Troy by David Gemmell

[jan]

David Gemmell in his most recent release uses names skillfully in this book entitled Troy. The picture of him on the jacket is very reminiscent of a photo posted by Ron Criss on Alexander-Macedon website, and that amuses me. His use of the name Xander in this novel makes me think of S and our recent interchanges, just fyi.

[marcus]

Is that "Lord of the Silver Bow", Jan?I haven't read it yet, as I only get books such as those of Gemmell when they come out in paperback. I usually enjoy his books, although I have to say that "Dark Prince" didn't work in my opinion (while "Lion of Macedon", for all its faults, did).Is this new book on Troy any good?ATBMarcus

[marcus]

Is that "Lord of the Silver Bow", Jan?I haven't read it yet, as I only get books such as those of Gemmell when they come out in paperback. I usually enjoy his books, although I have to say that "Dark Prince" didn't work in my opinion (while "Lion of Macedon", for all its faults, did).Is this new book on Troy any good?ATBMarcus

[kate]

I haven't read any of David Gemmel's books, but the reviews for "Lord of the Silver Bow" are good. I was thinking of trying it so I'd be interested to hear the opinion of anyone here who has read it.
Incidentally, is it just my imagination or has Troy become a "hot" subject for fiction lately? There seem to be several new novels about it - maybe as a result of the film perhaps?
Cheers,
Kate

[kate]

I haven't read any of David Gemmel's books, but the reviews for "Lord of the Silver Bow" are good. I was thinking of trying it so I'd be interested to hear the opinion of anyone here who has read it.
Incidentally, is it just my imagination or has Troy become a "hot" subject for fiction lately? There seem to be several new novels about it - maybe as a result of the film perhaps?
Cheers,
Kate

[Athanasios]

Could be, Kate.Although the film fared no better than Stone's Alexander...My opinion.Regards,
Atha

[Athanasios]

Could be, Kate.Although the film fared no better than Stone's Alexander...My opinion.Regards,
Atha

[S]

Greetings Jan, "His use of the name Xander in this novel makes me think of S and our recent interchanges, just fyi."Recent interchanges? As far as I know, I am the only one who posts as S here (though it is in the "posted by" section). Are you referring to my comment on Renault's work? That was to another Pothosian, I believe. And yes, I still feel Renault is the standard by which all other novelists writing about Alexander's times must be measured. I *did* try to read one of Gemmel's books some time back, but have no comment on it at this time other than to say it was, for me (and this is merely my personal response) a slog to get through.

Regards,
Sikander

[S]

Greetings Jan, "His use of the name Xander in this novel makes me think of S and our recent interchanges, just fyi."Recent interchanges? As far as I know, I am the only one who posts as S here (though it is in the "posted by" section). Are you referring to my comment on Renault's work? That was to another Pothosian, I believe. And yes, I still feel Renault is the standard by which all other novelists writing about Alexander's times must be measured. I *did* try to read one of Gemmel's books some time back, but have no comment on it at this time other than to say it was, for me (and this is merely my personal response) a slog to get through.

Regards,
Sikander

[jan]

Hi Marcus, The novel is probably quite good, but I did not finish reading all of it as I sped through it, noting certain passages that had red flags signalling me to read this book. I just saw a movie called Tristan and Isolde, a wonderful film, which because of names in it, King Mark or Markus, made me think of you also. So much for name familiarity. It is all probably coincidence, and I wonder, but throughout it all, I thought of you.

[jan]

Hi Marcus, The novel is probably quite good, but I did not finish reading all of it as I sped through it, noting certain passages that had red flags signalling me to read this book. I just saw a movie called Tristan and Isolde, a wonderful film, which because of names in it, King Mark or Markus, made me think of you also. So much for name familiarity. It is all probably coincidence, and I wonder, but throughout it all, I thought of you.

[jan]

Hi Sikander, Xander is a young boy in this novel, but it had reminded me of a post I had sent to you, having nothing to do with Mary Renault at all. The one thing that Mary Renault and I agree about is the treatment of Batis, the eunuch at Garza. We both share that opinion that it was out of character for Alexander to imitate Achilles in his action.

[jan]

Hi Sikander, Xander is a young boy in this novel, but it had reminded me of a post I had sent to you, having nothing to do with Mary Renault at all. The one thing that Mary Renault and I agree about is the treatment of Batis, the eunuch at Garza. We both share that opinion that it was out of character for Alexander to imitate Achilles in his action.

[S]

Greetings Jan,Was this a recent post? I don't recall one, except the one you sent a while back about the possibility of a dam causing the destruction of ancient ruins. If you *have* sent one recently, I have not received it to my knowledge.Regards,
Sikander

[S]

Greetings Jan,Was this a recent post? I don't recall one, except the one you sent a while back about the possibility of a dam causing the destruction of ancient ruins. If you *have* sent one recently, I have not received it to my knowledge.Regards,
Sikander