~ THE PERSIAN BOY ~
Mary Renault

Review by: I. Indigo

I found this book by accident, and will be forever glad that I did purchase a copy the second time I came across it. Renault's style is simple and straightforward. It's not prone to over-described, flowery passages that serve to lengthen the book. With the exploits of Alexander the Great she had more than enough material without all of that.

I don't think I've ever been so moved by such simple writing. The story, told in the first person by the Persian eunuch in love with Alexander, was wonderful in portraying feelings and personalities without the effort of overdoing anything. We fully understand the depth of Bagoas' emotions, or lack of them in certain cases. The portrayal of Alexander through his eyes let the reader fully understand his reasons for caring about the Great King.

By the very end I was nearly in tears. The finals scenes were told with such care and simple emotion that one can't help but feel everything that was being expressed. The small details were wonderful, and the personalities of the other characters, even if they were only shown a few times, were quite well done.

ISBN: 014003840x
Edition: Trade Paperback