Lockdown reading: Book two
Since lockdown began I've had a little more time up my sleeve to read: I always read of course, but instead of grabbing a half-hour here or there each day I have the luxury of time to invest one to two hour blocks which suits me just fine.
I wrote a post the other day about the first lockdown book I was reading which I have now finished. You can read about book one here if you like however this post is all about introducing book two which I am half way through now. Yes, I read at a rapid rate when I get going.
Alexander - The virtues of war (Steven Pressfield)
The author is an American and is responible for such books as Gates of Fire, The legend of Bagger Vance and Last of the Amazons, all great books in their own right.
Pressfield writes historical novels with a classical style I'm sure Homer would be proud of. His battle scenes are detailed and powerfully gripping to the reader - He captures the savagery, passion and brutality of human civilisation in a captivating way. His dialogues are spirited and intelligent, characters have depth and the overall tale he spins is always epic.
Alexander, The virtues of war is a fictional piece, not an historical account, with the characters invented along with the scenes that play out across the pages. Of course, much of the history around Alexander the Great is widely documented so much of the actual history is borrowed to bring this story to life.
The author assists the reader in digesting the tale through the use of contemporary place names and measurements like miles and yards which did not exist in Alexander's time of course. Concepts like chivalry and mutiny are also mentioned which in Graeco-Macedonian times had no equivalent. It adds to the readers enjoyment though, rather than detract from the story.
The first paragraph from the book:
I have always been a soldier. I have known no other life. The calling of arms, I have followed from boyhood. I have never sought another. I have known lovers, sired offspring, competed in games, and committed outrages when drunk. I have vanquished empires, yoked continents, been crowned as an immortal before gods and men. But I have always been a soldier.
Alexander the Great (356-323BC) came to the throne of Macedon at twenty years of age and conquered the Persian Empire, seemingly invincible, before the age of twenty five. He died at thirty two years old; Undefeated on the battlefield. His legend as a warrior and leader has remained unsurpassed throughout history.
This fast-paced book is an epic retelling of that legend and Pressfield brings it to life in a way only he can. Alexander becomes the voice of his own story, the telling of which is vibrant, bloody and brutal...And a fascinating insight into the mind of a charismatic, driven and vainglorious leader of men.
One of my favourite book-genres is classical historical fiction and with this book Steven Pressfield hits it out of the park. I'm enjoying every word.
So, that's book two of lockdown...Have you picked up a book to read in the new-found spare time you have during lockdown? If so let me know about it. Comment or do a post (or both).
Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default - Tomorrow isn't promised.
Be well
Book is the good companion during lock down days and it is the companion of loneliness . Reading book is really a very useful because we have forgot them during the life of net and social media. Great blog dear to remember us the importance of books.
Yes, books are a very good resource for when one wants to read.
Thanks for your comment and all the best.
Is Alexanders conquest to India part of the book?
Of course, it was one of his crowning glories.
Thanks for this post.
You're welcome.
Great review, sounds like a book that would be right up my alley. Currently reading The Seducers Diary by Soren Kierkegaard.
Hi there and thanks for your nice comment. I haven't heard if that book but will give it a squiz (look) to see what it's all about.
Thanks for reading and your comment.
Saw this book at library and being wanting to read it. Thanks for the review. Going to borrow it after the MCO period.
I think it's worth a read for sure...I'm not far from finishing it now and am wishing it would keep going a little. Good luck with it, I hope you enjoy it as much as I am.
I've been listening to Elizabeth Peters Crocodile on the Sandbank. Completely fictional, set in the late 1800s in Egypt. It's a mystery, the main character is female - the books are written as if from her journals - and have quite a bit of archeology and Egyptian history in them, as well as the war over there, and WW1 is mentioned in the later books. I've read them before :) I'm listening to them as I crochet - all the things lol. Grandkids need Easter stuff when we get out of lockdown
Listening, you say...How do you feel you absorb it by listening rather than reading? I'm a book guy myself, although I listen to podcasts now and then. I prefer to read books though, the feel of a book in my hands. I find I can concentrate more when I'm reading.
Audiobooks are very new for me. I completely get what you mean about preferring to read rather than listen. I need/want something to listen to when I crochet, I don't like tv, so books won.
I havnt noticed a difference in how I absorb the books at all. Apparently it doesnt matter if Im reading with my eyes or ears I still see the pictures in my head. Bonus I'm doing 2 things at once - and audiobooks help me focus on my crochet. Sounds counterintuitive but it's true :)