After the River the Sun

June 15, 2013
A boy draws on Arthurian legend to ease his grief in this companion verse novel to Eva of the Farm (2012). Having recently witnessed his parents' deaths from a drowning accident, Eckhart Lyon is sent to live with his uncle Albert, one of his few living relatives, on a trial basis. A gaming expert, the boy is certain he'll never enjoy his strange uncle's rural home without modern technology, but he grows to appreciate helping his uncle rebuild his orchard and hanging out with Eva, from a neighboring property. Despite these brief, comforting moments, he struggles with unrelenting guilt, feelings of cowardice and a desire to make his uncle's house a real home. Calhoun's precise verse ("Suddenly the stars beating down / were too bright, / the river too loud") make Eckhart's anguish palpable. The boy soon likens himself to Sir Gawain, who proved his worth to his uncle, King Arthur, before becoming a knight. Eckhart's quest for home and courage is a true test, as his uncle grapples with his own grief and despair and will not commit to Eckhart's future. A sudden tragedy allows the boy to heed the call of bravery, show his knightly spirit and forge a new family. A quiet testament to readers who relish the beauty of language over action. (Verse novel. 9-12)

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August 1, 2013

Gr 5-7-This companion to Eva of the Farm (S & S, 2012) stands on its own. Eckhart Lyon, 13, is struggling with guilt and sorrow after his parents die during a family rafting trip. He has bounced around in foster care in Seattle until now when his estranged Uncle Albert has agreed to take him on a trial basis. His uncle, who is also dealing with feelings of guilt and loss, lives on a farm in the high desert of eastern Washington and refuses to tell Eckhart what the trial entails. Eckhart is a devoted gamer and fan of "The Green Knight" video game. He loves all things Arthurian. When he meets Eva, also 13, in the canyon near their farms, they bond over their shared enthusiasm for legends about brave knights and fair ladies. Together they embark on Eckhart's greatest quest: to right a wrong and find a home. The story is written in free verse, which moves the plot along at a rapid pace. Although Eckhart and his uncle get off to a rocky start, there is never any real doubt that they will reconcile. The number of plot twists and turns keeps readers guessing what will happen next. "The Green Knight" game clearly parallels Eckhart's life and keeps motifs of knights and quests at the forefront. Lovers of gaming and Arthurian legends will thoroughly enjoy this one.-Nancy P. Reeder, Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, Columbia, SC

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