SOLVED. Ancient Troy, Historical Fiction story told through the eyes of one of the servants to Helen or other in Priam's extended household. [s]

[Stephen]

Looking for the title of this book. I thought it was "A Hand Maidens Tale", But it's obviously not that. This book was set in Ancient Troy and the story was about the siege of Troy through the prospective of one of the Hand Maidens, not for Helen but I think for Andromache wife of Hector. Had a tragic ending.
Have often searched for the title but could never find it. Quite the story but it was so long ago when I read it.

[Rainbowheart]

When did you read it?

[Stephen]

Maybe about 12 to 20 years ago. It was in the library and seemed new at the time.

[Sarah]

If it wasn't that long ago, there's several books it could be!

Possible:
Troy by Adèle Geras

Still possible, less likely:
The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood

Unlikely without time travel, but sounds like a good book:
The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker

[Stephen]

While I always thought Adele Geras name familiar as well as the book cover when searching for what book it might be, the write up seemed off so I continued the search.

That said though, going through some of the reviews I believe this to be the book "Geras's heroines are Xanthe, nurse to the son of Hector and Andromache, and Marpessa, handmaiden to Helen".

Delightful read if you haven't already indulged.

I had always thought the title mentioned hand maidens but now realize I'd be less likely to pick up a book with such a title and more likely to have picked up one saying "Troy".

Thank you. Book found and I can add it to my shelf. But now do I leave my original post up, move it or delete it next time I come around?

[Kris]

Glad you found your book, Stephen. I moved your request to a Solved folder (by clicking the small "edit" link after the topic header.) We keep solved requests in case someone is looking for this book in the future.

[Stephen]

So missing posts can presumed to have had a happy ending yet can be searched for again. Good to know. Having been successful in my first search, I've two more needing to be solved, but I shall save them for another day. Thank you.