arthur so it should appeal and clearly indicate content. The title clearly indicates that this story will include Arthur's death and the jacket copy "no one's ever heard the truth" indicates that this will not be the Arthur of legend. For most YA collections, especially where Arthur has been popular. Too, this is a great book talk opportunity, especially if compared with other stories about Arthur.