This felt like three books in one. I found the middle chapters titled “Gauls and Romans,” “Britons and Romans,” and “Interlude: the story so far,” as This felt like three books in one. I found the middle chapters titled “Gauls and Romans,” “Britons and Romans,” and “Interlude: the story so far,” as well as the final summary chapter, the most interesting. The first half was written in a style that was too academic and dry for me and the last few chapters on what “Celtic” means today didn’t hold my interest. The Further Reading section at the end looks useful....more
Rosemary Sutcliff imagines the British Iceni tribe as a matriarchy and gives Queen Boudicca a fictional harper who narrates the story of her life and Rosemary Sutcliff imagines the British Iceni tribe as a matriarchy and gives Queen Boudicca a fictional harper who narrates the story of her life and her failed rebellion against Roman oppression. The author mixes the fictional life story well with what little is actually known about the historical Boudicca, telling a moving and exciting story.
The writing is beautiful. It’s lyrical and poetic, whether describing nature, moments of reflection, or scenes of violence. The story is ultimately tragic and heartbreaking but it’s told so well. This was my first Rosemary Sutcliff book, it won’t be my last....more
This free ebook is a short history of Queen Boudica of the British Inceni tribe and the events that led up to the failed rebellion she led against RomThis free ebook is a short history of Queen Boudica of the British Inceni tribe and the events that led up to the failed rebellion she led against Roman invaders. Very simple writing style with a bit of repetition. The quotes from historians Tacitus and Cassius Dio were nice....more
In this tale, Odysseus and the Cyclops Polyphemus are written as if they were historical figures. A young boy befriends an injured Polyphemus and brinIn this tale, Odysseus and the Cyclops Polyphemus are written as if they were historical figures. A young boy befriends an injured Polyphemus and brings him to his king.
The story explores the concepts of the outsider, the monster, the hero, as well as the custom of xenia, “guest friendship” in the ancient world. The writing has a lyrical quality and reminds me of the historical fiction of Mary Renault....more
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