What a brilliant example of how to make a point (no pun intended) without being pedantic or without saying something directly. Even though epistolary novels often tell more than show, it is the format of this novel that lends itself to showing what something means.

I essentially listened to this book three times in a row, and each time, I heard something new. It’s brilliant and profound.

When one person changes, the others around you cannot help but be impacted, so they change, too. And they won’t like it. Only the maid, who had not seen Gregor before his transformation does not have this reaction. I’ve seen this happen with those who become seriously disabled, say, in a car accident. They lose their previous friends and have to make new ones, because the old ones can’t accept the changes while the new ones accept them as they are.

This is one of those books that will imprint on me for a long time.

This is the likely most realistic, and best researched King Arthur historical fiction book I’ve ever read. And I’ve read a few. It focuses on the king/leader/warrior known as Artos the Bear. He was probably the real King Arthur. No Lancelot. No knights in shining armour. No Merlin. No magic. Or at least, no real magic (the belief in magic was strong then). No pretty myths at all. Instead we have incest, war, deprivation, betrayal, adultery, courage and heartache, all set in fifth century Britain.

Sutcliff was known as a YA historical fiction writer whose stories focused primarily on the fall of Rome. She retold The Odyssey and The Iliad, as well. All her stories were well researched. I was recommended her work for my daughter in middle school. This was Sutcliff’s only adult book.

The Sword at Sunset is not an easy read with its gritty, harsh realism. Yet it is also vivid and poetic. I think it is the best Arthur retelling there is.