m4tr1m0ny's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
seeing lines that jo walton put in the just city series like unexpectedly seeing an old friend at a party...sincerely incredible book
erinsbookshelves's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
vitsa's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this book.
It was about a period in history that I knew practically nothing about, and thanks to Mary Renault's great writing and compelling story I had a lot of fun learning about it.
I had great fun sometimes stopping and googling various historical figures that popped up. I spoiled the book for myself about half way through after googling one of the battles that took place and finding out how the Peloponesean wars ended.
But at the same time I didn't feel like I had to check every name or Greek term that popped up in the book, it could stand on it's own merit as a self-contained unit.
Alexias was an interesting character and I loved reading about his personal journey from boy to man and about the wider politics of Athens through his eyes.
The writing was heavy going at times, but I felt that the style fit really well with the story.
It was a really interesting and enjoyable read and I am glad that I got to learn about a period of history I knew nothing about.
It was about a period in history that I knew practically nothing about, and thanks to Mary Renault's great writing and compelling story I had a lot of fun learning about it.
I had great fun sometimes stopping and googling various historical figures that popped up. I spoiled the book for myself about half way through after googling one of the battles that took place and finding out how the Peloponesean wars ended.
But at the same time I didn't feel like I had to check every name or Greek term that popped up in the book, it could stand on it's own merit as a self-contained unit.
Alexias was an interesting character and I loved reading about his personal journey from boy to man and about the wider politics of Athens through his eyes.
The writing was heavy going at times, but I felt that the style fit really well with the story.
It was a really interesting and enjoyable read and I am glad that I got to learn about a period of history I knew nothing about.
anasaurus's review against another edition
2.0
DNF 60%. I wanted to love this book so much. And I tried so hard. It just never stops feeling like a textbook. I was hoping for something a little more akin to the Song of Achilles, but 250 pages on I still didn't have any emotional attachment to the characters
mtthwkrl's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
haileetaylor's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
fascinating portrayal of life in ancient greece, i took my time with this and it felt like i was traveling back in time each time i picked it up. alexias is such a solid character and his relationship with lysis is beautiful to read about
mint_the_muffin's review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
vincent_coles's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
quinndm's review against another edition
4.0
A philosophical exploration that is bound together by a powerful love story and littered with the chaos of war and death.
Greek history, Greek philosophy, Greek geography, and Greek love form an unforgettable book that speaks to all our souls and our quests for meaning and our journeys to understand the Self.
Greek history, Greek philosophy, Greek geography, and Greek love form an unforgettable book that speaks to all our souls and our quests for meaning and our journeys to understand the Self.