Product Description

Bestselling novelist, Margaret George, here imagines the story of Helen of Sparta and Troy, one of the most amazing female mythical characters, ancient or modern. A war, which lasted for 10 years, was fought over her and nearly all the stories of the heroic age were bound into her story – a measure of her capacity to galvanise men into action.

Using her unique gift for research and recreation, Margaret George brings to life a Helen who was a tantalizing enigma from the very first, flesh and blood certainly, but also immortal, as the daughter of Zeus. Her beauty is so overwhelming and dangerous that, as a child, she is protected from seeing her reflection. Kings and princes compete for her hand in marriage, and she marries Menelaus of Sparta, but before marrying him all her other suitors swear to help bring Helen back should she ever be abducted again. When she falls for Paris of Troy it is assumed that he has taken her by force, when her actions are far more complex. The suitors are obliged to honour their oath and so the Trojan War begins – the most pivotal event in the history of ancient Greece . . . and the tragedy of these individuals.

‘An epic novel... Margaret George recreates... passions... with extraordinary intensity. If only history lessons had been like this’ Cosmopolitan

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #152669 in Books
• Published on: 2007-01-05
• Original language: German
• Binding: Paperback
• 540 pages

New York Times Book Review
Praise for The Autobiography of Henry VIII:
'Ms George contributes intriguing material to the popular mythology…’

Barbara Taylor Bradford
Praise for Mary Queen of Scotland and the Isles:
‘An historical novel of exceptional quality... a wholly engrossing book.’

Susan Vreeland
From the very first, Helen holds our hearts through romance, betrayal, war... A soaring achievement.

Customer Reviews

Engrossing
I loved this book,I couldn't stop reading it and found myself turning off the tv to read instead - very unusual nowadays! It was interesting to read the legend of Helen from her point of view, I found I liked her despite her obvious failings and had sympathy for her plight. Not sure some of the other characters are as well padded out but enough for me to enjoy the book. I'm going to pick up another of her books right now!

A master piece of ancient greek history
If you don't like the non-fiction books on the archaeology of Troy and prefer a story to help you read between the lines, this is the 1 to go for. The book covers the whole of Helen's life from the day she is born right up until she passes away. It is beautifully told from the point of view of Helen. The books covers the whole of the Trojan war unlike the Illiad. It touched my heart and is the best to go for if you are just starting this genre. 3 cheers for Margaret George!!

Absolutely fantastic!
I've just finished reading this novel and...wow! I can't remember enjoying a book quite so much. It is gripping reading.

The myth of the Trojan War has been retold many times (so much so that my mum actually believed it to be historical fact) but to hear it from the mouth of the main character gives it alot more depth.

I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in Greek mythology. I'm not sure how easy it would be to read if you don't know much about myth but try it anyway. I went straight out and bought Margaret George's "The autobiography of Henry V111" to read after this one.

Highly recommended.