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 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: you and the past
Summary: 4 Stars
While you are reading The persian boy you are travelling in the ancien Iran and Asia, you are living with Alexander the Great, you are combatting with him, you are there in the past.
While you will finish this book you will cry the death of the King and you will be happy to have been near his last bed with the eyes of Bagoa, his boyBook Review: A very enticing view of Alexander the Great.
Summary: 5 Stars
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_____I have read many books in my 17 years, but few have
captured me as The Persian Boy has. It is the story of a
persian boy sold into slavery and eventually becomes slave
to King Darius III. As Persia is lost to Alexander's army
early in the story, the boy becomes first a servant then
a lover to Alexander.
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_____Perhaps the most interesting part of the story is that
Renault maintains an enormous level of accuracy both about
the historical events, and about the relationship between
this boy and Alexander, based on records from the time.
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_____Another important aspect of this book is how it captures
a boy's feelings and emotions when his father is lost, when
he is forced to be a prostitute, and when he falls in love.
Man-boy love is very taboo in our modern era, and those of
you who have prejudices against such things might enjoy
the viewpoint of a boy from 2300 years ago.
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