Customer Reviews

Andromakhe - An Epic Novel of Troy and a Woman's Triumphant Valor

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"Andromakhe" is an interesting, well-researched, but for some readers, quite unusual take on an old legend. While O'Donnelly is reasonably faithful to the original storyline, meaning this novel is not "alternate history," therefore Andromache does marry Hector, he is the love of her life forever, she does have an existence apart from what we are generally familiar with. For example, she is a scribe, loves reading and researching, from philosophy to history, has ESP, ponders reincarnation, communicates with animals, and trains herself to wield the sword. But she is not exactly an amazon warrioress a la M.Z. Bradley's Cassandra in The Firebrand, but neither is she the spoiled, selfish brat from Kolchis, Andromache is portrayed as in The Firebrand. Well, I happen to like The Firebrand, so this is not a putdown of Bradley's novel, just an observation of how different authors can interpret familiar characters differently. For example, in David Gemmel's excellent novel, Lord of the Silver Bow (Book I in Gemmel's Troy series), Andromache is presented as a (comparately speaking) mature woman in her twenties, a priestess with the skill of an amazon in how she uses bow and arrow, sexually liberated (or a swinger, depending on your p.o.v on these matters) who enjoys sex with women but falls in love with Aeneas, Prince of Dardania, then agrees to love and marry Hector.

In the opening of "Andromakhe", we meet her at the age of 13, as a loving daughter in her father's palace in Anatolian Thebe, and we start walking in her shoes (and her soul). We get acquainted with the era, customs, locale, her parents and her complex relationship with them. Andromache has a close-encounter with what seems to be the Goddess, and later, during a near-death experience (while out of her body) has an ethereal meeting with the man who might or might not have been a brother of hers during a past life.

Another deviation from the legend is her relationship with Helenos, Hector's brother (according to various legends, the man she weds many years after Hector's death, while they are in exile in Greece). They are still teenagers when a tender love springs between them -- long before she is promised to Hector. But when the "game of empire" demands that the heir of Troy takes her to wife, Andromache, dutiful (albeit somewhat rebellious, as befits a teenager) daughter that she is, is obligated to go along with it.
What I found believable is how Hector and Andromache ultimately fell in love with each other, with a devotion that transcended time and space.
The writing style is not heavy-handed, with good historical details that illuminate the "backstage" of the great war, politics and psychology. Overall, Andromakhe the Novel covers a lot of new ground with a plucky heroine who has willpower, stamina, faith, and thus, triumphs in her own way.

This novel recreates the life of Andromakhe of Greek legend. It covers her marriage to Hector, her life in Troy, and what happened to her after the city's fall. Showing the strength of one woman in a male dominated society, it goes into detail about her doomed relationship with Hector and brutal the death of their son. It is action packed and a fascinating portrait of Andromakhe and the life she might have led. If you are familiar with Greek legend you will recognize many of the characters.

Although the book does not claim to be fact, there is a lot of historical research woven into the plot. The story is beautifully written and it is a creative story of strength and love. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel.

The Battle of ancient Troy is the setting for Kristina O' Donnelly's historical novel, `Andromakhe.' O'Donnelly brings us into the exotic world of the Mediterranean along with its beautiful and brutal customs. This lush story hearkens back to Homer's classic depiction of the 10 year siege, laid out in the epic poem "The Iliad."

O' Donnelly breathes new life into Homer's ancient tale and also brings to light something absent from the original work: a female perspective. The story is told in first person and the reader is able to understand and sympathize with Andromache's constant distress at having married a great warrior during the time of this epic war. The struggles Andromache endures are timeless. Having been an army wife myself I could easily relate to the bittersweet love and respect a wife has for her husband as the questions of war and service to one's country come first. Many military wives have lived this long and painful road. On one hand, we are proud of our warriors and believe in what they are fighting and dying for. On the other, we are fearful for their safety and want only to hold them close far away from the cries and clanging of battles. "When the fighting resumed the next morning, there was no holding Hektor back. I begged him, begged him on my knees, sobbing, screaming, kissing his hands, pulling my hair out in bunches - dignity be damned - to recuperate for just one more day. He paid me no heed."

The name Andromache literally means "battle of men" and through this story the reader is able to observe how she lives up to that name. Andromache is absolutely supportive of her husband in his effort to prepare his soldiers and although she has a mind of her own, she is a dedicated and loving wife -- giving her husband comfort he needs while bearing the crushing weight of so much responsibility on his shoulders.

After Hektor is slain by Achilles and his body is brought back through King Priam, Andromache must bear witness to the death of her soul-mate. Nevertheless, Andromache knows her duty as a mother. "I held Hektor's cartouche ring tightly in my fist. Hektor's cloak, unfinished, was now ashes in his tomb; but at least one important duty still left for me: To raise Skamandrios. The hope of Troia rested upon my little son."

The author uses lush figurative language to give the reader a vivid and accurate picture of the climactic battles between the legendary warriors such as Ajax, Hektor, and Achilles. Though, it is not merely the violent clashes which characterize this story. At its core it is about the love between Andromache and her husband Hektor as they face the seemingly never-ending siege on their beloved city. The reader can feel the palpable tension first by the inexorable march of the Greeks to the outer walls of Troy, and later to the siege itself. The drama is exquisite and being told from inside the ancient city, the reader feels the suspense building awaiting the deadly Greek army's onslaught, just as the main characters do.

O' Donnelly clearly has a scholarly insight into these events and is able to grant unique personalities to all of these characters in a mesmerizing way. I have not experienced this feeling of being drawn back in time since reading `The Mists of Avalon' some years ago. Beyond my own personal curiosity surrounding `The Iliad' after having studied it in graduate school and reading various English translations on more than a few occasions, I have always been interested in understanding the motivations of the women in this story. What was beautiful Helen's reaction to being considered one of causes of this war? How does Andromache deal with the death of her husband and later, the brutal slaying of her baby, Astynax? How does Queen Hekabe manage to keep her composure as her husband and children are marching into nearly certain destruction? It is these kinds of questions which the author strives to answer with her portrayal of these powerful and influential women during this tragic time in their lives.

I admit that I shed tears while reading the accounts of Andromache's pain and loss but also rejoiced with her triumphs as she managed to find a measure of peace within her life. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves the ancient classics from Western civilization as well as anyone interested in reading about strong female characters and the choices they must make in a male dominated society.

Kristina O'Donnelly has done a great job by reflecting the forgetten female side of the ancient Troy story. In her sixth novel of 'Lands of the morning series', Adromakhe, Ms O'Donnelly raise the influence and the strong character of the women behind the ancient Troy. The novel tells us the great challenge of Andromakche and the others. Kristina O'Donelly smartly blends the ancient history, love, war, suspense, action in a mysterious context. As it is stated in the Andromakhe "The more things change, the more they remain the same."

...(I absolutely adore "Andromakhe"!) I had a little trouble with the names right at first, as they were all foreign to me .. but little by little I was able to put them in their places. It's hard for me to comprehend the detailed research that went into this novel .... I've always been fascinated with mythology and now I know why.... I found myself living in that land and going through the war with Andromakhe... such a beautiful lady....not only in body but also spirit...I could picture each of the characters and her pain on losing Hektor...Just a fantastic story. O'Donnelly has done a wonderful job and I've thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Betty Sullivan La Pierre
Mystery/Suspense Author

O'Donnelly's "Andromakhe" gives the old legend a new face, new meaning. In this emotional and literal odyssey, Andromakhe rises high, is loved not only by Hector, Prince of Troy, but also by Helenos, brother of Hector, she is coveted by Achilles, and later by the legendary King Memnon. But it's her destiny to be tested again and again by the Goddess in whom she has an unshakable faith, and she is slammed with the unendurable loss of ALL her loved ones and her country.
Somehow, she manages to endure the unendurable, and fights to make a difference in the overall scheme of things.
Andromache's love for Hector is as strong as in the familiar legend, but she is a fleshed out, independent-minded woman interested in the world she lives in, and its mysteries. She understands her inescapable role in the convoluted games kings play as they battle to extend their dominions. She feels empathy for Helen of Troy, and well, has a talking cat (though she is the only one who can converse with him).
I am not sure if for some readers this is a turn-off, but O'Donnelly narrates the story in 1st person (Andromache's), therefore the battle scenes are viewed from the walls, you are not down in the field, shoulder-to-shoulder with Hector. But the painful sense of helplessness while watching one's beloved husband face up to death and dismemberment day after day, is realistic. The aftermath of Troy's fall as Andromakhe is hurled into slavery (we tour Greece and Illyria, their social and military customs, how the belief in the same Goddess is interpreted there, and learn more about Achilles's son, the equally successful but fully human warrior, Neoptolemus). Aspects such as magic and reincarnation are subtly employed, and in my opinion, add to the spice.
I've read two others books by Kristina O'Donnelly, The Horseman and Trojan Enchantment (which is a 21st Century, companion novel of Andromakhe), and I've been wondering about when, at long last, O'Donnelly will leave the Aegean region and write a novel about Ireland!

I read an advance copy of Andromakhe, and must admit, I am impressed. The Iliad is one of my college-day favorite classics, and I have read most of the contemporary takes. Marion Zimmer Bradley's Firebrand is a great one, in how Cassandra is highlighted.
Kristina O'Donnelly's Andromakhe (Andromache, of course) deserves to be placed right up there, next to The Firebrand. I found her treatment of the timeless arch-hero Hector's wife Andromache, beguiling as well as illuminating. The print version contains both Volume One and Volume Two of this novel, and Volume Two, which begins with Andromache's travails in the diaspora, and covers a great deal of new material (from Helen's daughter, Hermione, to Akhilles' son Pyrrhos Neoptolemus) is particularly interesting.
You don't have to be an Iliad buff to enjoy this sprawling and gripping novel. Five star recommended reading.

Caught in a world being transformed, Princess Andromakhe still worships the triple goddess, but patriarchal gods and patriarchal lines of descent are everywhere overcoming the older ways. When her father offers Andromakhe up in marriage to cement his ancient alliance with Troy, Andromakhe can do nothing but obey--which isn't too bad as she is to marry Hektor (Hector), the great Trojan prince and champion. But Andromakhe was born with a prophesy that her blessing would turn to tragedy and soon war swirls around the gates of Troy as the Greek heroes unite to destroy the powerful city and reclaim the Spartan Princess, Helen, who seeks to use Alexis (Paris) to reclaim the maternal rule over Sparta.

ANDROMAKHE re-tells the great siege of Troy, with its heroic defenders and powerful attackers. From the tragedy of Troy, Andromakhe is next enslaved by Pyrros the son of Achilles, Hektor's killer. Surviving, and creating a new life for the other survivals of the great Trojan destruction becomes Andromakhe's dream.

Viewed by history as the 'good wife,' in contrast to bad-wife, Helen, in ANDROMAKHE, this powerful princess becomes both more human and more three-dimensional. Andromakhe loves her husband, joins with him in his hopeless battle to overcome the fates and oracles that assure the destruction of Troy and of their way of life. She recognizes her role as a commodity in the game of Empire, but wishes she could be an Amazon like Penthesilea, the Amazon Queen. Touched by the Goddess, Andromakhe can see the Olympian gods--and the havoc they wreck.

Author Kristina O'Donnelly creates a respectful, but different vision of the ancient Troy story as told by Homer and the Greek playwrights. Rather than the male-centered heroics of Homer, O'Donnelly tells of the women they leave behind--of Andromakhe, Kassandra (Cassandra), Helen, and Hekabe, Priam's Queen and the mother of so many children killed in battle. O'Donnelly's research lets her bring an added dimension to the story--and to the magic. Magic, fate, prophesy, talking animals, and reincarnation all play a role in this richly textured and powerful story.

This is not a bad read. The author's dedication to detail is really quite commendable, her interpretation of the characters (especially Hector and Pyrrhos) very engaging. She gives her Andromache a strength and charisma that is only surpassed by David Gemmel's Andromache in his three-part Troy series.

However, this is a saga - an epic saga as the book's cover reads, at that. Sagas tend to be by nature long-winded and sag in the center. I found that the bulk of the book was very strong and it was only the beginning (which is weak) and the end (which just goes on and on, taking far too long to wind down) were the parts which lacked that engaging quality which makes a great book.

I would not read any other books in the author's series, but I would still recommend this novel to other readers interested in Bronze Age literature.

I bought this book with high hopes, and I have to admit I was disappointed. The characters aren't entirely realistic, the descriptions are lacking, and I found it extremely difficult to like Andromakhe, who is one of my favorite characters in the legend. For me, this strayed too far from Homer, Virgil, and the playwrights who wrote about Troy. I have read much better stories about this topic. Bottom line, I read it simply because Hector and Andromache are my favorite characters from the legend, but I didn't enjoy it nearly as much as I thought I would.