♡ Thank you for the free audiobook, PRH Audio.
Synopsis
Everyone knows the legend. Of Arthur, destined to be a king. Of the beautiful Guinevere, who will betray him with his most loyal knight, Lancelot. Of the bitter sorceress, Morgana, who will turn against them all. But Elaine alone carries the burden of knowing what is to come—for Elaine of Shalott is cursed to see the future.
On the mystical isle of Avalon, Elaine runs free and learns of the ancient prophecies surrounding her and her friends—countless possibilities, almost all of them tragic.
When their future comes to claim them, Elaine, Guinevere, Lancelot, and Morgana accompany Arthur to take his throne in stifling Camelot, where magic is outlawed, the rules of society chain them, and enemies are everywhere. Yet the most dangerous threats may come from within their own circle.
As visions are fulfilled and an inevitable fate closes in, Elaine must decide how far she will go to change fate—and what she is willing to sacrifice along the way.
Thoughts
First, thank you, Laura Sebastian, for giving one of my favorite literary characters, Elaine of Astolat, an intricate backstory! I have been obsessed with “The Lady of Shalott” since watching actress Megan Follows reenact the lyrical ballad by Tennyson in the 80s Anne of Green Gables movies. I then went on to read Montgomery’s books, and also play Loreena McKennitt’s 1992 song with the same name on repeat for about a decade. And then there is John William Waterhouse’s 1888 painting, a poster of which I had hung in my college dorms and apartments for years. Needless to say, I am a bit of a Lady of Shalott fan. Thankfully, the author is, too. In her author’s note, Sebastian speaks about her connection to this story and how she was inspired to write it from a powerful, feminist perspective. It was a joy to read this retelling. Even if it is a story full of tragedy, Sebastian delicately balanced it with magic and heart.
★★★★★
☊ Listening to this story via audiobook was exceptional. Narrator Ell Potter did a beautiful job!