Before Camelot

Cheryl Carpinello has written a series of books for reluctant readers. In the series about Guinevere, from Arthurian legend, young readers meet a twelve-year-old princess confronted with her Birth Day and the responsibilities it represents. Her father, King Leodegrance, informs Guinevere that she will marry King Arthur of Camelot in two years. 

Lady Guinevere is far from happy. In her 120-page novel, Carpinello shows readers life during medieval England and the adventures of the child who would one day become its queen. Through Guinevere’s point of view, we see her roam the castle grounds and nearby forest with best friend Cedwyn. The duo has a difficult time with a wounded boar, uncover mystical creatures, and hunt rabbits for the castle’s Cook. 

Eventually, Guinevere must set aside childish things and accept the greater responsibilities her father is placing on her. To accomplish this, Carpinello spends a great deal of time developing her characters, especially Guinevere. Her prose brings history to life as readers get to know the future Queen of England during her childhood. We get insight into medieval culture where children, when they reach their teens, must set aside their games and learn the duties they must fulfill as young men and women. For Guinevere this includes learning to administer a castle, manage a kitchen, and learn Latin to communicate with foreigners. For her friend Cedwyn, it will mean becoming a squire and eventually a knight. 

The author does a good job at showing Guinevere’s stubbornness as she grapples with her fate. Along the way we meet Merlyn, King Arthur, a few unicorns, and the different roles people play in and around the castle. 

Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend is the first of three books in the Guinevere series that also includes Guinevere: At the Dawn of Legend and rounding out the trilogy is Guinevere: The Legend. Teachers teaching middle school children about the middle ages will find this supplementary reading an asset to their classroom curriculum. 

About the Author

About the Author

 Cheryl Carpinello is a retired high school English teacher with an interest in medieval times. She also likes to travel and during her experiences she takes copious notes to present her readers, young and old, what the ancient society must have been like. You can learn more about her at her website. 

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