An Arrow's Flight has 4 parts with the last part being only a few pages. So we'll break down the discussion into 3 parts.

Discussion the first part, Archer's Body, here.

I started the book last night, and had only planned to read a few chapters, but went very quickly for me and I got through the first section.  So far I'm enjoying it, it's certainly a very different twist on HF mixed within a very modern world.  For me, the first part of the book so far seems more of a read on human nature, feelings, and internal struggle with the Greek mythology falling more into the background.  I suspect the myth will come out more now that Pyrrhus is heading to Troy to fulfill his destiny.

What stood out to me so far is that clearly Pyrrhus is struggling with his relationship with his father, Achilles, and his leaving at such an early age.  The overwhelming image that Pyrrhus has of Achilles standing naked on the porch before he goes off to battle is mentioned several times, Pyrrhus' need to gain acceptance of others through hustling, dancing, and selling his body come from his feeling of inadequacy in relation to his father.  It will be interesting to see how these feelings surface as he goes to battle in replacement of his father.

I'll admit I'm not really up to speed on my Greek mythology, so I'm probably missing some of the underlying themes of the story (I'm trying to remember back to my college reading of The Odyssey!).  For example, Pyrrhus' grandmother, the goddess Thetis, sent him to the city where he ends up being a hustler, presumably to protect him from going to war.  I really know remember nothing about her, and wonder if there is anything I may be missing in the story.

I'm looking forward to hearing perspectives of those of you who are better versed in Greek mythology than I.

ITA with Michelle's thoughts so far--what a novel approach to HF! I am completely intruiged so far....

I'm still waiting on my copy to arrive. Hopefully, it will be here soon and I can get in on this book discussion action!

Here I am, the general, and I can't get into the book. Wa-aaa!

It screams anachronism from page 1 for me even though it's touted as some newfangled style. Oh well, different strokes for different folks.

Michelle, if you'd like to lead the discussion, I'll bow out. It makes more sense for someone who likes the book to get a discussion going.

Whew I'm glad I'm not the only one who couldn't get into this book.  I couldn't even get past Chapter 2.  I like my historical fiction to take place in the past but as Genie said everyone has different likes and dislikes.  I'm off to order next month's book.

Sorry you don't like the book, Genie.  I can certainly sympathize....I struggled last month through Black Ships.  I'm headed to Korea Sunday morning, so I've got another 2 days of flying ahead of me....I should get through the rest of the book next week.  I'll be happy to post my thoughts.

LOL about Black Ships! I liked that one.

My copy finally just came after being "lost" in a neighbor's mailbox for several weeks, so I should be able to start reading next week. 

I'm at the point where he's deciding whether or not to go to Troy and take up his inheritance....and, I remain intrigued but also agree w/ Genie that it feels very discordant as I read it and get further into it---I am intrugued by the underworld he inhabits (it's  a view into a world I have no real knowledge of) and by how un-directed and sort of indifferent to the life that's his that's swirling around him (I could never be so un-directed, I always have a plan) but this notion of a eunuch who served his father coming to advise him of his inheritance and duty....if the setting is modern, well, a eunuch? come on.

I have absolutely nothing useful to add because I'm STILL waiting on a copy to arrive. The Amazon seller I ordered from canceled the order. I'm having really bad luck with AZN seller's lately. I've already requested next month's book, so this won't happen to me again.

Colleen - I agree that the more I read, it seems that the historical piece is more of an afterthought.  I remain intrigued by the story, but no sure if it's so much the historical piece or just as you said, this totally different underworld.  I finished part 2 on the plane and will post more thoughts there.

I'm just about done with this first section of the book and I find it funny, sad and intriguing at the same time.  My strongest impression though, is how much it reminds me of some friends from back in my college days that I have lost touch with.  I wonder if they are even still alive?

I had that same thought, Cheryl---we must be about the same age, then....

Yeah, it was sure a different world then in lots of ways.  I am refering to the late 60s early 70s.  How about you Colleen?

I finally, FINALLY received my copy of the book. Better late than never, I guess! Time to start reading!

Please let us know what you think, Valli, even if it's October. :) We've had an interesting mix of reactions.

Cheryl, I was thinking late '70's, early '80's--my college years. I don't remember hearing anything about AIDS or HIV until around '80 or '81, but that may just be the time in was absorbed into my consciousness, what with all my partying and all.... he he

Genie, I hate to say that I'm having a hard time getting in to this one. I've just now finished chapter two though and, really, the story is just starting so I may become more interested in it. I'm going to keep reading.

I was just curious what era you were talking about for college.  I'm sure your timing for Aids is correct.  Everything in the 70s was pretty wild whether you were straight or gay!

Valli, You and the rest of the group here have more stamina than I do. I think I read 50 pages before the book hit the wall. ;-)

Well, Genie, I've only read three more pages, and I had to force myself to read those. I keep thinking that in just a few more pages, the book is going to come together for me, but it just doesn't seem to be happening.

I might set this one aside and begin reading the first book in Anne Perry's William Monk series to prepare myself for reading next month's BOM.

I hate to say it, but it really doesn't get any better and I am almost finished with it.

Suddenly all these copies of An Arrow's Flight are showing up on PBS. LOL!