The Persian Boy
 

The Persian Boy (Vintage)

by Mary Renault

“It takes skill to depict, as Miss Renault has done, this half-man, half Courtesan who is so deeply in love with the warrior.”–The Atlantic Monthly

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... (read more)

Top tags: historical fictionfictionmiddle eastalexander the greatgreece (all tags)

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  • Gay and Lesbian Fiction and Non-Fiction Discussion Group
  • Persian & Foreign Books (Ketabhaye Farsi & Khareji) Discussion Group
  • Iranian Book Lovers Discussion Group
  • Historical Fiction Discussion Group

Other Reviews

Amazon Reviews (5)
 

Most Helpful Reviews

Liked It

ctmock
  • Rated 5 stars

Mary Renault casts a spell in "The Persian Boy", the pivot of her 2nd installment of her Alexander Great triad. “Fire From Heaven,” being the first, and “The Funeral Games,” being the third.

The Persian Boy tells the story of Bagoas, who is born into an aristocratic family. In the first few pages Bagoas is subjected to the turmoil resulting from the death of King Ochos. His father, mother, and sisters, are killed and he himself is castrated and sold at the age of 10. Another...

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Didn’t Like It

Shakatany
  • Rated 2 stars

One of my favorite historical novels, this book tells the story of Alexander the Great from the POV of Bagoas, a eunuch who was one of the spoils of Alexander's campaign in Persia. It's lyrically written by Renault who also wrote a biography of Alexander and many other novels set in the ancient Mediterranean world.

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Community:
  • Rated 4.213333 stars
Amazon:
  • Rated 4.5 stars
 

Newest Comments

  • Eric D

    eric d said:

    hey justin have you read Cry To Heaven by Anne Rice??? if u liked this book, you would probably like it as well. really well written. similar subject matter.

    im going to read this book after this description! sounds intense!

    E

    posted Wednesday, June 18 2008
  • Farhad S

    farhad s said:

    Agreat bokk for whome that has fall in love but.... couldnt know what shall do...

    posted Tuesday, December 25 2007
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