aeneasgreenbriar's review
adventurous
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This was the first book I was ever obsessed with, my mother had given it to me and as soon as I finished it my heart knew it’d be my favourite for a long long time. It’s a retelling of the Theseus myth but it was written so beautifully the images sparking shivers and happiness. Some inaccuracies with the original myth but overall this is a book that should be read if you simply want to feel like a little kid again.
roo182's review
2.0
Despite being a big fan of Kazantzakis' work, I made the mistake of jumping from Zorba the Greek (a literary and philosophical masterpiece) straight into this.
At the Palaces of Knossos was clearly written for young adults, and if it weren't for my love of Greek history and the past work of Kazantzakis, I probably would not have gotten through this book. In saying this, it was a charming retelling of the eventual downfall of the Minoan empire on Crete and the emergence of Athens alongside the coming of the Iron age. While some of this may have fallen to the translation, I did find it like I was watching a mid-afternoon pre-teen adventure television show that nobody remembers the name of.
Unless you're looking for a dramatized retelling of a patch of Greek history, or something great to read to your 8-10 year old at bed time, I'd not bother with this title. NK has so many other brilliant ones to choose from.
At the Palaces of Knossos was clearly written for young adults, and if it weren't for my love of Greek history and the past work of Kazantzakis, I probably would not have gotten through this book. In saying this, it was a charming retelling of the eventual downfall of the Minoan empire on Crete and the emergence of Athens alongside the coming of the Iron age. While some of this may have fallen to the translation, I did find it like I was watching a mid-afternoon pre-teen adventure television show that nobody remembers the name of.
Unless you're looking for a dramatized retelling of a patch of Greek history, or something great to read to your 8-10 year old at bed time, I'd not bother with this title. NK has so many other brilliant ones to choose from.
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