Helpful Score: 6
I have read everything Margarert George has written, and I've enjoyed them all. I was, however, a little bit disappointed with this one. It seemed as though she could have left out about 5 chapters and it wouldn't have lacked a thing. A one point, I thought, "Just build the darn horse and get it over with already!"
Helpful Score: 5
No need to write the story but I can say it was a very good book. Well worth spending the many hours it takes to finish it. Typically Margaret George it was lots of pages but it does keep moving. High recommend this book.
Helpful Score: 4
This book was absolutely fascinating and remarkable - I would even go as far as to say awe-inspiring. Margaret George is truly a genius among men. The thought, intelligence, and attention to detail that obviously went into this book is astonishing. It was exciting, suspenseful, heart-wrenching and thought provoking all at the same time. Hours after finishing it I'm still turning it over and over in my mind.
The story itself spans 60+ years and is, at its core, a biography of Helen of Troy told from her POV.
The story itself spans 60+ years and is, at its core, a biography of Helen of Troy told from her POV.
Helpful Score: 2
Another excellent tale from Margaret George! Very inventive, tells the tale of the life of Helen, with the Trojan War as only a minor character. Reads easily and is definitely worth it---she is among the best historical fiction writers writing today.
Helpful Score: 1
A very interesting and captivating story! This is a keeper!
Helpful Score: 1
I just love the way this woman writes. I was wrapped up in this book as often as I could get to it. I would HIGHLY recommend it! Amazing how you feel for all the characters. Knowing much of the story told from a different vantage point, you want to scream to the characters to not do this or that... I can see how much can be written about each character within...
I love Margaret George and enjoyed this book - she certainly brings the characters to life!
What an entertaining version of the story of the Trojan War! This book is written in first person and Helen is narrating the story of her life. She is a very caring, sympathetic and innocent character in this book because we are hearing the story from her side. The writing is so fantastic you are immediately pulled in and cant wait to read more to see what happens (even though you know the end of the story).
Helen is raised as a very sheltered young girl and is forbidden to use a mirror lest she see how beautiful she is. She longed for freedom and the ability to travel because her parents kept a very tight leash on her and she was seldom allowed to leave the castle. After she was married and had a daughter, she still longed to see the world beyond her kingdom.
Once in Troy and the war began, the book dragged a little or maybe I was just tired of the war. The part Greek mythology played in the story was a little weak. Basically, when someone behaved badly, their excuse was the gods made me do it. I cant tell you how close this book was to Homers and others version of the legend but it was definitely an enjoyable version of the tale.
Helen is raised as a very sheltered young girl and is forbidden to use a mirror lest she see how beautiful she is. She longed for freedom and the ability to travel because her parents kept a very tight leash on her and she was seldom allowed to leave the castle. After she was married and had a daughter, she still longed to see the world beyond her kingdom.
Once in Troy and the war began, the book dragged a little or maybe I was just tired of the war. The part Greek mythology played in the story was a little weak. Basically, when someone behaved badly, their excuse was the gods made me do it. I cant tell you how close this book was to Homers and others version of the legend but it was definitely an enjoyable version of the tale.
Audio CD version of this book is great for a series of long commutes or a road trip. Narrated in the first person from Helen's own viewpoint. Margaret George is known for her detailed research and great story telling. I learned a lot about the legends. Highly recommended.
