Helpful Score: 3
This is the story of Bagoas, a Persian eunuch, and his time spent with Alexander the Great - from the time he is captured, enslaved and gelded as a boy, until Alexander's death.
I enjoyed this story for the historical glimpses we get of life in Alexander's time, and the new insights I gained into the day to day lifestyle of a warrior king. The romantic involvement between this beautiful and graceful Persian boy and the famous figure of Alexander is downplayed; although it is an integral part of the plotline, this story instead revolves around the people and events of the time. The political machinations of the various players and differing tribes are the key intrigues presented and I personally liked this history lesson told from a more personal viewpoint. Bagoas' narrative breathes life into this tale of Alexander's exploits and colors the events depicted with rich detail, explaining the choices made and motivations behind the dry historical facts.
I would wish to find out more about Bagoas' life after his time with Alexander. There is a small epilogue at the end explaining the sources and facts known regarding the true history behind the real-life person of Bagoas, Alexander's Persian Boy.
I enjoyed this story for the historical glimpses we get of life in Alexander's time, and the new insights I gained into the day to day lifestyle of a warrior king. The romantic involvement between this beautiful and graceful Persian boy and the famous figure of Alexander is downplayed; although it is an integral part of the plotline, this story instead revolves around the people and events of the time. The political machinations of the various players and differing tribes are the key intrigues presented and I personally liked this history lesson told from a more personal viewpoint. Bagoas' narrative breathes life into this tale of Alexander's exploits and colors the events depicted with rich detail, explaining the choices made and motivations behind the dry historical facts.
I would wish to find out more about Bagoas' life after his time with Alexander. There is a small epilogue at the end explaining the sources and facts known regarding the true history behind the real-life person of Bagoas, Alexander's Persian Boy.
The writing in this book is excellent, but I found I couldn't be drawn into a story about a castrate boy. Too horrific. :)
beautiful white covered bantam paperback
Read this a long time ago, most everything I know about eunuchs came from this book.
