TROY
Adèle Geras
Harcourt Brace
Historical Fiction/Fantasy
ISBN: 0152164928
352 pages

As if human beings' lives were not difficult enough, the people of Troy must suffer from the meddling and manipulations of bored gods and goddesses.

What a fabulous tale Geras has crafted in this novel. Troy, at war with the Greeks for over 10 years now, is a city imprisoned within its own walls. Each day the men go out on the plain to fight --- and their women wonder if they will ever see them alive again. Geras focuses on the women of Troy and the many struggles they have.

Xanthe is nursemaid to Hector's son and also works in the Blood Room, the place where wounded soldiers are taken. When she cares for Alastor, Eros shoots his arrow into her heart, and she falls in love. Does Alastor feel the same? Xanthe's sister, Marpessa, who works in Helen and Paris's household, is able to see the gods and goddesses, but having this ability does not prevent her from being placed in the grasp of love by Aphrodite. Iason works in Hector's stable and is much more comfortable talking with the animals than with Xanthe, whom he loves. And poor Polyxena is caught between being in love with Iason and loving Xanthe.

Meanwhile, war is raging on the plain outside the walls, and the people gather together to watch, to support one another and to cheer for their heroes. But are the soldiers in charge of their destinies, or does Mount Olympus control the fate of the war as well?

With the background of war, love, and betrayal, these four young people, along with the regular cast of characters of Troy --- Hector, Andromache, Astyanax, Helen, Paris, Odysseus, Achilles, and the gods and goddesses --- all come together in this marvelous book.

Can't remember all the facts about the Trojan War and the myriad gods and goddesses? Not to worry --- Geras gives you all the information you need to understand and enjoy the story. I recommend you start reading when you have plenty of free time --- you won't be able to put the book down.

Please note: Because of mature topics, including love and war, some material in this book may be inappropriate or objectionable for young readers.

   --- Reviewed by Elizabeth Pabrinkis

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