Stefan Filipovits

A New Look At Old Hollywood

Reviewed: 08-08-24

After ravenously consuming “Mexican Gothic” I became obsessed with the other works of the rising literary titan that is Sylvia Moreno Garcia. She’s become one of those writers whose work I must read as soon as it’s released. I think a big reason for that is because she’s a rare breed of author. No matter what she’s writing, whether it be noir, horror (her strong suit in my humble opinion), mystery, or even just a character piece, she always manages to somehow turn in something readers like myself simply can’t put down. The aforementioned “Mexican Gothic” was an engrossing and addictive gothic pot-boiler that grabbed me by the throat and squeezed tighter with every turn of the page. “Silver Nitrate” was a fun and entertaining thrill ride that felt like it was written by a true horror junkie. “Velvet was the night” was an atmospheric mystery with insightful perspectives and prose that wore its pulp and noir influences on its sleeves. In my mind, she has yet to turn in anything that wasn’t thought-provoking, thrilling, superbly written, and utterly addictive. That winning streak continues here with “The Seventh Veil Of Salome”.
I think part of the reason I respond so much to Sylvia Moreno-Garcia’s writing is because most of her works involve in some way cinema and Hollywood history, as well as the influences she’s picked up from what seems like a lifelong fascination with those subjects and years of indulging that fascination. As someone who has also been obsessed with the history, legends, and world of movies since I was 10, I share her palpable love for all things cinema. She has a remarkable way of immersing the reader in that world and getting them invested in it, and thus, the story. She captures the vibe, aesthetic, institutions, politics, and tumultuous change that was occurring in Tinseltown at the time of “The Seventh Veil of Salome” exquisitely. The old studio system was collapsing, New Hollywood and its stars were emerging, and Joseph McCarthy and his absurdly overreaching House Un-American Activities Committee was ruining lives and turning everyone in the Hollywood machine and America at large into paranoid reactionaries. It is in this world that “The Seventh Veil Of Salome” is set.
While this historical setting provides ample opportunities for conflict, intrigue, and very deftly written world-building, it’s the enthralling character work that will stick with readers most. When one of the ubiquitous (for the 50’s) sword and sandal films about the biblical temptress Salome finally emerges from “development hell”, the race is on to find the perfect actress to inhabit the titular role. And while mega-stars like Mansfield, and Russell, vie for top-billing it’s the unknowns that are truly in contention. This is a story of Hollywood and the world of cinema told from people on its margins. A Mexican girl ashamed of her accent despite her undeniable talent, a “pick me up” girl doing ANYTHING to get ahead, a Jewish writer who only wants the best for his script, even Salome herself has her say and each perspective offers something new, insightful, and engrossing while simultaneously conflict, duplicity, hatred, and cruelty abound. The most laudable thing about “The Seventh Veil Of Salome” was that despite how “cinematic” it felt, it was never formulaic. No matter how familiar it was, it was never predictable. No matter how gritty, off-putting, or self-serving the world, circumstances, or characters became, the story was never anything less than enthralling. So, If you’re looking for a new look at old Hollywood, definitely give “The Seventh Veil Of Salome” a listen.

But buckle up and enjoy the ride.

If you enjoyed “The Seventh Veil Of Salome” as much as I have and are looking for similar titles then definitely check out Sylvia Moreno-Garcia’s aforementioned earlier works like “Silver Nitrate”, “Mexican Gothic”, and “Velvet Was The Night”. You might also enjoy “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid, “The Enchanters” by James Ellroy, “The Devil’s Playground” by Craig Russell, and “The Garden Of Allah Series” as well as “The Hollywood Homefront trilogy” by Martin Turnbull (both of which I heartily recommend) .

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A mesmerizing trip to Old Hollywood

Reviewed: 05-15-24

Those rare and fleeting moments where I'm not working or otherwise occupied are happily spent indulging in my pet obsessions. Subjects like "Game Of Thrones"/ "A Song Of Ice And Fire", The Russian Revolution, Greek mythology, The Golden Age Of Piracy, and whatever book I'm currently addicted to occupy a frankly embarassing amount of my attention. Yet no subject or topic on earth, no philosophy, intellectual property, or random piece of historical trivia calls to me like Old Hollywood. From the time I was a chronically ill 10 year old boy discovering the bottomless joy that is Turner Classic Movies, I've been obsessed with the legends of Old Hollywood and the endlessly fascinating history of it's greatest stars, titles, and productions. Even my job working six days a week at a movie-palace that regularly screens some of Hollywood's greatest achievements isn't enough to slake my lust for all things classic cinema and I have read so many books on the subject (both fiction and non-fiction) that even I would shove myself into a locker. I admit this not to brag or bore you about my admittedly "nerdy" passion for all things classic cinema, but to show my bona fidès and make it glaringly apparent that I know of what I speak when I tell you this: " The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo"by Taylor Jenkins Reid is perhaps one of the best fiction novels about the golden age of Hollywood ever written.
If, like me, you are absolutely captivated by the dangerous allure, enthralling history, and titanic personalities of Hollywood's first golden age, you will instantly love "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo". The story begins when a down on her luck writer who is currently dealing with the personal fallout of a painful divorce is given the opportunity of a lifetime interviewing one of the biggest names in the history of american cinema. And what seems at first blush to be a puff-piece meant to drum up interest in a charity auction is quickly revealed to be anything but, when the titular character offers the exclusive story of her life (and loves) to the suspicious but desperate writer. What follows is an instantly engaging and utterly immersive look at what women in the studio system of that time had to endure, as well as the often horrible price they had to pay to not just to find fame and success but to keep it. Sexual exploitation, physical abuse, racial prejudice, and frustrating inequality abound in that world (and still do) and readers should prepare for the unflinching look the author gives us. Yet while there are plenty of moments that will leave readers disgusted with the ruthless and transactional nature of stardom, it was thrilling to experience the moments where Evelyn rose above it. The character of Evelyn herself exudes charm, charisma, and tenacity and makes for an instantly lovable and relatable guide through the joys and pitfalls of fame. Those familiar with Hollywood history will recognize a lot in Evelyn. And while there is a dollop of Liz Taylor, a pinch of Rita Hayworth, and a splash of Marilyn Monroe in Evelyn Hugo, Taylor Jenkins Reid creates a character that also somehow feels entirely original and authentic. Evelyn Hugo feels not like a character, but someone that could have actually existed. The author also does a remarkable job articulating the haunting allure of Old Hollywood and the addictive and dangerous charm of fame as well. This is especially apparent when the story deals with the uglier side of Tinseltown. The laudable job Taylor Jenkins Reid does giving a voice to those who dared not be their genuine selves at a time of glitzy conformity is particularly impactful and resonant . To get the LGBTQ+ experience of a time and place that seemed outwardly safe and accomodating but was in reality anything but was truly rewarding and the author deftly and beautifully expresses the agony that inevitably follows when a human being can't be their authentic selves or love the person they want to love. So, if you're looking for an utterly original, thoroughly entertaining, and remarkably thought-provoking story set in Hollywood's belle epoque give "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" a listen immediately.

If you enjoyed "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid as much as I did and are looking for similar titles, check out "Salomè" or "The Garden Of Allah" series by Martin Turnbull. You might also appreciate "Last Night At The Hollywood Canteen" by Sarah James, "The Chaperone" by Laura Moriarty, or "Windhall" by Ava Barry.

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Guerra

Reviewed: 05-14-24

History abounds with stories of a people pushed to the brink, finally saying "No more!" to their oppressors and discovering a cohesion and national identity amid the bloodshed of rebellion. Through it's long, bloody, and fascinating history, Sicily has had many such oppressors. Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Greeks, Romans, and Arabs had all staked their claim to the small Mediterranean island and oppressed its people. It is during the occupation by Angevin empire of the French however, that our story is set. In the years leading up to the rebellion history remembers as the "Sicilian Vespers", discontentment had slowly been simmering among the islands inhabitants. Sicily had been brutally subjugated from top to bottom and held a subordinate role in the French empire. Rebellion seemed almost inevitable given the fact that Sicily's nobles had no share in the government of their own island, King Charles spent the heavy taxes he imposed on wars outside Sicily, and as a result, as one historian writes: "[The Sicilians] saw themselves now being ruled to enable an alien tyrant make conquests from which they would have no benefit". It is amidst this turmoil that our story is set.
"Siciliana" by Carlo Treviso is set in a world of simmering conflict and burgeoning national identity, a world of austere fortresses and bustling markets. It is also a world where inhabitants endure casual cruelty, constant oppression, and utter hopelessness ( "Simmo Surfaru"). Sicily in 1282 was a powderkeg waiting for a single spark to ignite it. Our main character, Aetna Vespiri, IS the spark that will go on to engulf the whole island. After surviving the brutal destruction of her family by Angevin soldiers, Aetna finds herself inspiring and leading an island wide rebellion against one of the great empires of her day. The "Sicilian Vespers" provides a fascinating stage for a story like this and the author doesn’t squander its potential for one moment. And while it's a little more formulaic, bombastic, and cinematically written than you'd expect from a story like this, it is no less immersive, compelling, and entertaining. Despite it's rather "paint by numbers" character motivations, the author does a laudable job establishing the context of the rebellion itself and manages to stay (relatively) close to the established facts while also keeping you invested in those characters and using them to tell an entertaining and enthralling story. Readers should probably prepare for more of a pulp-adventure (think "Sicilian Zorro"), than historic epic however. Yet, despite its flaws, Treviso articulates the beauty of Sicily and the determination of its inhabitants as they collectively take their island back as a single, unified people spectacularly and will have readers immersed from word one.

If you enjoyed "Siciliana" by Carlo Treviso and are looking for similar titles then definitely check out "The Sicilian" or "The Family" by Mario Puzo. You might also enjoy "The Godmother" by Leigh Esposito, "The Shape of Water" by Andrea Camilleri, or "The Leopard" by Giuseppe di Lampedusa.

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Noir with a pulse

Reviewed: 03-30-24

I've always loved noir as a genre. Novels like "The Maltese Falcon", "Farewell, My Lovely", and "Double Indemnity" as well as films like "Out Of The Past", "Kiss Me Deadly", and "Touch Of Evil" always had a way of grabbing me and keeping me immersed. And how not? In a genre rife with femme-fatales, driven yet morally ambiguous protagonists, and labyrinthine plots, it was impossible for me not to become enamored with the dangerous allure of "noir" as we know it. Yet it wasn't until I first read James Ellroy that I became what addicts call a "lifer". His work opened up a world of visceral, gritty danger. His staccato prose, enthralling mysteries, implacable yet irreparably broken characters, and the palpable, simmering atmosphere he conjured up with his stories grabbed me (and many others) by the throat and never let us go. That said, I had begun to fear that "The Demon-Dog of American Letters" had lost a step. Some of his novels in recent years had seemingly begun to lose their focus and impact. "This Storm" in particular was tedious, desperately in need of another edit (or four), and had a plot that was practically incomprehensible. Fortunately, the reigning king of noir is back with a vengeance with "The Enchanters".
The story begins with "Widespread Panic" protagonist, and Hollywood's sleaziest private eye (i.e. shakedown artist), Freddy Otash getting word that America's biggest star, Marilyn Monroe, has been found dead. What looks to the outside world as an accidental overdose, or possible suicide, is to Freddy anything but. Otash had been investgating Monroe at the behest of Jimmy Hoffa in the hopes of taking some of the luster off the Kennedy's and Camelot. After months of surveillance, wiretaps, and almost banal brutality, Otash has seen how volatile, dangerous, and uncontrollable her life had become in the year leading up to her death. What follows is an investigation that takes Otash straight to the black heart of 1960's Hollywood like a shot of adrenaline. Like the Ellroy of old, the author gives "The Enchanters" a pace that grips you by the throat and squeezes. Political intrigue, Cold War paranoia, Hollywood exploitation, and casual violence abound. In “The Enchanters”, Ellroy plays with the conspiracies surrounding Monroe's death in much the same way he played with the JFK assassination conspiracies in "American Tabloid". He exhaustively studied the actual historical event and uses it as a jumping off point to craft a narrative that is entirely his. And while "American Tabloid" might be his finest work, "The Enchanters" is no less impressive, no less compelling, and no less engrossing.
History geeks and readers new to the Ellroy style might need to prepare themselves for a...let us be polite and say "less than reverential" look at historical figures like Monroe, Jack & Robert Kennedy, and many others, however. At this point, any practiced Ellroy reader is entirely cynical and jaded (myself included) and very well aware that "America was never innocent". If, however, you are new to the works of James Ellroy, do prepare yourself. The casual racism, sexism, homophobia (to say nothing of violence) of the setting are in abundance and so is Ellroy's own nihilistic sensibilities in regards to power and the people who wield it. This is not the reverential "icon of the silver screen" take on Monroe we’re all used to. Ellroy writes her as an exploited, mentally unstable, almost pathetic fantasist who is entirely in over her head and blind to the very real danger she's in. JFK is not written as the inspiring, noble, and progressive president most americans hold in such high esteem. Ellroy establishes him as a philandering, exploitative, hypocritical trust-fund baby. Even Otash himself, a real historical figure that Ellroy himself had met a time or two is not spared from a scalding characterization and the contempt the author feels for the man is palpable. This iconoclastic take on titanic figures of American history is not out of the ordinary for Ellroy however, and the characterizations never take the reader out of the novel.
"The Enchanters" is Ellroy at his very best. The story and mystery sucks the reader in and never lets them catch their breath. It's a story with despicable characters you cant help but follow, a mystery so captivating you won’t want to stop, and a gritty atmosphere so palpable you'll want to take a bleach-bath after you finish reading it. It is noir with a pulse….

And I loved every second of it.

If you enjoyed "The Enchanters" as much as I did and are looking for similar works, then definitely check out some of Ellroy’s earlier efforts like the aforementioned “American Tabloid" or "Widespread Panic". You might also enjoy “The Black Dahlia”, “L.A. Confidential”, or “Perfidia”. If however you’re looking to explore the dark side of old Hollywood some more, you might also appreciate “Tinseltown: Murder, Morphine, and Madness” by William J Mann, “Helter Skelter” by Vincent Bugliosi, "The Garden On Sunset" by Martin Turnbull, or "The City of Angles" by Jonathan Leaf.

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"America Was Never Innocent"

Reviewed: 02-21-24

The Audible Original production of "American Tabloid" takes an already enthralling novel and turns it into an audio-drama that plunges the listener into a world of intrigue, deceit, and labyrinthine schemes. The dialogue crackles, the story grabs you by the throat and never lets go, and the performances (with one VERY notable exception) are pitch-perfect from top to bottom. In "American Tabloid", Ellroy shows us America as a powderkeg waiting for a spark to ignite it and immolate the world with it. An insidious and pernicious CIA has its tentacles in every strata of society, a communist country lies 50 miles off America's shores, the mafia is at the height of it's influence, and the Kennedy family has its hands on the reins of power. It's a world where alliances are made with villains, plans within plans have the diremost consequences, and absolutely nobody is innocent. Of all the Ellroy novels that Audible could've adapted, I'm glad they chose "American Tabloid".
That said, there is one caveat: the narrator, James Ellroy himself, is so baffilingly unsuited to read his own material. I've never heard an author who has such an off-putting take on his own prose. It's guttural, harsh, and so strangely read it's almost comical. A story this taut, tense, and engrossing really needed a better narrator to articulate it. Caveat aside, the rest of the performances, to a one, are perfectly delivered. Audible scrounged up a "Murderer's Row" of talent to perform the dialogue and each and every actor has a surprising grasp on their respective characters and personalities. Particular acclaim should go to Allesandro Nivola, William Forsythe, and Shea Whigham as the leads. The stellar cast, immersive sound-design, tightly-paced and exquisitely written story all serve to deliver an utterly addicting Cold War pot-boiler that simmers from word one and builds and builds until its explosive conclusion...

And I could NOT stop listening.

If you enjoyed James Ellroy's "American Tabloid" as much as I did and are looking for similar titles please check out Ellroy's other works like "L.A. Confidential", "The Black Dahlia", and "The Enchanters". I also can't recommend Don Dellilo's "Libra" enough, as well as "Winter Kills" by Richard Condon.

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The Gods Answered My Prayers

Reviewed: 02-16-24

The impact of Madeline Miller’s opus “Circe” cannot be overstated. Indeed, “Circe” casts a remarkably long shadow for such a young book. Since it’s release there have been many attempts to replicate it and many different authors have subsequently tried to give voices to the other maligned women of Greek mythology (to varying degrees of success). Clytemnestra, Helen, Medusa, Cassandra, and Pandora have all had their stories retold from their perspectives, and while the effectiveness of their respective efforts varies, they have ,to a one, been interesting. Yet I struggle to think of an infamous woman from Greek mythology whose story I longed to hear more than Medea. That hunger to hear Medea’s side of her story can also be attributed to Madeline Miller’s “Circe”. From the moment Medea shows up on Circe’s island, coated in miasma from a detestable murder she committed to protect a “hero” (I use that term loosely) who is already beginning to pull away from her, and snapping at Circe when confronted with her fate, I was desperate for a whole book about her. It offers so much potential. How could such a powerful, remarkable, self-reliant woman come to fall for such a vain and weak man and subsequently commit the most heinous crime a mother can commit? What drove her to it? What must her life been like to have made her capable of it? These are all questions Eilish Quin answers in her instantly engaging novel “Medea”.
Since the first time I finished Medea’s chapter in “Circe”, I pined for an entire story from her perspective. The gods heard my prayers, and Eilish Quin delivers a deftly written and painfully relatable look at why and how Medea became the “Witch Of Colchis” and the utter tragedy that was her existence. Medea grows up in a family that makes the Lannisters look like the Flanders. A frighteningly powerful (and power-hungry) father, an ethereal but increasingly distant and suspicious mother, and a lineage that ties her directly to the powers of Titans and Olympians, all serve to become the architects of the furious tragedy that is Medea. Throw in casual atrocities, a vain and self-serving “hero” for a husband, horrific and brutal prophecies, and a lack of any real warmth or affection, and it’s not hard to see how Medea became a mythic figure whose crimes and tragedy we still discuss and perform to this day.
With all that being said, Quin never lets us forget to pity Medea or become numb to the absolute inequality and casual cruelty women have to endure. Especially at that time. I also enjoyed the other mythic figures who round out the cast of characters. While some stretch further in the narrative than others, all are rounded, interesting, and compelling while also being at various points, lovable, detestable, and understandable. The real star of the narrative is always Medea however, and the author does a remarkable job getting the reader to sympathize and engage with her throughout her whole life. And though “Medea” never reached the stratospheric highs that left me thinking about what I’d read for weeks afterward the way “Circe” did, it is nevertheless a very compelling and well-written story. I’d been waiting YEARS for someone to do for Medea what Madeline Miller did for Circe and it was honestly worth the wait. “Medea” has earned its place of honor with the other modern reinterpretations of the maligned and despised women of Greek mythology. Give it a listen!

If you enjoyed “Medea” by Eilish Quin as much as I did and are looking for similar titles, you might enjoy the aforementioned “Circe” by Madeline Miller, which features an absolutely enthralling chapter featuring Medea herself. You might also appreciate “Stone Blind” by Natalie Haynes, “Clytemnestra” by Constanza Casati, or “Elektra” by Jennifer Saint. If however, you’re looking for a more Jason-centric version of the tale ( Jason is the worst husband in Greek mythology and that’s saying something, but you do you) you might give the “Blades Of Bronze” series by Mark Knowles a read.

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Gnostic Circe

Reviewed: 01-06-24

This is a classic example of a book with alot of potential and a very flawed and disjointed execution. In modern times, Lilith (the first wife of Adam, created before Eve) has become a feminist icon and symbol of feminine autononmy. Let’s not forget that Lilith was created as an equal to Adam and was only banished from Eden because she refused to be sexually subservient to him, after which she became a symbol of horror and villainy. The right author could do something very thought-provoking and compelling with the story of Lilith. We've gotten similar and instantly addicting stories about other maligned women in various mythic traditions. Characters like Circe, Medusa, Clytemnestra, and Jezebel have all gotten a modern reappraisal. The right author, someone like Natalie Haynes or Madeline Miller, could have leaned into the feminist iconography of Lilith and said something really important (and entertaining) about the unequal, arbitrary, and patriarchal sexual dynamics of the Abrahamic traditions that feature Lilith, as well as the all too prevalent religiously motivated sexism and inequality we see to this day. Instead what we get is what I call "Gnostic Circe". It's basically the cliffnotes version of the Lilith myth as well as a road-trip story featuring other maligned women of the Old & New Testament. Again, that is a very interesting and seemingly enthralling idea for a novel, yet the whole is never nearly as good as the sum of its parts.
The most frustrating part however is the disjointed and nonsensical cosmology of the piece. The monotheistic, Abrhahamic God of the Old Testament is here quite literally lording over Eden, yet at the same time the polytheistic gods of the Egyptian and ancient Mesopotamian pantheons not only exist concurrently but also have just as much power and influence. I get what the author was trying to do but it only muddles an already dry and somewhat meandering story and leaves the reader trying to puzzle out how gods work in the story instead of being invested in it. To be sure, the author does an admirable job incorporating themes and ideas that are certainly worth discussing or ruminating on and the character of Lilith herself is well-written, rounded,and serves as a very interesting main character to follow. Its the story itself that comes up rather short however. While your mileage may vary, I can't help thinking this is far from the definitive take on the Lilith story and also can't help but hope that someday someone will tell her story properly.

If however you enjoyed "Lilith" and are looking for similar titles then definitely check out "CIrce" by Madeline Miller, "Stone Blind" by Natalie Haynes, "Jezebel" by Megan Barnard, or "Clytemnestra" by Constanza Casati. You might also appreciate "Helen of Troy" by Margaret George or "Morgan Is My Name" by Sophie Keetch.

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7 people found this helpful

Like an Olympian herself, Haynes never misses

Reviewed: 01-04-24

Much like her earlier entry “Pandora’s Jar” which discussed the more infamous and maligned women of Greek mythology, “Divine Might” is ostensibly a series of FASCINATING essays on the female Olympians as well as figures like The Furies and The Muses. This is less a collection of stories and more an erudite and painstakingly researched analysis of the more famous female figures of Greek myth. We get quite a compelling look at the goddesses as well as discussions about their history, backstory, evolution, and how these immortal figures still influence us today.
While I personally find Natalie Haynes’ narrative works slightly more compelling, she has yet to turn in a new book that didn’t immediately grab me as a reader. As an author she is passionate, astute, thoughtful, tenacious, and has a real talent for elucidating the world of Ancient Greece for her readers. I’d love to see her interpretation of a character like Medea or Helen because she always has something new and interesting to say with some of the oldest myths on earth. So if you’re looking to add a very thoughtful, well-written, and entirely addicting look at the goddesses of the Greek pantheon to your literary diet, then definitely give “Divine Might” a listen. Like an Olympian herself, Haynes never misses.

If you enjoyed “Divine Might” as much as I have and are looking for similar titles then definitely check out her aforementioned series of essays “Pandora’s Jar”. You might appreciate her earlier works “A Thousand Ships” and “Stone Blind”. I’d also recommend “Circe” and “Song Of Achilles” by Madeline Miller, “Clytemnestra” by Constanza Casati, or “The Silence Of The Girls” series by Pat Barker.

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Songs Of Troy

Reviewed: 10-10-23

There’s been a glut of fantastic historical fiction anthologies released on audible lately. With contributions from authors like Kate Quinn, Stephanie Dray, Eliza Knight, and many other talented writers, we’ve gotten fascinating and diverse takes on epic historical events like The French Revolution in “Ribbons Of Scarlet”, Boudica’s Rebellion in “A Year Of Ravens”, and the destruction of Pompeii in “A Day Of Fire”. That “epicness” is turned up to 11 here in this latest entry: “A Song Of War”.
Truly, what is more epic in western literature than the Trojan War? Who hasn’t heard of titanic figures like Achilles, Hector, Odysseus, and Helen? Yet, with that familiarity comes a certain…staleness? It’s a story we in the west know from childhood and have seen a thousand times in a thousand different ways. Fortunately, the contributing authors have zoomed out a bit with the character point of views while also retaining focus in the story. Instead of the usual stories and perspectives of Achilles & Hector, Agamemnon & Menelaus, we get a look at the war from ancillary (though no less compelling or important) characters like Andromache, Helenus , Penthesilea, and Philoctetes, as well as many others. To be sure, the experiences and perspectives of familiar characters like Odysseus are featured. However, it’s because of these new voices and perspectives that “A Song Of War” works so well as a whole. And while it’s slightly jarring to see the newer takes on the Trojan faction, where they are just as duplicitous, fractious, and greedy as the Achaeans, it’s certainly well done and offers a fresh interpretation I’d never really seen done before,
It was the viewpoints of Helen and Cassandra that I feel are the best done however. This was the first time in my life where I understood and even sympathized with Helen’s motives for fleeing with Paris. She’s crafty and cynical, yet hopeful and hungry for freedom. While, it’s hard to condone her actions or admire her as a person, it’s equally easy to see how she could resent being traded and objectified her entire life, being adored yet ignored by all around her. Cassandra offered a tragic and enthralling, if somewhat unreliable, look at the war. After years of seeing Cassandra in media as the raving doomsayer, it was nice to get her perspective in a way that was handled with sympathy and depth. Every character was handled just so and it was refreshing and compelling from word one. We live in a time where new, interesting, and fresh takes on the Trojan war are in vogue and I’m happy to say that “A Song Of War” can take its place with the other remarkable reinterpretations of Greek mythology we’ve gotten in the last few years. Give “A Song Of War” a listen and don’t stop there.

If you enjoyed “A Song Of War” as much as I did and are looking for similar titles please check out the aforementioned “Ribbons of Scarlet”, “A Year Of Ravens”, and “A Day Of Fire”. You’ll also enjoy “A Thousand Ships” and “Stone Blind” by Natalie Haynes, “Circe” by Madeline Miller”, “Horses Of Fire” by A.D. Rhine, “Herc” by Phoenicia Rogerson, or the “Mythos” series by Stephen Fry.

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A Slow Triumph

Reviewed: 09-24-23

After being captivated by "A Day Of Fire" and "Ribbons of Scarlet", two other historical fiction anthology novels featuring stories by Kate Quinn, I was immediately compelled to give "A Year Of Ravens" a listen. Both " A Day Of Fire" and "Ribbons of Scarlet" offered immersive perspectives, compelling narratives, and fascinating historical color centered around two pivotal moments of world history ( the destruction of Pompeii, and the French Revolution respectively). With "A Year Of Ravens" we get that same approach with Boudica's rebellion and the result is just as cohesive, just as compelling, and just as addictive.
While it is not as immediately engrossing as "A Day Of Fire", it is no less enthralling to listen to. We're offered the perspectives of disparate and diverse members of both sides of the conflict. To hear the story of one of history's most remarkable rebellions through the voices of not only kings and queens but slaves, soldiers, tribunes, children, and druids is not only entertaining but remarkably stimulating and elucidating. There's more "Ribbons of Scarlet" than " A Day Of Fire" here though in that the pace is somewhat slower and more deliberate. The tension and danger of the story builds with the rebellion itself so readers may need to pace themselves. In my review of "Ribbons of Scarlet" I said "It's a slow start but PLEASE stick with it" and I would offer that same advice and urge patience again. That slow pace is never trying or boring however, and it builds effectively and deliberately while also allowing the disparate authors to establish the setting and stakes as well as some very well-written character work. It’s because of that deliberate pace that we get truly edifying historical context and a very graspable look at what life was like then. Everything feels authentic here, from the characters and setting to the warfare itself.
If you enjoy historical fiction, anthology books, or just need some good old fashioned rebellion in your literary diet, you'd be well served giving "A Year Of Ravens" a listen. Each and every contributing author offers something rewarding, immersive, elucidating, and well-written. So much so that I'm now even more excited for the upcoming release of "A Song Of War" where this formula will be applied to the Trojan War. I’m also silently hoping and praying we get more of these historical anthologies from Kate Quinn and her fellow contributors. Events like The reign of Henry VIII, The Napoleonic Wars, The American Civil War, World War I, and ESPECIALLY The Russian Revolution would give talented and historical detail oriented authors a chance to do and say something really interesting as well as entertaining. Whatever it is they do next, I’ll be sure to read it.

If you enjoyed "A Year Of Ravens" as much as I did and are looking for similar titles then please check out the aforementioned "A Day Of Fire" and "Ribbons of Scarlet" both of which feature contributions from Kate Quinn. You might also enjoy "A Thousand Ships" by Natalie Haynes, "The Silence of the Girls" and "Women Of Troy" by Pat Barker, "Horses Of Fire" by A. D. Rhine, or "The Wolf Den" by Elodie Harper.

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3 people found this helpful