Book details
Goddess of Yesterday: A Tale of Troy
Description
Anaxandra is taken from her birth island at age 6 by King Nicander to be a companion to his crippled daughter, Princess Callisto. Six years later, her new island is sacked by pirates and she is the sole survivor. Alone with only her Medusa figurine, she reinvents herself as Princess Callisto when Menelaus, great king of Sparta, lands with his men. He takes her back to Sparta with him where Helen, his beautiful wife, does not believe that the red-headed child is Princess Callisto. Although fearful of the half-mortal, half-goddess Helen, Anaxandra is able to stay out of harms wayuntil the Trojan princes Paris and Aeneas arrive. Paris and Helens fascination with each other soon turns to passion and plunges Sparta and Troy into war. Can Anaxandra find the courage to reinvent herself once again, appease the gods, and save herself? In Caroline B. Cooneys epic tale of one girls courage and will to survive, Anaxandra learns that home is where you make it and identity goes deeper than just your name.From the Hardcover edition.
Age
11-12
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
272 pages
Why to read
- Engaging Retelling of a Classic Tale: 'Goddess of Yesterday' offers a fresh and captivating retelling of the events leading up to the Trojan War, providing readers with a new perspective on a timeless story from Greek mythology.
- Strong Female Protagonist: The novel features Anaxandra, a character who displays resilience, intelligence, and courage. Her journey and development throughout the story serve as an inspiration and provide a powerful role model for readers.
- Historical and Cultural Insight: Caroline B. Cooney meticulously weaves historical and cultural details into the narrative, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the ancient world and gain a deeper understanding of the customs, beliefs, and daily life of the time.
- Themes of Identity and Survival: The book explores profound themes such as identity, belonging, and survival in the face of adversity. These universal themes resonate with readers, making the story not only entertaining but also thought-provoking.