Daughter of Troy by Sarah Franklin
For all the people who loved the Iliad, this is the book for you. Franklin takes the character of Briseis, who was Achilles' prize and the cause of his wrath against Agamemnon, and tells the story of the Trojan war through her eyes and from her land of Lyrnessos. A significant part of the book takes place well before the war begins. We meet Patroclus, Hector, Aeneas, Paris and Helen as well as other minor characters from the Iliad, all of whom Franklin gives plausible reasons for visiting Lyrnessos.
In true epic style, Franklin begins her story in media res when Agamemnon is about to demand Briseis be given to him thus beginning the great quarrel. At a dramatic point, she then tells the story in flashbacks and finally returns to the quarrel and finishes the story with the death of Achilles. I wasn't quite prepared for some of the graphic sex scenes, but the author obviously felt including how sex was viewed by the Greeks and Trojans (which was sometimes quite casual and sometimes not) was important. There were many other customs that were woven into the storyline. Kingdoms were descended through the female line which played a significant part of the plot, particularly when Briseis is betrothed. The gods are another major element of the plot: the characters must honor the Immortals and their wishes. When Priam comes to ransom Hector's body, Franklin has created a quite plausible explanation for how he was able to get through the Greek army undetected.
The author presents a true love story between Achilles and Briseis. Yet, Patroclus is presented as almost as great a man as Achilles. Patroclus lacks the anger and impetuosity of Achilles, and it is hard not to like him and understand Achilles' rage when he is slain. It is also easy not to like Agamemnon. I felt Hector got a poor representation in this book, but that's probably because I favor how Homer presents Hector, especially in Book VI of the Iliad when he bids Andromache goodbye.
I loved this book, but there are portions of it that a reader may find objectionable.
In true epic style, Franklin begins her story in media res when Agamemnon is about to demand Briseis be given to him thus beginning the great quarrel. At a dramatic point, she then tells the story in flashbacks and finally returns to the quarrel and finishes the story with the death of Achilles. I wasn't quite prepared for some of the graphic sex scenes, but the author obviously felt including how sex was viewed by the Greeks and Trojans (which was sometimes quite casual and sometimes not) was important. There were many other customs that were woven into the storyline. Kingdoms were descended through the female line which played a significant part of the plot, particularly when Briseis is betrothed. The gods are another major element of the plot: the characters must honor the Immortals and their wishes. When Priam comes to ransom Hector's body, Franklin has created a quite plausible explanation for how he was able to get through the Greek army undetected.
The author presents a true love story between Achilles and Briseis. Yet, Patroclus is presented as almost as great a man as Achilles. Patroclus lacks the anger and impetuosity of Achilles, and it is hard not to like him and understand Achilles' rage when he is slain. It is also easy not to like Agamemnon. I felt Hector got a poor representation in this book, but that's probably because I favor how Homer presents Hector, especially in Book VI of the Iliad when he bids Andromache goodbye.
I loved this book, but there are portions of it that a reader may find objectionable.
Comments