Song Of The Sparrow by Lisa Ann Sandell Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Song Of The Sparrow
Book Review: Worthy of the Newbery
Summary: 5 Stars
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.
Book Review: beautifully written...another fantastic read!
Summary: 5 Stars
before i write my review, i should confess to a particular fascination with all things old-english, especially the arthurian legend...so i'm slightly biased...but what a WONDERFUL book! I read the author's The Weight of the Sky a year or so ago, and I was moved by her choice to write that book in verse--it lended a new layer to the text and turned a story that was promoted to teens into a much deeper and nuanced tale. so, when i heard she was tackling the legend of King Arthur, I was intrigued--and not disappointed!
Her choice to write in verse again serves her well...as the subject matter of this book lends itself to "epic poetry." Elaine, the heroine, has moments of eloquence that rival some of the great epic characters--the book, with its scenes of war and intrigue and love, made me think of my first time with the odyssey and the illiad--if only i'd had a strong female character to relate to back then!
the story is fast-paced and engaging, the verse lyric and beautiful. you so often here that a writer's sophomore attempt won't live up to her first...i'm pleased to say that, in this case, that's not even a little bit true.
Book Review: couldn't put it down
Summary: 5 Stars
I read this book in 24 hours I couldn't put it down and never wanted the story to end. very good but and very happy