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A review by tab2004
The Firebrand by Marion Zimmer Bradley
4.0
This is one of my favourite books. I've read it at least 5 or 6 times. I will read almost any book that deals with the Trojan War but I haven't always enjoyed them, I think because they either tend to dwell heavily on the war or Helen. This book takes on the viewpoint of Cassandra, a truly interesting character. In the Illiad and other myths she is beautiful but insane. While Zimmer Bradley continues this idea her Cassandra is never portrayed with wringing hands and wild hair, going on hysterically like some authors portray her. I could have done without much of the Amazon story but I can see why as a feminist, she included it. I had no problem with the goddess worship, and the men from the north taking over from the women. Robert Graves subscribes to much the same view and I love his writing as well.
I do wish Achilles had been portrayed more as he was in the movie Troy. He is another character that many authors make look psychotic or like an overgrown child. I thought her version of Agamemnon was spot on though.
Like many others I wish they had spent more time on what happened to Cassandra after Clytemnestra let her go.I would rather have read that than alot of the temple or Amazon scenes.
At times the feminist point of view felt like it was going over the top but overall I really enjoyed the book. I've dreamt of writing a book from the point of view of other smaller tertiary characters like Polyxena or Hermione but realize that will probably never happen. I can just wish some author will take on the task someday.
I do wish Achilles had been portrayed more as he was in the movie Troy. He is another character that many authors make look psychotic or like an overgrown child. I thought her version of Agamemnon was spot on though.
Like many others I wish they had spent more time on what happened to Cassandra after Clytemnestra let her go.I would rather have read that than alot of the temple or Amazon scenes.
At times the feminist point of view felt like it was going over the top but overall I really enjoyed the book. I've dreamt of writing a book from the point of view of other smaller tertiary characters like Polyxena or Hermione but realize that will probably never happen. I can just wish some author will take on the task someday.