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3.77 AVERAGE
3.77 AVERAGE
I know this book is both kind of old, not mainstream, and definitely not hyped. So I know this post might not do as well as others, but I couldn’t forgive myself if I didn’t try to convince someone to read it.
Be warned, this book is a bit of a chonker. M. George likes to go over the life of her characters from birth to death, which works in this book.
Be warned, this book is a bit of a chonker. M. George likes to go over the life of her characters from birth to death, which works in this book.
This book is a beautiful interpretation of the story of Helen of Troy. Margaret George is able to take a well loved story and turn it into a personal diary told through the lips of Helen. Sparta and Troy are so easy to imagine as are the believability of the personalities of the characters. It was also interesting how the gods played a subtle manipulating role. It is a very romantic retelling of a classic story.
I will admit I only read half of this book, but I'm counting it as read because it took up so much of my time and I did read half. I only have so much time in this world and there are so many books I want to read. This book is so f-ing long. When i was younger and had less responsibilities i loved delving into a humongous book, like George's previous books Cleopatra and Autobiography of Henry VIII. But now I have things to do, and wading through a slow - moving 611 page book trying to do too many things is just more than I can deal with.
Parts are interesting as George tries to humanize Helen while also dealing with the whole fate /gods /freewill problem of Greek mythology. Unfortunately there's no room for mystery or speculation about the situation when it's from Helen's point of view. Also Helen isn't that interesting beyond her overwhelming beauty. The book draaaaaags at times, and I feel like this could have been a tighter more interesting book if it was shorter, or if it had a different subject lol.
Also, Odysseus is the worst. The worst.
Parts are interesting as George tries to humanize Helen while also dealing with the whole fate /gods /freewill problem of Greek mythology. Unfortunately there's no room for mystery or speculation about the situation when it's from Helen's point of view. Also Helen isn't that interesting beyond her overwhelming beauty. The book draaaaaags at times, and I feel like this could have been a tighter more interesting book if it was shorter, or if it had a different subject lol.
Also, Odysseus is the worst. The worst.
I found this book to be well-written and interesting. The author is an excellent and believable storyteller. However, some of the interactions between characters were too formal to be believed, and at times I found the book somewhat bland.
While there is no mention of Achilles' weakened heel, there is too much store set in prophecies. I love Margaret George and I am sure that there is some truth to the credence such things were given in that time, but it has gotten to the point where the prophecies are being used an excuse. "Oh yes, I ran out on my husband, but its okay because I am only fulfilling the curse on my father."
Summary: Aphrodite made me do it.
This started strong but the last third was tough to finish.
Full review here: https://amandasbookblog.wordpress.com/2015/03/20/helen-of-troy/
This started strong but the last third was tough to finish.
Full review here: https://amandasbookblog.wordpress.com/2015/03/20/helen-of-troy/
The writing is really similar to her other books - its good but kinda formulaic. I enjoy the amount of research that goes into Ms. George's books. The heroines are a little too weak for my tastes.
With this book, the incorporation of the Greek deities and the role that omens played in lives was nicely done. The further exploration of the personalities of more "familiar" Greeks, such as Odysseus and Agamemnon, helped add depth to an already well known tragedy.
With this book, the incorporation of the Greek deities and the role that omens played in lives was nicely done. The further exploration of the personalities of more "familiar" Greeks, such as Odysseus and Agamemnon, helped add depth to an already well known tragedy.
The first time I read it I fell in love with it! It caught my attention because I love Mythology, but the second time through, it took me much longer and I found it to be boring at many spots. Even though it was boring, it was still an enjoyable read for the most part.
Though a bit tedious at times, this is a wonderful novel. It contains both a female and a Trojan perspective in Helen. This work allows us to truly empathize with the Trojans. One can never really side with "the Greeks" (which I did prior to this novel) after reading this; nor can one presume the war was caused by two selfish lovers (all wars, as well as this one, were caused by a multitude of events).
Honestly better than what i had expected. It’s a retelling that doesn’t hurt the source too much. I hold a huge bias for hector and andromache’s lil family, so some of the things made me squint especially their one dimensional characterization. Or Helen saying she was Troy like honey babe no, Troy is Hector lmao But it was enjoyable to read, especially knowing everything that was to happen already so seeing the characters mention or events happen I kept grinning like ooo i know what thats gonna lead tooo and it happens and it’s great.