Book talk 2 - Troy

Geras, A. (2001). Troy. New York, NY: Harcourt, Inc..

Have you ever heard the saying, "There are two sides to every story"? This has not been true for the classical, historical story of the Trojan War until now. In Troy, a historical fiction novel by Adele Geras, we are told of the infamous 10 year long battle and siege of the city-state of Troy by the Greeks. The difference, we see the story from the perspective of two sisters, Marpessa and Xanthe, from inside the walls of the legendary stronghold. Instead of hearing about heroes and super-human feats, we see the bitter side of war. Marpessa is the personal attendant for the underlying cause of the war, Helen, and Xanthe is a nurse in the Blood Room where wounded Trojan soldiers from battle are given care. As with the Illiad, this rendition covers the final days of the war. You have heard the Greek's side of the story, now read the account from the Trojan's point of view. Then you can decide for yourself who the true heroes were.