Archippos the Trembler: A Novel of Ancient Sparta

By Albert A. Bell Jr

The ancient city of Sparta had no walls. Their hoplite soldiers were supposed to be the only defense they needed. But once in a while, as we know from ancient sources, one of those soldiers turned and ran, becoming a "trembler." Such a man was a disgrace and faced punishment from the city, even from his own family. Young Archippos, son of one of the Three Hundred who died at Thermopylae, escapes his uncle's wrath but then has to carve out a new life for himself with the help of a clever helot girl, Anyte. And yet he cannot entirely renounce his heritage, even if it takes him back to Sparta and danger.

Known for his acclaimed series of Roman mysteries, Cases from the Notebooks of Pliny the Younger, in this gritty novel Albert Bell turns his attention to the story of a young Spartan soldier who does the unthinkable-he turns and runs in a battle. He becomes a Trembler, a disgrace to his family and city, no longer sure of his own identity or his place in the world. In his escape from Sparta and from an uncle determined to make him pay with his life for his cowardice, he encounters a helot girl, Anyte, who helps him come to a fuller understanding of himself.

Albert Bell's compelling characters illuminate history and give us access to ancient Sparta. ... Readers will recognize issues of today-power, class, social barriers-in Archippos the Trembler and perhaps recall Faulkner: "The past is never dead. It's not even past."
Jane E Griffioen, author of London Street: a Memoir

Albert Bell once again propels his readers into the historical past, where love, honor and duty have very different definitions. With robust characters and a fast-paced plot, Bell artfully educates and entertains at the same time. ... Archippos' heroic journey will keep readers voraciously reading up until the last page.
Lisa McAllister, author of Mother's Little Helper

Bell weaves a story from a dark historical period. ... his characters run the entire gamut, from ruthless to tender, conniving to compassionate. It's impossible to not become attached to them as they lead us through harrowing adventures ... This book has it all, and when you finally close it, you'll realize you've received an impressive history lesson while being thoroughly entertained.
Sheila Solomon Shotwell, author of Gone Before Spring, No Doubt In My Mind, and The Plaid Scarf.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0DNWDYZMC
• ISBN13: 9798300830823
• Release Date: November 2024
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 232 Pages
• Weight: 0.76 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.0" x 9.0"