SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER 2021 BOOK CLUB PICK
The Fall (with Halloween getting close) is the perfect time to read a good fantasy novel full of magic, fae, and Arthurian mythology. As the summer ends, we have picked a brand-new fairy tale retelling for the book club members to read! For September and October 2021, The Silver Petticoat Book Club selects the new book Half Sick of Shadows by Laura Sebastian.
IMPORTANT SILVER PETTICOAT BOOK CLUB UPDATE
Before we tell you more about Half Sick of Shadows, we have a quick but important announcement. To give us more time to read and find books for the book club as well as have time to run The Silver Petticoat Review, from now on, the book club will only select books every other month.
We will continue to take turns between new and classic books.
The discussion will continue much the same as before. We will post downloadable discussion questions and online dialogue on our social channels at the end of the two months.
Thanks for understanding! We plan to introduce and discuss many wonderful books in the future as we keep this Romance-themed book club going.
HALF SICK OF SHADOWS BOOK BY LAURA SEBASTIAN – YOUR SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER 2021 READ!
(Announcement by Autumn):
The September and October 2021 read is Half Sick of Shadows by Laura Sebastian.
Ever since Anne Shirley recited and reenacted Tennyson’s “The Lady of Shalott” in the 1985 adaptation of Anne of Green Gables, the character Elaine of Astolat has held a strong interest. There was something in the imagery, magic in the words of the cursed maiden.
How tragically romantic was the Lady of Shalott’s unrequited love for Lancelot? And how sad is her ending to die for this love? To die cursed. She was “half sick of shadows” because she could stay no longer hidden from the world, hidden from Camelot.
When selecting our latest book pick, I turned to Arthurian mythology, a King Arthur retelling inspired by that haunting Tennyson phrase also depicted in a famous painting.
This magical and feminist retelling of King Arthur lore tells the story of the seer Elaine and how she uses her visions to try and prevent the famous ending. Can she change destiny? Prevent the affair, Morgana’s betrayal, and Arthur’s death?
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Here, Elaine comes out of the shadows as the hero of the story. Not to mention, Morgana and Guinevere also shine in this medieval fantasy.
With clever twists, 3-dimensional female characters, romantic knights, and a refreshing take on King Arthur, Half Sick of Shadows is a readable book and fascinating retelling about a tragic figure in literature.
Every sentence invites you into Elaine’s world of Avalon and Camelot. Magical and brilliantly retold, Half Sick of Shadows will keep you spellbound from the beginning to a thrilling end.
So, enjoy the love story with Lancelot, enjoy the action and magic, and immerse yourself in the visions of the Lady of Shalott.
Content Note: There is an implied sexual relationship between Lancelot and Elaine but nothing explicit. There are a couple of disturbing violent scenes. Trigger warning: Suicide.
OFFICIAL BOOK DESCRIPTION OF HALF SICK OF SHADOWS (FROM PENGUIN)
“Laura Sebastian is the next Madeline Miller. . . . a fierce, fresh, lyrical tale that will enthrall until the last page.”–Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Huntress
A Popsugar Best Summer Read of 2021
A Bibliolifestyle Most Anticipated Summer 2021 Sci-fi and Fantasy Book
“Magical, haunting, unique–I haven’t been so excited about an Arthur book since I read The Once and Future King.”–Tamora Pierce, #1 New York Times bestselling author
The Lady of Shalott reclaims her story in this bold feminist reimagining of the Arthurian myth from the New York Times bestselling author of Ash Princess.
Everyone knows the legend. Of Arthur, destined to be a king. Of the beautiful Guinevere, who will betray him with his most loyal knight, Lancelot. Of the bitter sorceress, Morgana, who will turn against them all. But Elaine alone carries the burden of knowing what is to come–for Elaine of Shalott is cursed to see the future.
On the mystical isle of Avalon, Elaine runs free and learns of the ancient prophecies surrounding her and her friends–countless possibilities, almost all of them tragic.
When their future comes to claim them, Elaine, Guinevere, Lancelot, and Morgana accompany Arthur to take his throne in stifling Camelot, where magic is outlawed, the rules of society chain them, and enemies are everywhere. Yet the most dangerous threats may come from within their own circle.
As visions are fulfilled and an inevitable fate closes in, Elaine must decide how far she will go to change destiny–and what she is willing to sacrifice along the way.
BUY HALF SICK OF SHADOWS BOOK BY LAURA SEBASTIAN
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JOIN THE SILVER PETTICOAT BOOK CLUB
(A book club that discusses sweet or sophisticated love stories from all genres.)
Every book club pick alternates between new and classic choices. This month is a new book.
We define any book published before the year 2000 as a classic. New books are everything published afterward. If you’re new to the club, make sure to check out our past book club picks HERE.
HOW THE ONLINE BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION WORKS
We discuss the book club pick the final few days of the second month on the three social media channels listed below. However, the main discussion questions will be on Facebook and Goodreads.
We will also post downloadable discussion questions on The Silver Petticoat Review to discuss with friends and family. More on that below.
After announcing a new book club selection, you’ll want to get a copy of the book (buy it, borrow it from the library, etc.) and read it. Come online and ready to discuss when we post book club discussions on our social media channels during the second month’s final few days.
We include virtual events from time to time, but most conversations are online and in forums/posts.
You can stay up to date on the book club by following our website, The Silver Petticoat Review (subscribe to our newsletter for updates). You can also follow the #TheSilverPetticoatBookClub on our social media channels.
Read more about The Silver Petticoat Book Club HERE.
DISCUSS WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY
We encourage creating and meeting with your own local chapter of The Silver Petticoat Book Club for the best book club discussions. These gatherings can be as big or small as you want. Maybe you want to discuss the book with your mother or sister? Or perhaps you want a larger gathering. We leave it up to you.
While we will continue to have discussions online, the best book clubs also include in-person talks (or on Zoom!). So, if you want to participate in more than our social media channels, make sure to download our monthly discussion questions and discuss the book with your family and friends. We’ll help to get the discussion started!
We also love it if you’d use the hashtag on social media to show how you’re participating (#TheSilverPetticoatBookClub). Share photos, quotes, and more!
What are your thoughts on the book Half Sick of Shadows? Have you read it yet? Are you going to read the fantasy book with us this month? Let us know in the comments!
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