The Mask of Apollo : A Novel

Rating:
Summary: ~~A Genuinely Lovely Study~~
Review: This truly is a novel written with patience and love - with a fascinating peek into obscure moments in the evolution of ancient theatre and philosophy! The protagonist, Nikeratos, is a tragic actor. Through him, we see momentous events of ancient history evolve. The characters are drawn in such a way that makes them timelessly endearing - the language is subtly poetic and conjures images of the age. After reading this novel, I made it my quest to read more on the subject matter - including Plutarch's LIVES and the writings of Plato. Mary Renault's studies of Alexander the Great are equally fascinating. Yet I must say that her "Mask of Apollo" sits quite sturdily, albeit inconspicuously, among my all-time favorite books!

Rating:
Summary: Really breathes life into the ancient world
Review: This was a beautifully written novel. The pervasiveness of homosexual relationships depicted in the story eloquently exposes our own society's morals as arbitrary. Our customs were not established at the dawn of time nor are they immutable as we might suppose. Also the gods were portrayed as spirtually significant powers that really shaped lives. I have thought of them as entertaining mythical fantasies and assumed that the ancients, at least the educated, did as well. But their gods were as powerful and real to them as our God is to us. The colorful caste of characters- Roman soldiers, Gauls, Sicilians, and a few famous figures - really brought the ancient Mediterrannean world to life in all its variety.

Rating:
Summary: Really breathes life into the ancient world
Review: This was a beautifully written novel. The pervasiveness of homosexual relationships depicted in the story eloquently exposes our own society's morals as arbitrary. Our customs were not established at the dawn of time nor are they immutable as we might suppose. Also the gods were portrayed as spirtually significant powers that really shaped lives. I have thought of them as entertaining mythical fantasies and assumed that the ancients, at least the educated, did as well. But their gods were as powerful and real to them as our God is to us. The colorful caste of characters- Roman soldiers, Gauls, Sicilians, and a few famous figures - really brought the ancient Mediterrannean world to life in all its variety.