Review by Shanta Maharaj -- The Fox by M. N. J. Butler
Posted: 18 Dec 2020, 14:39
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Fox" by M. N. J. Butler.]
The Fox by M.N.J Butler is a historical fiction novel that is written in retrospect of the main character. The novel is centered on the history of Sparta, its people and politics. This book proves to be a rich source of history that would be extremely intriguing for history lovers.
M.N.J Butler composed an extremely intense novel that unfolds at a very slow pace as it takes the reader on an adventure that explores the depths of Sparta and the history of Greece. It is through the main characters that we explore the hardships of war, complications of love, struggle to power and the bitterness within families that makes this novel uniquely unpredictable.
Leotychides narrates his journey through life to a scribe in order to document the history of Sparta. We follow and explore his journey through childhood and adulthood. It is through this narration that we discover the rich source of Greek history. We explore the depths of friendship, love, life and battles fought.
The Fox is a very well-constructed novel that contains several characters. It was indeed confusing to follow but it all ties together excellently. The antagonist, Agisilaos is a powerful king that declares war on Sparta. The main characters, King Agis, Queen Timaia, Antalkidas and Queen Eurydame all play a pivotal role in the story development. M.N.J Butler has constructed the novel in an exceptional way because we learn about Greek history and culture through these characters. We follow Leo on his journey as he wants to rule and rise to power but also learns of his illegitimacy.
The accounts of Leo in this novel are written beautifully and in a consistent manner. There is major research that went into this book which I greatly appreciated and also added great value to this book. M.N.J Butler brought these characters to life by allowing us to feel their emotions. The theme in this book is war and conflict but at the same time there is love which is a central concept in this novel. It is extremely challenging to have several themes and concepts and incorporate them into one book and I was immensely satisfied with this.
The events and characters are written in a clear and concise manner however I did find the book extremely slow paced which hindered the plot progression. I also disliked the use of several characters in the novel. I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. I believe this novel has been professionally edited. I enjoyed making use of the glossary in order to have a better understanding of the book. This novel is suitable for adults and also for individuals that enjoy history.
This novel is filled with passion and would be highly appreciated by history majors.
******
The Fox
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The Fox by M.N.J Butler is a historical fiction novel that is written in retrospect of the main character. The novel is centered on the history of Sparta, its people and politics. This book proves to be a rich source of history that would be extremely intriguing for history lovers.
M.N.J Butler composed an extremely intense novel that unfolds at a very slow pace as it takes the reader on an adventure that explores the depths of Sparta and the history of Greece. It is through the main characters that we explore the hardships of war, complications of love, struggle to power and the bitterness within families that makes this novel uniquely unpredictable.
Leotychides narrates his journey through life to a scribe in order to document the history of Sparta. We follow and explore his journey through childhood and adulthood. It is through this narration that we discover the rich source of Greek history. We explore the depths of friendship, love, life and battles fought.
The Fox is a very well-constructed novel that contains several characters. It was indeed confusing to follow but it all ties together excellently. The antagonist, Agisilaos is a powerful king that declares war on Sparta. The main characters, King Agis, Queen Timaia, Antalkidas and Queen Eurydame all play a pivotal role in the story development. M.N.J Butler has constructed the novel in an exceptional way because we learn about Greek history and culture through these characters. We follow Leo on his journey as he wants to rule and rise to power but also learns of his illegitimacy.
The accounts of Leo in this novel are written beautifully and in a consistent manner. There is major research that went into this book which I greatly appreciated and also added great value to this book. M.N.J Butler brought these characters to life by allowing us to feel their emotions. The theme in this book is war and conflict but at the same time there is love which is a central concept in this novel. It is extremely challenging to have several themes and concepts and incorporate them into one book and I was immensely satisfied with this.
The events and characters are written in a clear and concise manner however I did find the book extremely slow paced which hindered the plot progression. I also disliked the use of several characters in the novel. I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. I believe this novel has been professionally edited. I enjoyed making use of the glossary in order to have a better understanding of the book. This novel is suitable for adults and also for individuals that enjoy history.
This novel is filled with passion and would be highly appreciated by history majors.
******
The Fox
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon