SHALOTT
Book 1 of the award winning Shalott trilogy.
Through a virtual reality program, five teenagers are zapped back in time to the court of King Arthur. Unable to return, they are caught up in the dangerous liaison between Lancelot and Guinevere, the deadly magic of Morgan Le Fay and Mordred's ambition to rule Camelot.
Published by Random House Australia.
In her extraordinary new novel, Felicity Pulman shows both her understanding of the Arthurian legend, of the Shalott story, and a rich and imaginative capacity to expand and explore its deep meanings for modern young people - Sophie Masson.
This is an unsettling, unusual, intriguing and moving novel, rich in character, action and mystery, full of the atmosphere of Arthurian legend, yet without falling into the trap of mere retelling. -- Sophie Masson.
This spellbinding story weaves together past and present to create a tale that is at once dark and dangerous, and tantalisingly dreamlike. Shalott is unputdownable - Maggie Hamilton.
The audio version of the Shalott trilogy is now available
on tape, recorded by Meredith O'Reilly for VocalEyes Productions.
For details, tel: (02) 9334 3522 or email vocaleyes@rbs.org.au.
Glastonbury Tor - is this the tower of the Lady of Shalott?
Could it be the Hollow Hill where King Arthur and his knights lie sleeping? Or is it the home of Gwynn-Ap-Nud, Lord of the Underworld?
A Roman amphitheatre in Caerleon, Wales. Is this the original Round Table used by the 6th century 'Leader of Battles', the Dux Bellorum we now call 'King Arthur'?
Shalott was five years in the writing, during which time I learned a great deal about the 'Lady of Shalott" and the legend (and history) of King Arthur. I'm happy to talk to schools and other organisations about the legend, its historical background and some famous sites associated with Arthur, illustrating my talk with colour transparencies of photographs taken when I followed the 'Arthurian trail' in the UK.
I also run workshops for adults and children on writing fantasy and on 'legends and fairy tales for the 21st century'.
Telephone (02)9948 5914 to discuss details regarding an author visit to your school and to make bookings in NSW. For bookings in other states, please contact Bronwen Bennett at Show and Tell Promotions. Telephone (03) 9818 6518 or email bronwen@showtell.com.au or see website for details. Click below.
Shalott, the first novel in the
trilogy, won the Society of
Women Writers 2001 Book of the
Year Award in the Young
Adult Reader category.