By Angela Youngman Jun 15, 2009, 14:47 GMT
An emotive retelling of the story of Aeneas and Queen Dido of Carthage. Having wooed Dido, he leaves her in order to fulfil his destiny - to found the city of Rome. Adele Geras turns this simple outline into an story of love and loss involving an entire city. The gods and goddesses of Ancient Greece and Rome play their part, intervening as necessary to ensure that events progress as they should.
Yet there is also the human tragedy which cannot be ignored. Queen Dido is full of grief, intent on destroying everything that reminds her of Aeneas. And what of her handmaiden Elissa? Unknown to Dido, Elissa has also fallen in love with Aeneas.
Another heart is set to be broken. It is a tale of love, betrayal and revenge. Who will survive the leave taking? The consequences are set to be high. Geras has created two memorable characters, who really live through the pages of this book. You cannot help but feel for them, both deserted by Aeneas and caught up in events beyond their control.
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