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The Lost Book of Lancelot
A Novel
Description
A “richly detailed and evocative” queer retelling of the legend of Sir Lancelot, following the famous knight as he grows up orphaned, falls in love, and attempts to fulfill his destiny at the Round Table – a stunning debut novel from the author of Out East (Mary Beth Keane, New York Times bestselling author).
Hidden away on the Isle of Women, a nameless orphan has grown up among the island's sisterhood, but always at a distance. He hears whispers of a prophecy that may shed light on his destiny—and his true identity. Lancelot. Determined to master the skills and knowledge worthy of the knight he is meant to be, he begins training alongside the handsome Galehaut. As the two grow closer, they guide one another towards their truest selves. But no matter how tightly they cling to one another, each has a role to play in the wizard Merlin's grand prophecies.
When Lancelot is forced to follow Merlin to Camelot, he fights to protect his heart while seeking the fabled Holy Grail. As he grows closer to his fellow knights, Lancelot must keep an explosive secret to himself—the truth of what he left behind on the Isle of Women, of the man he truly is beneath the armor. All the while, Roman legionaries too scour far and wide for the grail. As an army encroaches on their kingdom, King Arthur and his knights must race to ensure that this powerful object doesn't fall into the wrong hands.
Steeped in rich medieval lore, THE LOST BOOK OF LANCELOT is an immersive, poignant reexamination of the most famous knight of the Round Table. It is the story of a once vulnerable boy who is forced to rise to the occasion, of a kingdom under siege, and of the battle between the old world and the new.
Hidden away on the Isle of Women, a nameless orphan has grown up among the island's sisterhood, but always at a distance. He hears whispers of a prophecy that may shed light on his destiny—and his true identity. Lancelot. Determined to master the skills and knowledge worthy of the knight he is meant to be, he begins training alongside the handsome Galehaut. As the two grow closer, they guide one another towards their truest selves. But no matter how tightly they cling to one another, each has a role to play in the wizard Merlin's grand prophecies.
When Lancelot is forced to follow Merlin to Camelot, he fights to protect his heart while seeking the fabled Holy Grail. As he grows closer to his fellow knights, Lancelot must keep an explosive secret to himself—the truth of what he left behind on the Isle of Women, of the man he truly is beneath the armor. All the while, Roman legionaries too scour far and wide for the grail. As an army encroaches on their kingdom, King Arthur and his knights must race to ensure that this powerful object doesn't fall into the wrong hands.
Steeped in rich medieval lore, THE LOST BOOK OF LANCELOT is an immersive, poignant reexamination of the most famous knight of the Round Table. It is the story of a once vulnerable boy who is forced to rise to the occasion, of a kingdom under siege, and of the battle between the old world and the new.
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Praise
"This is a splendid retelling, and retooling, of the Arthurian legends, and in particular of the story of Sir Lancelot. John Glynn, wearing his considerable learning lightly, has fashioned an alternative version of an ancient tale, with a result that is at once vigorous and magical. Camelot will never be the same again."
—John Banville, Booker Prize-winning author
“John Glynn has written an astonishing reimagining of Arthurian legend in The Lost Book of Lancelot. The world Glynn creates here is so richly detailed and evocative that I felt completely transported – and stayed awake far too late turning these pages. It was such a joy to step out of the real world and into this one for a while."
—Mary Beth Keane, New York Times bestselling author
"John Glynn’s enthralling debut is a sensory, sensual retelling of Arthurian legend that feels both timely and timeless. Finally we have a hero’s coming-of-age that echoes the queerness of its origins by weaving together magic, forbidden love, and heartbreak — ultimately resulting in a novel that not only exhilarates, but also heals.”
—Justinian Huang, Stonewall Award-winning author of The Emperor and the Endless Palace
“John Glynn’s The Lost Book of Lancelot is a beautiful, romantic reimagining of the Arthurian legend. Glynn strikes an assured balance between the real and the unreal that is endlessly surprising and involving. It’s a stellar debut and I’m already excited to see what he does next.”
—Owen King, #1 New York Times bestselling author
“An empowered queer reclamation of Lancelot’s story. The Lost Book of Lancelot is a touching and heartfelt ode to love, magic and belonging.”
—Frances White, USA Today bestselling author of Voyage of the Damned