Ancient Times (Oct-Dec 2025)

[Em]

Our first trip back in time is taking us to Ancient Worlds - I can't wait!

[Susan]

I already have The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller on my iPad, so that seems a good one to start with.

[Susan]

As I grew up, and went to school surrounded by bits of The Roman Wall, I'm going to try to find Hadrian's Wall by William Dietrich.....it looks interesting and has some good reviews.

[CatWrangler]

Ancient Worlds sound thrilling. Maybe we could read ancient Greek playwrights? I like Euripides.

The Song of Achilles was among Amazon top picks for 2012. I still haven't read it. Maybe we could buddy read it ?

[Susan]

That's sounds like a good idea....I plan to read it in May, or could put it off untill June if that fits better.

[CatWrangler]

May is just fine :)

[Ian, Former Moderator]

Susan posted this ideas source elsewhere but here's the link re ancient world books.

http://www.historicalnovels.info/Anci...

[Susan]

Ema wrote: "May is just fine :)"

Ok.....I'll look forward to it.

[Bill]

Ian wrote: "Susan posted this ideas source elsewhere but here's the link re ancient world books.

http://www.historicalnovels.info/Anci..."

Thanks for the link, Ian. Nice that we have 3 months for this challenge. I think I might be reading Eagle Of The Ninth Collection: The Eagle Of The Ninth, The Silver Branch, The Lantern Bearers by Rosemary Sutcliff amd/ or The Silver Eagle by Ben Kane (even if it's the second book in a series I haven't seen yet.

[Liz, Your Friendly Moderator]

Looking forward to this, just going to look around for some good ideas..... :)

[Vicky]

Liz wrote: "Looking forward to this, just going to look around for some good ideas..... :)"

Me too, I'm tempted by River God by Wilbur A. Smith but I have already read it, about 20 years ago mind you, but I haven't read the others in the series.....

[M.K.]

Last Ancient World novel I read was Fire in the East by Harry Sidebottom. A very enjoyable read about Persia's attack on Roman troops in the outpost of Arete. First in his Warrior of Rome series.

[Deanne]

Going to try to read books that were written at the various times, sure I've seen a copy of Tacitus at the library.

[Vicky]

Deanne wrote: "Going to try to read books that were written at the various times, sure I've seen a copy of Tacitus at the library."

That's very brave! I was thinking about taking a look for the Egyptian book of the dead..... Or something by/about one of the Greek philosophers maybe....

[CatWrangler]

Deanne wrote: "Going to try to read books that were written at the various times, sure I've seen a copy of Tacitus at the library."

Great idea. I'm sure public libraries have Herodotus' The Histories as well. His historiography is fun to read. There are so many stories, including the one about Amazon female warriors who cut their right breast off to be able to use their spears more efficiently. I always wanted to reread parts of it.

Also, I remember laughing my butt off while reading Aristophanes' The Clouds at high school.I wonder if I could enjoy it as much now.

[Em]

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller is my first choice for this challenge too, I think I'll get to reading it as soon as I have finished my War and Revolution books for the genre challenge...

I also have Roma: The Novel of Ancient Rome by Steven Saylor on my kindle which I'd also like to read...

I liked River God by Wilbur A. Smith and my Dad does seem to have plentiful Wilbur Smith novels on his bookshelves so I might have a browse next time I visit.

I haven't read Antony and Cleopatra since A Levels but I think it would be nice to revisit now...

Another book that springs to mind, well, a play actually is by - Ted Hughes .

[Jennifer]

I have had on my Kindle since that initial flurry of "wow I can get books for free now". Perhaps this will provide the incentive to actually read it?

[Andrew]

I picked up in the library today my first outing in the genre as my sandwich read at lunch, I've always been a bit unsure about this genre of ancient detective novels but will give it a go, so far after 30 pages I am enjoying it. I suppose its not far fromPompeiiwhich I really enjoyed. In this window I,d also like to read the Bernard Cornwell viking/anglo saxon novels but not sure if that comes under 'ancient'.I may try and find Beowulf as well as I remember reading a puffin version as a child but I may try and find the Seamus Heany version and stretch myself a bit!!

[Sue]

Today's kindle deal is The Lady of Sorrows- a greek detective!

[Sue]

I have ordered Judas My Brother for this. Something completely different for me. Interested in the author too.

[Deanne]

Picked up , will see how it goes.

[Liz, Your Friendly Moderator]

I've been trying to make up my mind what to read for 'Ancient Times'. I've gone predictably Greek & Roman. To start with, I've just ordered The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood, from the library.

If I've got time I'm also thinking about I, Claudius by Robert Graves, Fire from Heaven by Mary Renault and finally Pompeii by Robert Harris.

I doubt I'll fit them all in. Instead, my 'to read' list just continues to get longer and longer.....

[Bill]

They all sound interesting, Liz. I've seen the I Claudius series, and I think I at least started the book, although that was many years ago..

[Chantal]

I would like to join in with this if that's ok? I would probably start mid-month as I have some hefty current reads on the go atm.

Was thinking of
Persian Fire: The First World Empire and the Battle for the West or The Last of the Wine, possibly both. They've both been sitting on my shelves for a while.

Also have waiting The Memoirs Of Cleopatrawhich is HUGE, not sure I'd be able to fit it in...

P.S: Really enjoyed The Song of Achilles, I, Claudius, Claudius the God and His Wife Messalina(not quite as good)and The Penelopiad (loved).

I also have The Silver Pigs Andrew, maybe I should try and include it (!)

[Em]

Interesting choices Chantal and you are of course, welcome to join the challenge - it's open to all members, the more the merrier!

[Chantal]

Thanks Em,

Since posting I realised I also have

The Histories and The Hemlock Cup: Socrates, Athens and the Search for the Good Life...argh too much choice :)

[Liz, Your Friendly Moderator]

I've just finished my first book for the challenge - The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood, which retells the Odyssey from Penelope's (Odysseus' wife) point of view.

I'm already a big fan of Margaret Atwood. While I don't think this one's quite up there with her best (imho: The Handmaid's Tale & The Blind Assassin) it's still a very enjoyable read.

[Vicky]

Right, I've decided..... River God it's a bit of a comfort read, easy read (feeding my 9 day old baby) and fits with the challenge! Few it's taken weeks to sort this out as I'm so tired! Lol

[Sue]

Liz wrote: "I've just finished my first book for the challenge - The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood, which retells the Odyssey from Penelope's (Odysseus' wife) point of view. "
I've read a few in that series Liz and enjoyed them all. I think Jeanette Winterson wrote one.

[Liz, Your Friendly Moderator]

Sue wrote: "Liz wrote: "I've just finished my first book for the challenge - The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood, which retells the Odyssey from Penelope's (Odysseus' wife) point of view. "

I've read a few in that series Liz and enjoyed them all. I think Jeanette Winterson wrote one."

I just had a look and Michael Faber & Alexander McCall Smith have also written new interpretations of myths - the series is called Canongate Myths. Even more to go on my to read list!

[Vicky]

Liz wrote: "Sue wrote: "Liz wrote: "I've just finished my first book for the challenge - The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood, which retells the Odyssey from Penelope's (Odysseus' wife) point of view. "

I've re..."

Ooh, I like Alexander McCall Smith. So much to read, so little time!

[Kate, Your Friendly Moderator]

Has anybody read Ben-Hur ? I have an ancient copy with very small print and it looks rather daunting but I reckon it would be perfect for this challenge...

[Sue]

For my first (and possibly only) book Girl Meets Boy: The Myth of Iphis which is one in the Cannongate series and a reworking of the Iphis tale (Metamorphosis). Enjoyed the twist of setting it in Inverness and the big, bad company.

[Kate, Your Friendly Moderator]

I've taken the plunge and am 60 pages into Ben Hur. It's turning out to be a far easier read than I thought.

[Bill]

I've finished the first story in The Eagle of the Ninth Chronicles, The Eagle of the Ninth and enjoyed it very much. About to start the next now, which I believe is set about 100 years later into the history of Rome. It's called The Silver Branch.

[Catherine]

this looks like fun! :)

[Chantal]

Finally began this challenge this morning with , better late than never?

[[deleted user]]

I chose Empress of Rome by Kate Quinn. Didn't think I would enjoy it much but so got into it and had already ordered her other books from the library before I'd finished reading this one.

[Liz, Your Friendly Moderator]

I've just ordered 'I Claudius' from the library, I hope it doesn't take too long to arrive....

[Susan]

Still haven't gotten around to The Song of Achilles, my choice for this challenge.
I've been reading books which I've requested from the library, and have waited a while for.....I'm pleased that this is a three month challenge, I'll get to it in June.

[Kate, Your Friendly Moderator]

The Song of Achilles is a great book Susan. I gave it 5 stars. I hope you enjoy it when you eventually get going!
I'm ploughing on with Ben-Hur we're on the galley at the moment. About 25% of the way through, surprisingly easy to read and cleverly written from different peoples' perspectives which I wasn't expecting.

[Em]

Well, I've finished The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller and I thought it was fantastic - what other books are there like this one? I loved it.

Still have quite a bit of I, Claudius left to read but I reckon I'll be there by the end of June. So far, the book seems to have it all... intrigue, murder, politics and just about everything else.

[Lynne - The Book Squirrel]

I have nearly finished World Without End after reading The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett Not too ancient but from the middle ages onwards.

[Chantal]

A book that really reminded me of The Song of Achilles in its style Em was Lavinia. Similar also in that they're both set in antiquity but 'Lavinia' is connected with Rome's foundation (Lavinia appears in The Aeneid) and linked to the fall of Troy though Aeneas. It was a gorgeous read.

Really enjoying

Persian Fire: The First World Empire and the Battle for the West - only just over a third into it though, doesn't help that I keep stopping to google more info on ancient cities and civilisations.

[Ellie]

Hello, I'm still finding my way around the group and just stumbled upon this thread. I'm a bit late to the party but by chance have been reading Mary Beard's book on Pompeii - does that count for this exercise?! I'm finding it fascinating, the detail about the lives of some of Pompeii's inhabitants that has emerged as archaeological techniques develop is amazing. I went to the exhibition at the British Museum too, the week before the last bank holiday. Bit crowded initially but once people had spread out, I was able to get a good look at the exhibits, fascinating and moving in equal measure.

[Em]

Thanks Chantal, I'll keep an eye out for that one... added it to my to read list.

Elaine, welcome to the challenge, your book certainly counts!

[Sarah]

I'd like to join this challenge too =]
I have 2 books on my to-read list that I'm going to search for in the library.
1st choice is
If I can't find that it's

[Em]

Hope you enjoy the challenge Sarah! Like your book choices!

[Bill]

Good luck with the challenge, Sarah. I'm sure you'll enjoy either choice.

[Sarah]

Thank you =] Searched the local libraries online. My first choice is available on the 20th and the Eagle of the Ninth is available on the 14th. So probs be second choice this time round =]