Richard W. Gartee

I was wary of this book, because of the subtitle "New age teachings on self-awareness and enlightenment in an Arthurian story." The "Arthurian story" part was what made me curious enough to sign up for the give away I ended up winning. I hoped to expand on the many versions of the King Arthur sagaI have read as my own spiritual quest. I was surprised that the action takes place AFTER the fall of Camelot, and not during. The Knights of the Round Table are dead or dispersed. Lancelot has become a hermit in a hut within walking distance of an abbey. He becomes the spiritual mentor of two teenagers, brother and sister, Alura and Frith.

My first question was: why has the author chosen Lancelot a the wise teacher? To make it easier to digest for someone new to Christian spirituality? To show that any human being, who has made major mistakes can become wise enough to teach others? The effect this choice, and the age of his pupils had on me, was that the book read as a young adult novel, although Lancelot's lessons, though not new, are far more difficult than they seem on the surface.

The book consists of short chapters with mini paragraphs and a lot of dialogue. Again a sign that it is meant for young people and those new to spirituality.

I was disappointed by the stereotypical characters. Alura's obsession with finding a husband was so exaggerated that the rest of her personality was obscured. Spiritual development is usually more complex than overcoming just one obsession. Lancelot himself is too saintly to be convincing. Sir Bedivere is too battle hungry and drunk to have ever made it as a Knight of the Round Table. The abbot was too busy organizing feasts to keep an eye on his teenage charges.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading the book. It will go in my collection of King Arthur books.… (mais)