The Persian Boy by Mary Renault Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Persian Boy
Book Review: The best novelization of Alexander the Great's short life
Summary: 4 Stars
While there is no written historical evidence to confirm Alexander the Great as a homosexual, nonetheless he had very close relationships with two men, Hephaestion and Bagoas, a Persian eunuch. There is an interesting love triangle between the men portrayed in the book. This is a very touching autobiography of Bagoas from his beginnings forced into slavery up until the death of his lover Alexander. The scene of Alexander's death will move most to tears. Historical novelization doesn't get better than this.Book Review: The best thing ever to happen to Alexander the Great
Summary: 3 Stars
The narrator of _The Persian Boy_ is Bagoas, once owned by Persian King Darius then later given to Alexander of Macedon, better known in history as Alexander the Great. Bagoas was granted to Alexander as a spoil of a battle won by Alexander. Bagoas is a eunuch, castrated as a young boy so that he would always retain his youthful beauty.
Bagoas becomes Alexander's lover, companion, and advisor, in as much as Bagoas becomes the one individual Alexander can always trust. If Alexander desired to hear the truth no matter what the consequences, he could always turn to Bagoas. In return, Bagoas who greatly needed affection could usually depend upon Alexander for this. A huge rivalry forms between Bagoas and Hephaiston, Alexander's long time lover. It says much about Bagoas that he respects Alexander's primary relationship and never acts to betray Hephaiston. Alexander marries Roxane, whom Alexander meets as one of the female dancers who perform for him. Despite his lack of interest in women, as ruler of Macedon and other areas, there is the necessity of providing an heir to the throne were Alexander to die.
Ms. Renault portrays Alexander as a very brave and loyal man, albeit a man with a huge temper. Alexander is also a heavy wine drinker, which later is a detriment to him. Alexander arranges for the granting of doweries to all the unmarried soldiers serving in his army. He also provides theatrical performances and funeral games for his men. Several very ornate funerals are portrayed in the book. Alexander also forms an alliance with the Persian leadership simply because Alexander grows to love the Persian people. We learn that Alexander has earned the love and loyalty of his men who wish to comfort Alexander during a particularly bad time for him.
While the book is an easy read, it is often rather a slow-going read. Several battles occur in which Alexander is involved, but Ms. Renault barely recounts these battles to the reader. We know that Alexander has taken part in these battles only because Alexander receives a rather nasty lance wound in one of them. All in all, _The Persian Boy_ succeeds more as history but disappoints as a work of action.
Book Review: The life of Alexander as told by his eunuch lover.
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a terrific book--certainly one of the best I have read in the past few years. It is the second (and best) book in Mary Renault's trilogy on the life of Alexander the Great. For people (like myself) who are largely ignorant of classical history, "The Persian Boy" is a user-friendly, extremely readable overview of the Greek world and the Hellenistic period. Readers should not be put-off by Alexander's homosexual relationship with his eunuch servant (who actually existed, by the way). Rather, enjoy this extremely compassionate and likeable character (Bagoas, the eunuch) and Mary Renault's artistry in bringing his love for Alexander alive. For military history fans, all the battles are here (the defeat of Darius at Issus, the Siege of Tyre, etc.), the famous quotes ("So this is what it means to be king."), and the panoply of historical characters (Philip, Olympias, Ptolemy, Roxanne, and Oxhead the horse). "The Persian Boy" ignited in me a passion for ancient cultures; it is a very memorable book and I hightly recommend it.Book Review: Truly Amazing (And this is coming from a reluctant reader)
Summary: 5 Stars
First off I want to say that I was not initially a fan of Bagoas, I have always been much more partial to Hephastion. As this was from Bagoas's point of view I was initially reluctant to read it but I am VERY glad I did. I have come to love Bagoas every bit as much as Hephastion, much like Alexander did. Though of course this isn't a memoir penned by Bagoas himself, I do very much believe that Mary Renault did him justice and he would be proud. He deserves to have his story told just as much as Alexander does. Bagoas wasn't some weak, frightened, limp wristed eunuch by any stretch of the imagination. He not only survived Royal politics, which is in a feat in itself, but he survived the fall of Darius, the xenophobic Macedonians, an assassination attempt and an incredible and harrowing march through India and the desert. Many, many men (who actually did have balls) did not survive that particular campaign. To me, this just proves the point that being a man is less about what you look like physically and more about what you are made of inside. Cheesy sounding I know, but true. I highly, highly recommend this book, not just for Alexander-aphiles, but for anyone simply looking for something good to read - gay or straight.Book Review: Utterly romantic
Summary: 5 Stars
I wandered around in a library one afternoon and randomly picked up a book off the shelve. It happened to be the "Persian Boy". I was captivated by the book until the last chapter at 4 in the morning. It was one of the most beautifully written book I have ever read, and possibly the most romantic. Alexander, Bagoas, Hephaiston...are portrayed so vividly and so real that I could not put the book down until the very end. I can't help but wonder if there is such love in this age. If not, how unfortunate! Mary Renault's other books are just as romantic: Last of the Wine, The Nature of Alexander, Fire from Heaven, Funeral Games, The Charioteer...are all my favorites. I am not sure there is a better historical-fiction writer.