It is no secret that I am a fan of Giles Kristian’s work, having devoured his Raven and Sigurd sagas like a warrior in the feasting hall. It was with these excellent stories in mind that I picked up Giles’ version of the Arthurian legend, told from the perspective of Lancelot. What I can now say is that Lancelot took the expectations I have developed of Giles’ work to the next level. As Conn Iggulden’s quote on the cover suggests, this is a masterpiece.
A large part of this story is set during Lancelot’s youth, beginning with his tragic separation from his own family, following his journey as he is taken in by the mysterious Lady Nimue and eventually trained as a warrior. During this time, key events take place that set the scene for the rest of the story, ultimately underpinning the tragic love triangle that will form the main storyline. These events include, of course, the introduction of the character Guinevere, which occurs much earlier in Lancelot’s lifetime than in the traditional telling of the Arthurian legend. What forms is a beautiful relationship between the youthful Lancelot and Guinevere, which even from the start is discouraged by those around them. Lancelot’s time on the island of Karrek Loos yn Koos also sees the introduction of several other characters, including some of his greatest friends and enemies. These characters include the likes of Pelleas, Bors, Melwas, and of course, Merlin. I particularly enjoyed the character of Merlin and his “journeys” as various beasts. These were included throughout the book as interludes introducing various plot points – and I must say, the voice of Merlin in the audiobook version is perfect!
It is not until halfway through the book that the fabled character of Arthur makes his first appearance. Merlin understands the key role Arthur and Lancelot will play in each other’s lives, and in the future of Britain itself, and soon enough Lancelot finds himself fulfilling his traditional role as Arthur’s champion. Within a few chapters, the two have formed an unmatched brotherhood, and are respected, feared and celebrated throughout the land. That is, until the re-appearance of Guinevere brings their worlds crashing down.
I will not share the details of what transpires, for that would be to rob the reader of a gripping tale best told by Giles. I will, however, mention that I enjoyed the way in which Lancelot and Guinevere’s love is portrayed, in contrast to the blatant treachery of the traditional telling. From the start, Lancelot has been a character impossible not to fall in love with as a reader, and I found myself seeing the treachery brought against him, understanding his predicament, and despising those who placed him in it. This development also brings about the worst traits of Arthur, who is just as much a victim to the same treachery as Lancelot and Guinevere, and tragically the three are torn apart.
The closing chapters of this book brought the story forward several years, where Lancelot has become a hermit and a father. The brief role his son Galahad plays serves not only as an insight into how Lancelot’s life continued in the absence of his soulmate Guinevere, but also as a glimpse into the future, a hope that there might be something for Lancelot in this world after all, and a desperation to see his story continue. But this tale is a tragedy, after all.
I could not possibly finish a review of Lancelot without making mention of the beautiful language in which it is written. Giles writes in a prose that is almost poetic, packed with all the sights, sounds, smells and emotions of fifth century Britain. The world is constructed well, with a gritty brutality that one would expect in post-Roman Britain, with the Saxons bearing down upon the land like a pack of famished wolves.
In summary, this was a spectacular read, and one that I truly hope becomes a “modern classic”, for that’s what it is in my eyes. It is a tale of friendship, love and honour, made tragic by hatred, mistrust and treachery. It is an emotional rollercoaster with a heartbreaking ending that is so well told that I feel like I have personally undergone some great loss along with the characters. This is a book I thoroughly enjoyed, that I savoured every word of, and will honestly be recommending to everyone I know.
