Reviews

"In the first volume of the Arthur Trilogy, the author inventively reworks the legend of the Round Table through the diary of 13-year-old Arthur, living in an English manor in the 12th century," said PW in a starred review. "Readers will be itching for the sequel." Ages 10-up. (Sept.) Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

Gr 5-8-Kevin Crossley-Holland's story (Scholastic, 2001) about medieval British life combines the legend of King Arthur with sensually rich details of 12th century reality. Arthur de Caldicot is a 13-year-old boy, son of Lord John, whose manor includes a household of four children, an elderly Welsh grandmother, Lord John's wife, and assorted servants, as well as the village of farmers and laborers, Oliver the priest and Arthur's teacher, and Sir John's often visiting yet mysterious friend, Merlin. It is Merlin who gives Arthur the seeing stone in which he spies an earlier Arthur. As the story progresses, Arthur de Caldicot's identity melds with that of the legendary Arthur. Michael Maloney's reading is rich and compelling. Each character speaks with his or her own tones and accents, from Arthur's very young sister to gruff Sir William, Sir John's elder brother. The book is divided into 100 chapters, each with its own setting and climax, but the novel moves in a unified and irrepressible path toward Arthur's destiny, replete with his extraction of the sword from its stone lodging. This book makes excellent curriculum support material as well as welcome free reading. The excellent audio version invites a wide audience into this rich literary experience, and Maloney's performance breathes immediacy into every nuance of plot and character. -Francisca Goldsmith, Berkeley Public Library, CA Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.