Hilary Mantel credits this book as "One of the most convincing historical novels I have ever read". A fulsome review from a well respected author.
The story begins in 342 BC, in Macedon (Macedonia) and the central character and narrator is Aristotle, the philosopher. We learn about his personality, his thinking, his loves and his bio-polar condition. Aristotle has been summoned to Macedon by King Philip to be a tutor to the heir to the throne, Alexander - later Alexander the Great. Alexander's early training and, perhaps, his natural bent, shows through in his precocious love of violence and war. Aristotle sees that his duty is to try to teach the boy about the philosophical "golden mean" - the path to mental balance between extremes - in a bid to temper the violence he displays and provide Alexander with some semblance of self-control for when he assumes the throne.
History shows us that Alexander didn't learn this lesson. He went on the wage war over much of the known world, leaving regents to manage his kingdom and desolation, as well as Greek influence, in his wake. His path can be traced in the many cities he founded that bore, and some that still bear, his name.
The characters in this book are finely drawn and multi-layered, with that of Aristotle being a delicate blend of idealistic humanitarian, bemused husband and father, passionate man and gentle teacher. The boy Alexander's portrait reflects everything we know about him as a man - violent, loyal, ambitious and driven. Annabel Lyon cares deeply about her characters and it shows in the care she has taken to make them rounded people with whom we can identify.
If you like historical fiction, this one is for you. Recommended
Published by Atlantic, ISBN 978-1-84887-531-9
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