According To Helen

By Florence Wallin

Book Overview

Archaeological discoveries point to a surprising new interpretation of Greek mythology's most beautiful woman. After more than three thousand years Helen of Troy has her chance to tell her story of loyal queen's struggle amid clashing cultures and her compelling relationship with Paris in Florence Wallin's novel. All of this is set against the drama of the Trojan War and the clash of the Olympian gods with the original worship of the the earth mother goddess. "...the attention to the detail of settings and other aspects of Bronze Age Aegean culture are especially impressive. But most of all the characters are engaging and the story captivating..." Jean Marty, Research Professor of Classics, University of North Carolina-Asheville. "...The novel is astonishing, so evocative and exciting, bringing Helen to life as a complex and appealing human being as well as the mythical ideal of a beautiful and intelligent woman." P.B. Parris. "...it is a novel based on archaeology. As such it can be regarded as a hypothesis, an imaginative arrangement of the material at hand now, and the current interpretations of the material...The writing rings true." Robert L. Horn, professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, Earlham College. "...Helen's story has always been told from the point of view of kings who needed an excuse for war, blaming it on Helen's love affair with Paris. How wonderful to hear her point of view." Elizabeth Daniels Squire, award winning author of Peaches Dann mystery series.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0965594807
• ISBN13: 9780965594806
• Release Date: August 2013
• Publisher: Pine Tree Press, Incorporated
• Length: 388 Pages
• Weight: 1.17 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.1" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Author's web site

You can find out more information about the author and the book at:http://main.nc.us/pinetreepress

Helen and Troy come to life

Archeologists refuse to state categorically that the Trojan Wardescribed by Homer actually occurred. Nevertheless it is a durable myth and ancient Troy is a a real place (in Turkey). Most of us have some notion that Helen of Troy was the Cleopatraof her time,and caused the Trojan War and all the tragic events thatensued. Florence Wallin brings the famous Helen to life and lets her explain that her role in this story is quite misrepresented .Helen is not some sultry temptress but the true Queen, in her ownright of (what became) Sparta. She reprsents queenship a worshipof the Goddess in an age when matriarchal power was changing to worchip of Zeus and Patriarchal power. Her visit to Troy was adiplomatic mission (though the story does not deny her the passionate affair with the Trojan Prince, Paris). This is a fascinating novel by someone who has been to many ofthe placesdescribed and brings fictional imagination and learning to our most famous semi-historical myth.

The Trojan War--from a female perspective

Interesting take on the story of the Trojan War. Since the narrator is Helen, holes are filled in that Homer neglects. Reading it in conjunction with the _Iliad_ gives a whole new perspective, including what it "actually" was that caused the War. Reminded me of Bradley's _Firebrand_ in some ways, and also the new trend in Arthurian fiction to give women a larger, more commanding role and a voice. Helen is not just a pawn, she is a ruling Queen who must do what is best for her people.

According to Helen...according to me

According to Helen is a great book for anyone who interested in ancient Greece, or it's mythology and litereature, or just historical fiction in general. This book tells the story of the Trojan war, as the title suggests, from the point of view of Helen. This is an interesting twist because not only do you see an ancient story told from a woman's perspective, but you also get an idea of Helen's life before and after the war she is so famous for causing. While this version of the events of the Trojan war certainly doesn't agree with the classics, that's part of what makes it interesting....to experience the same events in a different context really makes you think. Part of the reason I liked the book is because I am a fan of historical fiction in general. If this is something you like this book is great because it really does transport you to a different time and a different way of life. As a woman, I really appreciated the fact that the character of Helen was strong woman with real dimension, and not just some beautiful damsel in distress being fought over by a bunch of men. If you liked Firebrand by Marion Zimmer Bradley, you'll definitely enjoy this; and if this books sounds interesting to you I suggest checking out Firebrand also.