The love story of Pericles and his mistress Aspasia serves as a focal point for this historical novel set during the golden age of Greece.
Aspasia, in her late teens, escapes from a Phoenician ship, swimming toward shore. She and her philosopher father were seized by pirates heading for Athens. Her father is dead, thrown overboard, and the ship’s captain had been “instructing her in the pleasures of men” in order to sell her to the highest bidder. Thanks to her escape, Aspasia carves out a survival path in Athens by becoming a courtesan. She meets Pericles, the renowned Athenian statesman, while attending a gathering of prominent men. Pericles becomes attracted to Aspasia upon hearing that she reads and has intelligent opinions. Soon, he is her lover and supporter, eventually divorcing his wife and installing Aspasia in his home. As Pericles oversees the building of the Parthenon complex for the goddess Athena, conducts various wars and colonizing campaigns, and fends off attacks from political critics, the couple’s connection endures. Still, their child cannot become an Athenian citizen since Aspasia is a foreigner. This novel is an entertaining tale about this celebrated couple, offering information about the real Aspasia that is generally unknown. The duo has provided fodder for historical novels before, including Taylor Caldwell’s Glory and the Lightning (1974). Korshak’s book manages to convey a remarkable number of details about ancient Greek politics, philosophy, drama, and architecture while showcasing the domestic dialogues and tensions of this pair. Although these specifics can be overwhelming at times, with the focus naturally tilting toward the more famous Pericles, the story provides an entertaining way to become educated about many aspects of ancient Greek culture and society. Perhaps most striking is how Pericles deals with the various challenges from his rivals and the populace in striving for democracy.
An insightful depiction of a passionate relationship and a dynamic statesman.