Tag: historical fiction

The Flowers of Adonis by Rosemary Sutcliff #BookReview #ccspin

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adonisAbout the Book

The 5th Century BC. The Greek city-states are engaged in perpetual war. But one man towers above the chaos. His name is Alkibiades. He is at once a pirate, statesman and seducer whose adventures rival those of Odysseus himself.

Citizen of Athens, friend of Socrates, sailor, warrior and inveterate lover, Alkibiades flees persecution in his native city to join the Spartan cause.

However, his brilliant naval and diplomatic victories on their behalf do not save him from the consequences of impregnating the Spartan queen, and once more he takes up the outcast’s mantle.

Format: ebook (384 pages)       Publisher: Endeavour Press
Publication date: 2014 [1969] Genre: Historical Fiction, Classics

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My Review

The Classics ClubThe Flowers of Adonis is the book from my Classics Club list chosen for me in the latest Classics Club Spin.  Having devoured Rosemary Sutcliff’s books, such as The Eagle of the Ninth, when I was younger I was delighted when the spin result was announced.  The book also fulfils one of the categories for the When Are You Reading? Challenge 2020hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words.

The Flower of Adonis is a fictionalized account of the life of Alkibiades, an Athenian General. In her Author’s note Rosemary Sutcliff describes her protagonist as “an enigma”, going on to remark, “Even allowing that no man is all black and white, few men can ever have been more wildly and magnificently piebald”. Well, that’s one way to put it!

I know some readers have struggled with the multiple narrators and the frequent switching between them, sometimes within the same chapter. Personally, I didn’t find that any barrier to my enjoyment of the book. In fact, I felt it helped to provide insights into the different facets of Alkibiades’ character whether from the point of view of those who were his close companions, those who served with him in a military capacity or those who knew him only as a public figure. What did slightly grate for me was that the narrators continued to be referred to in the section headings by their occupations or status – The Soldier, The Seaman, The Citizen, and so on – even after the reader learns the names of the main ones (Arkadius, Antiochus and Timotheus respectively). I appreciate this may have been an editorial decision for consistency or perhaps it was to emphasise their role as representatives of different strands of society.

I found myself most uncomfortable with the way the sections from the point of view of Timandra, the slave girl who becomes the long-time companion of Alkibiades, are headed ‘The Whore’. Perhaps it’s because I found those sections the most affecting that it rankled so much. If Timandra is ever a ‘whore’ it’s because she was captured and sold into slavery but she is always utterly faithful to Alkibiades. The same cannot be said of him. And as for his treatment of the Spartan Queen…!

The Alkibiades portrayed by Rosemary Sutcliff is indeed an enigmatic figure. He’s bold, resourceful, courageous in battle, a skilful negotiator and an accomplished tactician who inspires devotion in those who serve with him. He’s also mercurial, ruthless, impetuous, easily bored and possesses a supreme belief in his own ability. Of one bold plan, he observes, “It’s a gamble – a glorious gamble, but I can pull it off for you, and there’s not another man who can!”

With promises such as that, to begin with he is viewed as the saviour of an Athens desperate for a victory after a series of defeats. However, as we have seen in modern times, having the hopes of a population riding on you can be a heavy burden and the fall from grace if success is not delivered can be even swifter than the rise. As Timotheus observes sadly at the end of the book, ‘Something that was in Athens when I was a boy will not be there for my sons’. Or in the words of the song, “Don’t it always seem to go, That you don’t know what you’ve got, Till it’s gone’.

I’ll confess that much of the forming and breaking of alliances, the political intrigue and the conquest, loss and often re-conquest of cities and territory left me slightly confused. However, I enjoyed the exciting battle scenes and the wealth of fascinating historical detail about life at that time. Apart from Timandra, my favourite character was Antiochus, Alkibiades’ trusted and loyal right hand man. Alkibiades himself I found intriguing but difficult to like.

The Flowers of Adonis (the title refers to a religious celebration that features at the beginning of the book and is cleverly echoed at its moving ending) is an accomplished piece of historical fiction by a writer who knew how to bring the past alive. Reading the book reminded me I have Rosemary Sutcliff partly to thank for my enduring love of historical fiction.

In three words: Epic, action-packed, detailed

Try something similar: The New Achilles by Christian Cameron

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239432About the Author

Rosemary Sutcliff (1920-1992) wrote dozens of books for young readers, including her award-winning Roman Britain trilogy, The Eagle of the Ninth, The Silver Branch, and The Lantern Bearers, which won the Carnegie Medal. The Eagle of the Ninth is now a major motion picture, The Eagle, directed by Kevin MacDonald and starring Channing Tatum. Born in Surrey, Sutcliff spent her childhood in Malta and on various other naval bases where her father was stationed. At a young age, she contracted Still’s Disease, which confined her to a wheelchair for most of her life. Shortly before her death, she was named Commander of the British Empire (CBE) one of Britain’s most prestigious honours. She died in West Sussex, England, in 1992.

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Lionheart by Ben Kane #BookReview #BlogTour @orionbooks

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EYXtb37XsAAnCYXWelcome to today’s stop on the blog tour for Lionheart by Ben Kane, which will be published by Orion on 28th May 2020 but is available to pre-order now. My thanks to Virginia at Orion for inviting me to take part in the tour and for my proof copy.

LionheartAbout the Book

1179. Henry II’s Norman conquerors have swept through England, Wales – and now Ireland.

Irish nobleman Ferdia has been imprisoned in Wales to ensure the good behaviour of his rebellious father. But during a skirmish on a neighbouring castle, Ferdia saves the life of the man who would become one of the most legendary warriors to have ever lived: Richard Plantagenet. The Lionheart.

Taken as Richard’s squire, Ferdia crosses the Narrow Sea to resist the rebellious nobles in Aquitaine, besieging castles and fighting bloody battles with brutal frequency.

But treachery and betrayal lurk around every corner. Infuriated by his younger brother Richard’s growing reputation, Henry rebels. And Ferdia learns that the biggest threat to Richard’s life may not be a foreign army – but Richard’s own family . . .

Format: Hardcover (400 pages)    Publisher: Orion
Publication date: 28th May 2020 Genre: Historical Fiction

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My Review

Lionheart is the first book I’ve read by Ben Kane although I’m aware of his reputation as a bestselling and highly regarded author of historical fiction set in the Roman period. Series such as Spartacus, Hannibal and Eagles of Rome have earned him a devoted following and I can now appreciate why. In Lionheart, the first in a new series, the author turns his attention to 12th century England and France, and in particular to that famous historical figure, Richard the Lionheart.

The narrator of the story is Ferdia, the son of an Irish nobleman defeated by the English. During his time held as a hostage, Ferdia (or Rufus, as he is nicknamed for his red hair) encounters Richard, then Duke of Acquitaine. The manner of their meeting will change the course of both their lives. Rather against his will, Ferdia finds himself drawn to Richard because of the latter’s leadership qualities, military prowess and personal charisma. Whilst held hostage, Ferdia also makes himself a deadly enemy but, luckily, acquires a loyal supporter in the shape of Rhys, a young Welsh urchin.

Over the course of the next few years Ferdia comes to appreciate the camaraderie of his fellow squires and the bonds forged in battle. He also indulges in a young man’s interests: sparring, drinking and trying to attract the attention of young ladies.

As you might expect from a book set in an eventful period of history, Lionheart is full of vivid battle scenes and details of weaponry, armour and military tactics. In the background – an element I particularly enjoyed – is the picture of a family at war between themselves. King Henry’s sons – Henry (known as the Young King), Richard, Geoffrey and John – are distrustful of one another and constantly sparring for favour. As it transpires, some are prepared to go further than others to achieve their ambitions. Poor King Henry’s attempts to create peace between his sons usually come to naught, including during one especially uncomfortable Christmas at Caen.

At this point, I’d like to mention the 1968 film The Lion in Winter, starring Peter O’Toole as Henry, Katharine Hepburn as Eleanor and Sir Anthony Hopkins as Richard. Although historically inaccurate – Eleanor was imprisoned by her husband for rebelling against him from 1173 until his death – it’s still a wonderful depiction of the strife in the family. With a screenplay by James Goldman based on his 1966 play of the same name, the film won three Oscars including one for John Barry’s glorious soundtrack.

Interspersed between Ferdia’s first person narration are occasional sections from the point of view of Sir William Marshal. A real life figure known as ‘the greatest knight in Christendom’ and attached to the household of first the Young King and then King Henry, these sections provide the reader with an up close and personal insight into the turbulent relationships within the Royal family. The book ends at a pivotal moment for the realm, for Richard and for Ferdia. God’s legs, as Richard would say, the author knows how to leave his readers with both a warm feeling and wanting more.

Full of adventure, action and intrigue, Lionheart is a thrilling read. But don’t just take my word for it, read this brilliant review by Kate at For Winter Nights who really knows her stuff when it comes to historical fiction. Or check out some of the other stops on the blog tour.

I’m really looking forward to the next in the series, due in 2021, especially since the author promises us an appearance by Eleanor! Fans of classic films may want to get ready for the next instalment by watching Ivanhoe (1952) and/or The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938).

In three words: Dramatic, immersive, exciting

Try something similar: Lionheart by Sharon Kay Penman

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contributor-ben-kane-56About the Author

Kenya born, Irish by blood and UK resident, Ben Kane’s passion for history has seen him change career from veterinary medicine to writing, and taken him to more than 60 countries, and all seven continents. During his travels and subsequent research, including walking hundreds of miles in complete Roman military gear, he has learned much about the Romans and the way they lived. Ten of his thirteen novels have been Sunday Times top ten bestsellers, and his books are published in twelve languages; a million copies have sold worldwide. In 2016, his research was recognised by Bristol University with an honorary Doctor of Letters degree. Kane lives in Somerset with his wife and children, where he writes full time. (Photo/bio credit: Publisher author page)

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