Spear by Nicola Griffith
Review by Paul Fagan, Library Assistant, Forest Heights
This gorgeous retelling of a classic Arthurian tale perfectly balances the 21st century with the 6th century.
Spear follows a girl raised in the woods knowing only her mother. As she grows into an unusually strong and tall woman, she longs for companionship and purpose. After spying Arthur's knights fighting off bandits, she rebels against her mother, determined to join them.
The story develops into a classic quest, full of familiar characters and mythic objects, though they may not be immediately obvious. Peretur — classically known as Percival — easily passes as a handsome man and fawns over young women, earning a reputation as both a warrior and a heart-breaker. Lanza (Lancelot) is a disabled foreigner who fights like a centaur when mounted.
The author keeps a feeling of authenticity to the story by using early Medieval names and integrating Celtic mythology from that time. The mix of religions and cultures in this story was particularly refreshing. Christianity, only just introduced to England, was only established in some communities, and Pagan gods mix into the tale in fascinating ways. These changes brought the story to life such that, in spite of the magic and myth, it felt like reading history.