The Persian Boy
The Persian Boy
Book Brief
Beta420
Novel • Fiction
•
Fantasy•
Historical FictionMacedonia • 4th century BC
•
World History1988
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Persian Boy by Mary Renault, the story follows a young Persian named Bagoas, who becomes entangled in the affairs of Alexander the Great. Through Bagoas's perspective, the narrative explores themes of loyalty, identity, and cultural interaction against the backdrop of Alexander's expansive conquests and complex personal relationships.
Contemplative
Mysterious
Emotional
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
11,764 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Mary Renault's The Persian Boy captivates with its intricate historical detail and rich character development. Readers appreciate the vivid portrayal of Alexander the Great and Bagoas, but some find the pacing uneven. The novel excels in blending history and fiction, though occasional melodrama may detract for some. Overall, it is a compelling exploration of loyalty and love.
Who Should Read The Persian Boy?
Readers who enjoy The Persian Boy by Mary Renault are typically drawn to historical fiction rich in detail and character development. Fans of works like I, Claudius by Robert Graves or The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller will appreciate Renault's exploration of ancient history through personal, human narratives.
11,764 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Persian Boy is the second book in Mary Renault's celebrated trilogy about the life of Alexander the Great, which demonstrates Renault's dedication to historical accuracy and vivid storytelling.
Mary Renault wrote The Persian Boy after her extensive travels in Greece and her study of historical sources, which has been praised for bringing authenticity and depth to the novel.
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Renault's portrayal of Alexander the Great in The Persian Boy is noted for its exploration of his complex personal relationships, making the character more relatable and human to readers.
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420
Novel • Fiction
•
Fantasy•
Historical FictionMacedonia • 4th century BC
•
World History1988
Adult
18+ years
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