![]() ![]() ![]() It is clear from the outset that Renault has a passion for the Classics she takes already well-known myths, puts her own spin on them, and makes them her own. Theseus then ‘undertakes the perilous journey to his father’s palace, escaping bandits and ritual sacrifice in Eleusis, and slays the fearsome Minotaur’. His mother eventually reveals to him that he is the son of Aegeus, King of Athens, and his sole heir to boot. In The King Must Die, Theseus’ paternity is ‘shrouded in mystery’. The book’s blurb states that within the book, Renault has focused upon ‘weaving legend and historical research… breathes new life into the Theseus myth’. I decided to choose a book which I already owned, The King Must Die, which is the first in a series about Theseus.įirst published in 1958, the gorgeous new Virago reprint (#684) has an introduction by Bettany Hughes. I had heard that her work set within Ancient Greek was marvellous, however, and when I discovered that Hilary Mantel is also an advocate of her work, I wanted to give her another go. I have read a couple of her novels before, and must admit that I was a touch disappointed. Mary Renault is one of the authors whom I chose for mine and Yamini’s wonderful 50 Women project. ![]()
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