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The Persian Boy
The Persian Boy
Author: Mary Renault
The Persian Boy traces the last years of Alexander's life through the eyes of his lover, Bagoas. Abducted and gelded as a boy, Bagoas was sold as a courtesan to King Darius of Persia, but found freedom with Alexander after the Macedon army conquered his homeland. Their relationship sustains Alexander as he weathers assassination plots, the deman...  more »
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ISBN-13: 9780394751016
ISBN-10: 0394751019
Publication Date: 2/12/1988
Pages: 432
Rating:
  • Currently 4.1/5 Stars.
 35

4.1 stars, based on 35 ratings
Publisher: Vintage
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio Cassette
Members Wishing: 1
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

Sianeka avatar reviewed The Persian Boy on + 114 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
This is the story of Bagoas, a Persian eunuch, and his time spent with Alexander the Great - from the time he is captured, enslaved and gelded as a boy, until Alexander's death.

I enjoyed this story for the historical glimpses we get of life in Alexander's time, and the new insights I gained into the day to day lifestyle of a warrior king. The romantic involvement between this beautiful and graceful Persian boy and the famous figure of Alexander is downplayed; although it is an integral part of the plotline, this story instead revolves around the people and events of the time. The political machinations of the various players and differing tribes are the key intrigues presented and I personally liked this history lesson told from a more personal viewpoint. Bagoas' narrative breathes life into this tale of Alexander's exploits and colors the events depicted with rich detail, explaining the choices made and motivations behind the dry historical facts.

I would wish to find out more about Bagoas' life after his time with Alexander. There is a small epilogue at the end explaining the sources and facts known regarding the true history behind the real-life person of Bagoas, Alexander's Persian Boy.
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reviewed The Persian Boy on + 9 more book reviews
The writing in this book is excellent, but I found I couldn't be drawn into a story about a castrate boy. Too horrific. :)
retro-redux avatar reviewed The Persian Boy on + 219 more book reviews
beautiful white covered bantam paperback
buzzby avatar reviewed The Persian Boy on + 6062 more book reviews
Read this a long time ago, most everything I know about eunuchs came from this book.


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