Book Review: Peter David's Camelot Papers

Vivianna is certainly a rare commodity in the days of Camelot--a literate woman.  More, a literate woman sold into slavery by her father.  Upon her arrival at Camelot, however, her life as mere chattel begins to take some amazing, compelling, and at times disturbing twists that allow her to rise to the status of the the queen's handmaiden.  

Of course, the very fact that she can read and write immediately places her under suspicion from the other slaves, making her pariah even among the lowest class in society.  She is quickly isolated and left very much alone, even accused of witchcraft.   Along come a young prince and a sagacious apothecary who set Vivianna on a course that will broaden her world and elevate her station in life more than she ever thought possible.   All the while, Vivianna chronicles her observations and wild encounters in her journal, revealing the "true" origins of the characters of Arthurian legend from Lancelot to Galahad, from Morgan the Fey and Modred, to Arthur and Guinevere, and of course the wizard himself, Merlin.

To summarize Camelot Papers is to reveal too many spoilers.  Peter David presents a truly clever and inspired twist on the legend that we merely think we know so well.  Oh, won't you be surprised!   Although Camelot Papers is billed as satire, there is no lack of truly dramatic, suspenseful, and moving moments in Vivianna's experiences with the denizens of Camelot, be they servant or nobility.   Every rumor is born from the slightest kernel of truth, and some rumors become legend.  Peter David takes holds of this concept with the absolute authority and perspicacity of a master storyteller.