#tbt: Song of the Sparrow by Lisa Ann Sandell

Song of the Sparrow by Lisa Ann Sandell. 416 p. Scholastic Inc., May, 2007. 9780439918480. (Own.)

If you are a fan of Arthurian legend or of verse novels, check out Song of the Sparrow. Inspired by the Tennyson poem about this minor character, Sandell depicts Elaine, the Lady of Shalott as a tomboy who is entirely at home and happy growing up in an army camp. She has many 'brothers,' freedom and is a healer though she can do without the constant mending and laundry. Her hopes that her love for Lancelot might be reciprocated are dashed when he fetches Gwynivere for Arthur and returns to camp with her, smitten. 

I adore the cover, the writing is lovely and the setting is vivid.