Glorious Exploits
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Check link for latest rating. ( 4,099 ratings, 889 reviews)Glorious Exploits
Glorious Exploits
Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon is an exhilarating and fiercely original tale that seamlessly weaves themes of brotherhood, war, and the transformative power of art. Set against the backdrop of ancient Sicily in 412 BC, this gripping narrative captures moments of humanity amidst the chaos of conflict.
Gelon and Lampo, two local potters from Syracuse, find their daily lives interrupted by the aftermath of Athens’ disastrous invasion. With the Athenian army captured and confined to the dismal quarries, Lampo and Gelon stumble upon an unexpected opportunity. They encounter starving Athenian prisoners who, despite their dire circumstances, perform verses from Euripides’ plays in exchange for meagre scraps of food.
Inspired by these impromptu displays of artistry, the two friends hatch an audacious plan: to stage a full performance of the tragic play Medea within the very quarry where the prisoners languish. This ambitious endeavour soon entails much more than recreating a famous piece of drama—it cultivates a shared sense of humanity and potently reveals the complexities of friendship and enmity.
As the performance date nears, Lampo finds himself increasingly intertwined with the lives and struggles of the captive Athenians. His aspirations, once modest, now reach unforeseen heights. The lines between foe and ally blur, and he is propelled into a journey of self-discovery. Lampo’s newfound dreams and budding courage face severe trials in a landscape where divine indifference looms large.
Glorious Exploits is more than a historical novel; it is a profound exploration of the human spirit and the enduring power of artistic expression, even in the bleakest of circumstances. Lennon’s masterful storytelling will captivate readers and leave them reflecting on the timeless nature of hope and determination.
This vivid and unforgettable story promises a reading experience that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking, resonating with themes that continue to be relevant across the ages.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780241667224
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 18 January 2024
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Fig Tree
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 21.0mm
Width: 153.0mm
Height: 234.0mm
Weight: 351g
Pages: 288
About the Author
FERDIA LENNON was born in Dublin to an Irish mother and Libyan father. He holds a BA in History and Classics from University College Dublin and an MA in Prose Fiction from the University of East Anglia. His short stories have appeared in publications such as the Irish Times and the Stinging Fly. In 2019 and 2021, he received a Literature Bursary Award from the Arts Council of Ireland. After spending many years in Paris, he now lives in Norwich with his wife and son.
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