McLaren, Clemence. Inside the walls of Troy; a novel of the women who lived the Trojan War

Kliatt, Jan, 2005 by Jessica Swaim

McLAREN, Clemence. Inside the walls of Troy; a novel of the women who lived the Trojan War. Simon & Schuster, Pulse. 208p. 0-689-87397-2. JSA*

This absorbing tale of lust, romance, greed, and betrayal stars Helen of Troy, the woman whose face launched a thousand ships. The story opens when the legendary beauty is a marriageable 12-year-old, with suitors already clamoring for her hand, and relates her subsequent kidnapping by Theseus of Athens, then her passionless arranged marriage to Menelaus, which results in the birth of a daughter. Six years later comes the destiny-changing moment when Helen meets Paris, her equal in both beauty and self-centeredness. Their inevitable romance leads to Helen of Sparta's defection to Troy and the subsequent war that cost both sides countless lives.

Through it all, the woman who started the Trojan War emerges as such a sympathetic character that readers will forgive her indiscretions and cheer for her countrymen, even as they pity her spurned husband and abandoned daughter. Historically accurate elements abound, such as the building of the Trojan horse and Cassandra's gift of prophecy, but it is McLaren's fictional embellishments, such as the unlikely friendship between Helen and Cassandra, that enliven the tale. Subtle textual reminders help even the most reluctant reader discriminate between a potentially confusing cast of characters, making this a winner for middle schoolers and up. Just for fun as well as a classroom gem for students and teachers of Greek myth. Jessica Swaim, Cataloger, Cherry Creek Schools, Denver, CO

J--Recommended for junior high school students. The contents are of particular interest to young adolescents and their teachers.

S--Recommended for senior high school students.

A--Recommended for advanced students and adults. This code will help librarians and teachers working in high schools where there are honors and advanced placement students. This also will help extend KLIATT's usefulness in public libraries.

*--The asterisk highlights exceptional books.