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cecirose62's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
madhamster's review against another edition
5.0
I'm not always fond of books about King Arthur - a bit overwhelmed by Arthurian literature at uni - but this verse novel is brilliant. Elaine, the Lady of Shallott, has been raised with Arthur's warband following the death of her mother.
bibliotarot's review against another edition
5.0
This was the book that got me into reading. I was in the 5th grade and I HAD to get a book from the book fair for my reading log. It was required, for some reason. And up until reading Song of the Sparrow, I hated to do my reading log. I was the kid who tried to pass with picture books instead.
This book is written with verses. So it tricked little me into thinking the book was easier/faster to read. I found myself inseparable from the book until I finished it though. And I've read it four times since. I highly recommend!
This book is written with verses. So it tricked little me into thinking the book was easier/faster to read. I found myself inseparable from the book until I finished it though. And I've read it four times since. I highly recommend!
jessthemama's review against another edition
5.0
this is my favorite book of all.. It is so full of romance and adventure. It is writen in sorta like a poem so its harder to read..but it is the most wonderfulest book ever!
jesassa's review against another edition
3.0
A quick and quaint read! Entertaining and endearing, Elaine is a character I wish I could have met. I especially enjoyed the beginning but I feel that it flagged towards the end. I don't think that being in verse helped the story in anywAy and I think there would have been more depth in prose form. Still fun though, I love reading about Arthurian times!
morghxn's review against another edition
5.0
2023 Review: I had an itch to reread this book. It was a quick read and I remembered why I liked it so much. I was right when I said "Definitely a read-again novel". Such a joy to read again
--
2013:
I really enjoyed this book because I have always like Arthurian literature. I can relate to this book by the fact that I am a lot like Elaine. I'm independent, strong, and often adventurous. I would definitely recommend this book to my friends or anyone who enjoys reading adventure, historical, or semi-romance novels. A very prominent literary element in this book is the fact it is written in verse throughout the novel. No line ever takes up the width of the page. I really enjoy the setting of the book too. The fact that they live in a camp in the middle of no where. This place has a stream, a tree grove, and a camp of soldiers that will make you laugh. It is amazing how Sandell can really transport you into the book. Definitely a read-again novel.
--
2013:
I really enjoyed this book because I have always like Arthurian literature. I can relate to this book by the fact that I am a lot like Elaine. I'm independent, strong, and often adventurous. I would definitely recommend this book to my friends or anyone who enjoys reading adventure, historical, or semi-romance novels. A very prominent literary element in this book is the fact it is written in verse throughout the novel. No line ever takes up the width of the page. I really enjoy the setting of the book too. The fact that they live in a camp in the middle of no where. This place has a stream, a tree grove, and a camp of soldiers that will make you laugh. It is amazing how Sandell can really transport you into the book. Definitely a read-again novel.
lauraew333's review against another edition
4.0
This is such a lovely, sweet book written in verse. It hardly feels like verse though because it reads so smoothly. You can gather and infer so much from the way the lines are formatted! For that reason, I really liked it and would definitely reread it! Well, that and other reasons!
For one thing, I love how the sparrow is incorporated into Elaine's journey. That's what this book is really about: Elaine's journey to find herself and where she belongs in the world. She has an idea at the beginning of the book but it isn't clear and she isn't satisfied with her life. She thinks she wants certain things only to find out that they aren't for her. The sparrow represents her spirit and how, at the beginning, it is trapped within her and only at the end is it set free.
The story is set in the time of Arthur and Lancelot and the Round Table which was really cool to read about. However, be prepared that the story centers around Elaine and her personal internal struggles rather than the war or anything else going on at that time. To that end, I really liked how the author incorporated the Round Table and put her personal spin on the story.
The Final Verdict:
All in all, this is such a sweet little book about a girl's struggle to find herself and where she belongs in the world. It's not really anything deep but not entirely fluffy either.
4 stars
Quotes:
“I live, yet”
“Still, I look down, and the grass is so green, I cannot understand how it does not wither and die with sorrow."
“Love is a tempestuous mistress.
And none of us shall ever master her.”
“It should begin with friendship, I think. Suddenly I cannot look at him.
It should begin with friendship and truly knowing who a person is, knowing his flaws and hopes and strengths and fears, knowing all of it. And admiring and caring for- loving the person because of all of those things...
I know that now.”
“My sparrow, she flickers and wakes and sings and sings. ”
For one thing, I love how the sparrow is incorporated into Elaine's journey. That's what this book is really about: Elaine's journey to find herself and where she belongs in the world. She has an idea at the beginning of the book but it isn't clear and she isn't satisfied with her life. She thinks she wants certain things only to find out that they aren't for her. The sparrow represents her spirit and how, at the beginning, it is trapped within her and only at the end is it set free.
The story is set in the time of Arthur and Lancelot and the Round Table which was really cool to read about. However, be prepared that the story centers around Elaine and her personal internal struggles rather than the war or anything else going on at that time. To that end, I really liked how the author incorporated the Round Table and put her personal spin on the story.
The Final Verdict:
All in all, this is such a sweet little book about a girl's struggle to find herself and where she belongs in the world. It's not really anything deep but not entirely fluffy either.
4 stars
Quotes:
“I live, yet”
“Still, I look down, and the grass is so green, I cannot understand how it does not wither and die with sorrow."
“Love is a tempestuous mistress.
And none of us shall ever master her.”
“It should begin with friendship, I think. Suddenly I cannot look at him.
It should begin with friendship and truly knowing who a person is, knowing his flaws and hopes and strengths and fears, knowing all of it. And admiring and caring for- loving the person because of all of those things...
I know that now.”
“My sparrow, she flickers and wakes and sings and sings. ”
phoenixsparks's review against another edition
5.0
I have always adored this book. Thr long form poetry and choice language make a beautifully written story. I most love that it is written from a very different perspective than other literature surrounding King Arthur and Camelot. Using a woman, a non traditional one at that is a stroke of genius.
brennadonahue's review against another edition
5.0
I remember loving this book so thoroughly, and it definitely started my obsession with Arthurian legend. Will have to reread soon!
raven_reads0409's review against another edition
4.0
this reignited my Camelot obsession in middle school