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Here Lies Arthur

(2008, Fiction - Historical Fiction, Written by Philip Reeve)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 10, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 12.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Exciting but darkly cynical view of Arthur legend.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 12 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    This is a very cynical view of a classic hero story.

  • Violence:

    Several bloody battles with serious injuries, swords through throats, heads on spikes, ribbons of blood; a disturbing scene of a man beaten to a pulp, including knocking out all of his teeth; another's nose is broken; an arrow is pulled out of a wound; bodies are ripped open, birds pull out their guts; a man beats his wife.

  • Sex:

    It's clearly implied that several adults have extramarital sex, and a girl sees their naked bodies together; a girl has her first period; some kissing.

  • Language:

    Two instances of "s--t," and "bastard" is used correctly.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Adults drink and get drunk.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Here Lies Arthur

Parents need to know that this tale of medieval warfare is quite violent, including a disturbing scene in which a man is beaten to a pulp, including knocking out all of his teeth. Also, this is a very cynical take on a classic hero tale that is usually intended to highlight human virtues -- there are few on display here, and quite a bit of the opposite.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the attempt to demythologize King Arthur. Why do it? Is this likely to be more true than the traditional tales? Is that important? How can we know what is true? What truths do myths and legends teach? What truths does this story tell? Do you think the author was influenced by anything happening today?
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