Here Lies Arthur shortlisted for Carnegie Medal
24 Apr 2008
It’s already received critical acclaim – now Philip Reeve’s novel Here Lies Arthur has been shortlisted for the 2008 CILIP Carnegie Medal. Established in 1936, the medal is awarded by children’s librarians for an outstanding book for children and young people.
In Philip Reeve’s gloriously bloody and muddy tale the story of Arthur of Camelot is related by Gwyna, an ordinary sixth-century girl who sets out on a thrilling adventure with her master, Myrddin.
As Gwyna introduces us to the people of the legend, it soon becomes clear that Myrddin the bard has his work cut out if he is to transform Arthur from a tatty thug into the greatest hero that England has ever seen.
What the judges say
“A page-turner of a novel, with a well-constructed plot and believable characters that engage the reader from the off. The landscape and setting of the time are skilfully drawn. Reeve cleverly makes the story relevant to today by examining the versions of history that are handed down to us, and the ways in which myths are created. An enjoyable and thought-provoking book.”
What the critics say
“A majestic achievement, richly evoking time and place, and full of resonance for today.” The Sunday Times
“A bloodthirsty dissection of myth-making and the art of political spin.” The Guardian
“The immortal tale … is given a fantastic twist in this original and exhilarating story by the fantastic Philip Reeve.” First News
“Children and adults alike will find plenty to enjoy in this novel.” The Bookbag website
"A fantastic teenage novel." Eastern Daily Press“An interesting take on spin-doctoring circa 500 AD.” The Guardian web blog
“A vivid new take on the story of Arthur.” Time Out