Review of The Fox
Posted: 07 Jan 2022, 10:02
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Fox" by M. N. J. Butler.]
The Fox by Butler is a historical fiction during the Fourth Century B.C. Leotychides narrates his life as a Spartan prince. He lets us in from the time he was a young boy. By the time he was seven years old, he was given an option to grow up next to his mother or in the Spartan military (a flock). Young Leotychides chose the military. A place where he makes life time friends. This is where he learns to be an exceptional Spartan. Abiding by the law as best as he could. Growing up believing that he will be one of the two kings in Sparta. As he was growing up with other Spartan boys, there was a rumor that followed him. That threatens his identity and his future role in Sparta. Leotychides faces ups and downs because of his identity crisis. Even though the long-war had ended, his flock realized they will have to fight for Sparta when they turn twenty years. As the conflicts in Greece and Persia continued. He explains the battles he fought in detail. Giving us the picture of the greatness of Spartan warriors. Taking pride in the discipline they have; due to their intense flock training. Despite the pride he and his friends had for Sparta. They formed friendships with Corinthians, that lasted a long time. This friendship proved to be true when Sparta was being attacked.
The author clearly placed a lot of effort in this novel. It required extensive research because it is based on true events. He added some details of his own which made it interesting to read. Such as the personalities of the characters and the love affairs. Sparta is seen through a different lens than what is said in history. Through a man who loved and understood the purpose of his nation.
I enjoyed the book because of how detailed it is in its story telling. The reader feels as though they know Leotychides. His personality was sometimes frustrating yet admirable. Hence, I related to one of his friends Antalkidas. Each member of his flock has a dynamic strength about them. Showing the love that the narrator had for his friends, particularly Doreius.
I have always loved Spartan stories but I have never read one before. Which made it difficult to read because I had to search for meaning. The author kindly provided it in a glossary. The novel has a few errors that did not disturb its flow. Hence I rate it a 3 out of 4. There is not a thing I disliked about the book. It was well paced. As a novel about someone’s lifetime should be. There were peaceful, chaotic, frustrating and victorious moments. Anyone who enjoys a descriptive tale and history would appreciate this book as well as its author.
******
The Fox
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The Fox by Butler is a historical fiction during the Fourth Century B.C. Leotychides narrates his life as a Spartan prince. He lets us in from the time he was a young boy. By the time he was seven years old, he was given an option to grow up next to his mother or in the Spartan military (a flock). Young Leotychides chose the military. A place where he makes life time friends. This is where he learns to be an exceptional Spartan. Abiding by the law as best as he could. Growing up believing that he will be one of the two kings in Sparta. As he was growing up with other Spartan boys, there was a rumor that followed him. That threatens his identity and his future role in Sparta. Leotychides faces ups and downs because of his identity crisis. Even though the long-war had ended, his flock realized they will have to fight for Sparta when they turn twenty years. As the conflicts in Greece and Persia continued. He explains the battles he fought in detail. Giving us the picture of the greatness of Spartan warriors. Taking pride in the discipline they have; due to their intense flock training. Despite the pride he and his friends had for Sparta. They formed friendships with Corinthians, that lasted a long time. This friendship proved to be true when Sparta was being attacked.
The author clearly placed a lot of effort in this novel. It required extensive research because it is based on true events. He added some details of his own which made it interesting to read. Such as the personalities of the characters and the love affairs. Sparta is seen through a different lens than what is said in history. Through a man who loved and understood the purpose of his nation.
I enjoyed the book because of how detailed it is in its story telling. The reader feels as though they know Leotychides. His personality was sometimes frustrating yet admirable. Hence, I related to one of his friends Antalkidas. Each member of his flock has a dynamic strength about them. Showing the love that the narrator had for his friends, particularly Doreius.
I have always loved Spartan stories but I have never read one before. Which made it difficult to read because I had to search for meaning. The author kindly provided it in a glossary. The novel has a few errors that did not disturb its flow. Hence I rate it a 3 out of 4. There is not a thing I disliked about the book. It was well paced. As a novel about someone’s lifetime should be. There were peaceful, chaotic, frustrating and victorious moments. Anyone who enjoys a descriptive tale and history would appreciate this book as well as its author.
******
The Fox
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon