Fantastic way to learn Greek History.

the story is a little slow & pedestrian at the beginning. It gets better when the political intrigue begins towards the end of the war and the clash between the Democrats and the Oligarchs.

We can see how Plato & Socrates diverged in their political views.

if you want to understand better the time period of history from the big issues to everyday life in 440BC, with a more human and realist approach, Renault has given us a method to absorb often dry heavy history in a sometimes gripping and digestible style.

Narrator does a good job, although he crafts the protagonist a little too milksoppish and effete for my liking.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

An Unforgetable Novel

What did you like most about The Last of the Wine?

This book sparked my interest in Classical Greek history. Since subsequently studying the period in some depth the novel's greatest use is that it fleshes-out the various important events and characters and helps establish a mental map of the period. While Renault uses artistic license the actual bits of history taken from primary texts remain untampered (at least to my basic understanding). The novel certainly brings to life this amazing period and helps colour the fragmentary texts time has left us.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Last of the Wine?

I find many parts of the novel evocative, one example being the opening. Her imagery is powerful enough to engage all your senses so you can feel the morning air and smell the baking bread. Indeed, despite my numerous readings, the book still has the power to move me. For someone who had never visited Greece (so I believe), Renault does an amazing job taking the reader there. And as a bonus, all those terms you're never sure how to pronounce are rendered for you.

What does Barnaby Edwards bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Undoubtedly, the fact he is so 'invisible.' He has the ability to give each character their own voice without putting himself between reader and character.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I remember exactly when and where I was when I first picked up this book - RAF Gatow junior ranks mess, 1983. And the edition I was reading was a yellow covered one. (I've since bought other copies.) I was playing at the Berlin Musical Pageant at the time but the book had such an impact on me that the following year I composed an orchestral suite based on it. It remains the only decent piece of music I composed.

Any additional comments?

As a young gay man in the military, the book probably had a greater appeal and fascination to me. The world of Alexis and Lysis was quite the opposite of the British military of the early 80's where we had to hide our sexuality and were subject to scrutiny if suspected. I like the fact Renault leaves the steamier side of physical relationships to your imagination and quite a few of my straight friends were able to enjoy the book without being put off by sexual details (gay or straight!) For me at least, Last of the Wine joins novels such as Lord of the Flies, To Kill a Mockingbird, Ode to Billy Joe and The Front Runner, all of which had a profound effect on me.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

27 people found this helpful

Kάλλιστος

A beautiful book, and a perfect performance. The more I come back to it the better it gets.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Superb rendition of a brilliant book

Beautifully read, with sympathy, colour and character.
An authentic account of this period, and frequently moving even in its understatement.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

Sparta vs Athens, Sokrates, Alcibiades and more

This is a great story. The book is packed with historical incident and gives the reader a great feel for life in contemporary Athens.
So why not 5 stars. The narrator is not quite top draw. Also, I thought that the first half of the book was a bit dull and maybe the writing style a little dated.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

Really good.

As it happened I’d been reading about Ancient Greek history of the classical period and about Socrates and his fate. From my lay persons point of view this seems so well researched and of the time. I doubt you’ll find a better experience of what life might have been like in Ancient Greece for an average citizen class male, in particular.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

A book to change your soul

Read at your own risk - this book will haunt your dreams and make your soul grow.

Meticulously researched, written in beautifully stark English, Renault brings to life a time and place long gone in a way that will make you smell the food, feel the cloth on your skin and make you swear that, yes, you have walked the streets of ancient Athens yourself!

Set during the Peloponnesian war, the story follows Athens’ struggles in that bitter conflict in a way that makes it more vivid than many current events. It also acquaints you with Socrates and his circle.

Is there no flaws then? Well, sometimes Renault’s Platonic concepts are a bit esoteric. But that is a very minor complaint.

Very nicely preformed.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Expertly written and beautifully read.

An interesting account. Renault writes brilliantly and the novel is beautifully read, with the many characters nicely distinguished.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

4 people found this helpful

A classical journey

I haven’t read this one so listened to the audible as we are doing it in an online group. As usual an excellent education in the classics I didn’t do at my school in an interesting and thrilling way.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!