Song of the Sparrow By Lisa Ann Sandell
Publisher: Scholastic Press, 2007
383 pages, hardcover
Date Finished: 6/11/2010
Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Romance, Coming of Age
First Line of Book: "Motherless. Sisterless. I am both."
Review: Song of the Sparrow was again a great read for me, as I've read it twice before. The story's main character and perspective, Elaine of Ascolat, is very self-conscious. She and her family live with and follow Arthur, during times of war with the Saxons, fighting to bring peace to Britain. They live in army camps and move around, but are stationed in only one during this story.
Elaine is not your average girl; she's lost her mother, and is raised around and by men, being as wild as she wants. Then comes the turner of the book: Her family, all the men she has come to love and care for, must put put themselves on the offensive and strike a final war.
And not only that, but Elaine is being hated by an unexpected visitor. She feels that she must follow her men into war, as she always secretly done, only to have the terrible occur. However, in the end, she is happy, and feels she has found love. Even her hateful guest ends up loving and caring for her as a great friend.
I wish that there were a sequel to the Sparrow, but as there isn't, I will just have to live with the wonderful ending to the book.
Rating:
Quotes from the Book:
"Tirry once told me he would follow Arthur blindfolded and unarmed into battle. I told him he'd better not try it."
"My breath catches. Did he just say that? That I am beautiful? But a girl, he said. . . . He does not see me as a woman. Still, beautiful."
"It is easy to playact with a sword, Tirry once told me, but the actual killing comes much easier."
"My mother's dresses and linens, they will become mine when I marry--though I can't help but wonder if I marry--for who would want to marry a girl with man-thoughts?"
--Zakiya, the walking butterfly
5 comments:
It's true, but then again I'm not a huge fan of Hannah Montana. The beat really gets me a movin.
Oh, and I totally picked this book up from the library the other day. Can't wait!!
Jen
In the Closet With a Bibliophile
You are a reading Nazi! Great reviews! I am a sucker for historical fiction. It can be so wonderful to be transported back on time.
Jen, I used to be in love with HM, but now it's just super-annoying. Yes, the beat is awesome.
That's great! Hope you enjoy it! :)
Elyssa, If you say so :). I love HF; traveling back down the path of time and reading about what it was like (excluding the fiction part) is a good history lesson. ;)
I've had a few friends who read this book and told me it was one of the most amazing novels they have ever read. Perhaps it is time I finally give it a try.
Excellent review!
Thanks, Chasidy! I totally recommend it to you! I really was/is a great read. :D
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