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Overview
Phano is almost 15, the traditional age for a woman to marry in ancient Athens. She is in love with Theo, who is 30–the traditional age for a man to marry. But marriage may not be an option for her. Her stepmother’s enemy, Phrynion, claims that Phano is not really a free woman but a slave who belongs to him, and he is ready to sell her if he can get his hands on her.Phano, her father, and her stepmother must use every resource they have to try to restore her reputation and keep her safe. Even if they can keep Phrynion away, Phano may never be able to marry Theo, whose prominent family would expect a wealthy bride who would bring a good-sized dowry with her. Meanwhile, Athens faces the threat of war from Philip of Macedon. Once she turns 15, Phano must find her place as an adult in the turbulent society of ancient Greece.
From humble beginnings, Phano rises to become one of ancient Athens' most powerful citizens through her marriage to Theo, but they both have powerful enemies who don't share their political views.
Editorials
Publishers Weekly
A 14-year-old's birthright and the fate of Athens become the central questions of this novel set in 360 B.C.E. "The author plants some tempting red herrings and includes fascinating historical tidbits," wrote PW. Ages 12-up. (Aug.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.School Library Journal
Gr 7-10-This well-researched novel presents a personalized view of ancient Athenian society; its social structure; and the rights of citizens, women, and noncitizens. Phano, 14, has reached marital age and has attracted the not unwelcome attention of 30-year-old Theo, a member of an influential and political family. However, Phrynion, one of her stepmother's former patrons, is spreading false rumors about the woman that would make it impossible for Phano to marry a citizen of Athens. Phrynion is actually politically motivated, hoping to embarrass Theo's family and to aid the eventual domination of Philip of Macedon over Athens. The author has based her intriguing novel on an actual recorded court case, and the factual information presented about the law and society is smoothly integrated into the fabric of the story. Main characters are well drawn, with Phrynion a thoroughly despicable, evil villain. A solid choice for fans of historical novels with a touch of romance and for students interested in ancient cultures.-Cynthia M. Sturgis, Ledding Library, Milwaukie, OR Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.Kirkus Reviews
This complicated and absorbing narrative, set in ancient Athens about 350 b.c.e., is told in the first person by 14-year-old Phano. Her stepmother Nera, once a courtesan, is married to Stephanos her father, but Phrynion, who had Nera once, wants her again. This convoluted dance of desire and possession-and treachery, for Phrynion is an evil man-is seen through Phano's eyes, even as she herself is married to a man she loves, Theo, and he rises in the Athenian hierarchy to be an archon and basileus, king of the nine archons. Basing her tale on an ancient fragment of a prosecutor's speech before an Athenian jury, Galloway (Snake Dreamer, 1998, etc.) weaves myriad details into Phano's story as skillfully as Phano spins wool. The daily activity, food, and drink of Athens, the precarious position of women, even those not slaves, and the political situation of the city with Philip of Macedon threatening it are all a part of the intricate design. Readers will be caught by Phano's casual attitude toward slavery, as well as her growing understanding of how Nera has used her body and her wiles to keep Phano safe and well. The recounting of sacred Greek feasts and rituals, a key one of which, the anthesteria, holds a pivotal role for Phano as wife of the basileus, is fascinating. Richly rewarding. (Historical fiction. YA)Book Details
Published
August 1, 2004
Publisher
Laurel-Leaf Books
Pages
259
Format
Paperbound
ISBN
9780440229025