The Luck of Troy

by Roger Lancelyn Green

Book Overview

When Prince Paris of Troy kidnapped Helen and her baby son Nico, the furious Greeks fought for years against his seemingly invincible city. But as Nico reaches his teens, he decides to take a hand in... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0140367632
• ISBN13: 9780140367638
• Release Date: January 1997
• Publisher: Puffin Books
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.1" x 7.8"
• Age Range: 10 to 14 years
• Grade Range: Grades 5 to 9

Customer Reviews

Should be better known - very good

This book is probably one of the reasons that I am now studying classics. I read all of Roger Lancelyn Green's classical/Egyptian-related books when I was about 7 and couldn't get enough. This book was the first thing I read about the Trojan War; it is seen through the eyes of Helen's son Nicostratos (who may or may not have existed; most sources say she had only a daughter, Hermione, who also makes a brief appearance), whom she takes to Troy when Paris abducts her because she considers him too young to leave behind. Nicostratos grows up in Troy and plays with Priam's youngest daughter Polyxena; he is treated kindly by most of the Trojans but then becomes involved in Odysseus' plan to steal the Palladium, the Luck of Troy, without which, it is said, Troy will fall. Some of the characters are perhaps a little idealised, looking back; Green takes the view that Helen was a good woman who was drugged and stolen away by Paris; but this is a children's book, and the other view would not perhaps be appropriate and would disrupt the balance of the book. The characters are well-drawn generally, though, and work well with one another. Nicostratos' doubt about where his loyalties lie is not made too obvious, but it is still clear that choosing either side is difficult for him. The prologue of the book is set in the palace of Agamemnon, when Helen has just been snatched and war is imminent. It features Electra, Iphigeneia and a mention of Orestes as children, which, considering the later events surrounding this notorious family, is intentionally disquieting.Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the ancient world or Troy, or anyone who likes 'historical' fiction, because it is equally interesting for those who know very little about the world in which it is set. I think it can also be read by those older or younger than the recommended age range.

WONDERFUL

its a book full of fasinating stories by the best aurthor ever. i also recommend The adventures of robin hood also done by green i hope you read and enjoy this great book