The Trojan War

By Olivia E. Coolidge

Book Overview

In this retelling of the Trojan War, Olivia Coolidge crafts heroes and gods into real, multidimensional characters, not just the figures of legend. Vibrant storytelling and finely wrought action have made her version of the classic tale of the Fall of Troy accessible to generations of young readers.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0618154280
• ISBN13: 9780618154289
• Release Date: October 2001
• Publisher: Clarion Books
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.62 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.4" x 8.2"
• Age Range: 10 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 5 to 7

Customer Reviews

A surprisingly lucid version of the war.

I cannot say that this was my introduction to the war, as I have had decades of different interpretations and writings. However, unlike attempts to water down or paraphrase the story, this one sticks close to the real thing yet makes it more accessible. The reader will not have to unlearn this book to enjoy the Iliad. This will turn out to be one of those stories that you cannot stop reading until the end. And even if it is a happy-ever-after story, you will want more. Because it reads fast, there is a list of characters and places to fill you in on the story that assumes are culturally already known. This is by no means a substitute for the real thing. However, it can stand alone as an interesting story.

The Trojan War v. Troy

Although many students are familiar with the version of the Trojan War made popular by Wolfgang Petersen, Coolidge presents a well-researched, chronological narrative that draws from the primary sources familiar to both the modern and ancient world. Aeschylus, "Homer," Vergil, inter al. speak in Coolidge's work, allowing students to gain an understanding of what "really" happened in Troy. Middle grade students can read this version and build a solid foundation for other primary source readings in high school. The chapters are brief and can be assigned as daily readings that do not overwhelm students. I highly recommend this book.

A 6-year old's review

This is a very good book because of its intense atmosphere and it is very exciting. Some of the main characters are Achilles, Hector, Helen and Paris. Helen loved Paris and ran away with him from her original husband. She was the most beautiful woman in the world which is why the Greeks and Trojans fought over her. The outcome is that the Greeks won. They won by killing all the Trojan leaders, one at a time. It also helped by invading the city from inside. The Trojans were told to take a giant horse which was made of wood inside their city. It was full of Greek soldiers hiding inside it! It was an ambush! I recommend this book for boys and girls.

This was a wonderful book

This was a wonderful book. I guess other people don't like Greek Mythology. This book was great! It was full of action and excitement. It was a very good book. This was truly one of the best books I ever read!