The word "tragedy" is bandied about so much nowadays that it has become devalued. Any death, accident, or painful occurrence is routinely labeled "tragic". But if you want to understand the true meaning of tragedy, read this book! Theseus is a hero - a difficult idea for modern people to accept, in our prosaic times - and Mary Renault does a brilliant job of showing us his heroism, rather than just telling us about it. When danger threatens, when a firm hand is needed, Theseus instinctively takes over; and he always assumes, as he has done since early childhood, that one day the god Poseidon Earthshaker will demand his life in return for his people's safety.

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I really enjoyed the hero-storyteller of this book, Theseus. He is dashing, adventurous, and brave. And when he finally falls in love it's forever. What's not to like about him? I was so sorry to see Theseus' great love, Hyppolyta, die, but there is so much more to come in this novel. Yet the tone of the book seemed to change as Theseus lives his life in grief. His son, Hyppolytos, dedicates himself to his god rather than follow his father as king. This is difficult for Theseus to accept and he hopes in his deepest of hearts that his son will follow his footsteps. Theseus became philosophical in the latter part of his life and finally accepted what will be will be. I liked this book a good deal. It was a very good read that went far too fast. I was sorry to see it end.

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Sequal to "The King Must Die"-Historical fiction treatment on Theseus

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