Review of Pericles and Aspasia

[Bertha Jackson]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Pericles and Aspasia" by Yvonne Korshak.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Pericles and Aspasia: A Story of Ancient Greece by Yvonne Korshak is a historical fiction that takes the reader back to the ancient times of Greece, where Aspasia meets Pericles after she escapes pirates who want to sell her along with her father's scrolls in Athens. Aspasia and Pericles fall in love despite their relationship's many differences and obstacles. Aspasia is a foreigner without citizenship, and she is a prostitute. Pericles is married to Aristocleia and has two sons. Pericles had created a law that forbade citizens from marrying foreigners. This law leaves Aspasia wondering what her future in Athens will hold for her. The Spartan tyrant rebels against Athens's democracy, and Pericles goes to war. What will Pericles do about his love for Aspasia? Will the Athenians defeat the Spartans? Are the laws made for a community as a whole justified, or should they be changed?

Yvonne Korshak did an excellent job writing this story about the ancient times of Greece and the mythology surrounding the Gods. I have read a lot of Greek mythology, and I do not remember ever reading about Zeus giving birth to Athena through his head. The characteristics of the people and their impact on the world during the Golden Age, Silver Age, and Bronze Age were interesting to read. I appreciate that the author differentiated correspondence between the characters from the rest of the text using bold and italic print. As with much Greek mythology during ancient times, this story has an abundance of philosophical paradoxes. One example of a paradox that one philosopher pointed out to Pericles was that "you can almost always turn a loss into a win." My favorite life lesson in this book is "the man working only for himself is working against the rest." At the end of the book, you will find a list of characters, research sources, quotation sources, and a map of the 432 BC Greece and Aegean regions showing the influence of Athens and Sparta.

Although this is a long book, with 557 pages and many Greek terms, I disliked nothing about it. I am happy to see that a sequel to this book is coming soon. I will enjoy reading more about Pericles and Aspasia's fate.

This book has been professionally edited and has only two minor errors that a professional editor may have missed. The only rating this book deserves is 5 out of 5 stars. Nothing in this book warrants the deduction of a star.

Fans of Greek mythology, history, philosophy, and romance books are the ones I recommend this book to. Sensitive readers need to be cautioned about some gory content involving animal sacrifices, and there is minimal non-borderline profanity.

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Pericles and Aspasia
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[Mercy Sos Christopher]

Historical books have always been my favorite genre because I love to learn about other cultures. So I will definitely check this out. Thanks for the review

[Yasmine Zaki Muhieddine]

The irony in Pericles making a Law that will go against what he wants most, his relationship with Aspacia. The book is quite long, more than 500 pages; I hope the story is captivating and enjoyable.

[FunkyFlowerLady]

I love reading books where the narrative is set in ancient Greece and explores the Gods' mythology. Greek mythology is something I've read a lot, but I also don't recall ever reading about Zeus giving birth to Athena through his head. Great review!

[Triciat50]

I, too, enjoy modern novels that take characters from older stories--in this case, ancient Greek myths--and create new versions of their story while staying to the facts of the time. I also really appreciate an author for including maps in their books. Thanks for your review!

[SINGH JAY]

Congrats on BOTD!
a well-written critique of a contemporary book that uses characters from older tales, in this case, Greek myths, to tell a fresh tale while adhering to historical accuracy. Maps in books are another thing that I greatly love from authors.

[Margi zuu202]

Book of the day BOTD is historical fiction two lovers crest the wave of the golden age seen through the eyes of individual the book bring us back to the present times of this days..it was well written and reviewed I will recommend

[John Arun Kumar]

Yvonne Korshak seems to have produced a very creative historical romantic fiction. The relationship of Pericles and Aspasia is an intriguing plot and there seems to be a good amount of research gone into this book. I would like to read this book sometime. You have written the review so well. Congratulations on the BOTD!

[Amanda Warner]

I haven't read much on Greek mythology or ancient Greek history that involves love and romance, even though I watch them in movies. I haven't read a book with such content.

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

Yvonne Korshak did an excellent job writing this story about the ancient times of Greece and the mythology surrounding the Gods. I have read a lot of Greek mythology, and I do not remember ever reading about Zeus giving birth to Athena through his head. The characteristics of the people and their impact on the world during the Golden Age, Silver Age, and Bronze Age were interesting to read. I appreciate that the author differentiated correspondence between the characters from the rest of the text using bold and italic print. As with much Greek mythology during ancient times, this story has an abundance of philosophical paradoxes. One example of a paradox that one philosopher pointed out to Pericles was that "you can almost always turn a loss into a win." My favorite life lesson in this book is "the man working only for himself is working against the rest." At the end of the book, you will find a list of characters, research sources, quotation sources, and a map of the 432 BC Greece and Aegean regions showing the influence of Athens and Sparta.

Those are great quotes! And I really appreciate your comment about typography. Switching from italics to regular print seems like a minute detail, but it's all the minute details that create a great reading experience.
Thank you!

[Nancy004]

As a Greek mythology enthusiast this book piques my interest. Pericles was known for his rhetorical skills and his ability to inspire the Athenian citizens with his speeches.Aspasia was a highly educated and influential woman who became known for her intellect, charm, and beauty. It would be great to read the author's take on their story. Congratulations on #BOTD

[Roy Nick]

Oh no! Though your review is great, I'll have to pass. I'm no fan of Greek mythology.

[Sarah Kate Smith]

The story of Pericles and Aspasia seems intriguing. I would like to know what their fate was and if they continued their relationship or not. Congratulations on BOTD!

[Nisha DSouza]

I enjoyed reading your review; it was well-written and captivating. The sample pages were intriguing, and I was eager to read about how the story of Pericles and Aspasia turned out. It is a great book for people who love to read historical fiction. Congrats on the BOTD!

[Jorge Leon Salazar]

This story set in Greek mythology features a romance plot between Pericles and Aspasia. They are caught in war, prohibitions, and other obstacles. Sounds interesting!