About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when their child is beginning to grapple with the complexities of human fallibility or the heartbreak of seeing a beloved community or friendship group dissolve. It is a profound tool for the young reader who is moving past simple hero narratives and is ready to explore how small choices and broken trusts can lead to unintended, far-reaching consequences. Rosemary Sutcliff offers a masterful retelling of the end of King Arthur's reign, focusing on the tragic triangle of Arthur, Guenever, and Lancelot, and the manipulative schemes of Mordred. While it is a story of knights and battles, its core is an emotional exploration of loyalty, the weight of leadership, and the inevitable process of letting go. Parents will find it particularly helpful for mature middle schoolers or high schoolers who are navigating the 'end of an era' in their own lives, such as graduation or a major move. It provides a safe, mythic framework for discussing how to face loss with dignity and how to maintain one's integrity even when things are falling apart.
