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Mary Renault
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The Persian Boy Paperback – Import, November 6, 2003

by Mary Renault (Author)
4.6 out of 5 stars 1,216 ratings
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The Persian Boy tells the story of the climactic last seven years of Alexander the Great's life through the eyes of his lover, Bagoas. Abducted and gelded as a boy, Bagoas was sold as a courtesan to King Darius of Persia, but found freedom with Alexander after the Macedon army conquered his homeland. Taken as an attendant into Alexander's household, the beautiful young eunuch becomes the great general's lover and their relationship sustains Alexander as he survives assassination plots, the demands of two foreign wives, a mutinous army, and his own ferocious temper.
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  1. Book 2 of 3
    The Alexander Trilogy
  2. Print length
    380 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Arrow Books Ltd
  5. Publication date
    November 6, 2003
  6. Dimensions
    5.08 x 1.06 x 7.8 inches
  7. ISBN-10
    0099463482
  8. ISBN-13
    978-0099463481
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Arrow Books Ltd
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 6, 2003
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ New Ed
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 380 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0099463482
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0099463481
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 9.9 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.08 x 1.06 x 7.8 inches
  • Book 2 of 3 ‏ : ‎ The Alexander Trilogy
  • Best Sellers Rank: #10,450,231 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 1,216 ratings

About the author

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Mary Renault

Mary Renault

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Mary Renault (1905-1983) was best known for her historical novels set in Ancient Greece with their vivid fictional portrayals of Theseus, Socrates, Plato and Alexander the Great.

Born in London in 1905 and educated at the University of Oxford, she trained as a nurse at Oxford's Radcliffe Infirmary where she met her lifelong partner, fellow nurse Julie Mullard. After completing her training she wrote her first novel, Purposes of Love, in 1937. In 1948, after her novel North Face won a MGM prize worth $150,000, she and Mullard emigrated to South Africa.

It was in South Africa that Renault was able to write forthrightly about homosexual relationships for the first time - in her last contemporary novel, The Charioteer , published in 1953, and then in her first historical novel, 1956's The Last of the Wine, the story of two young Athenians who study under Socrates and fight against Sparta. Both these books had male protagonists, as did all her later works that included homosexual themes. Her sympathetic treatment of love between men would win Renault a wide gay readership.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
1,216 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers praise this historical fiction novel for its engaging story set against historical events, with one review highlighting its detailed descriptions of ancient life and travels. Moreover, the book features beautifully wrought prose that transforms prose into poetry, and customers appreciate its well-developed characters, particularly Bagoas' devotion to Alexander the Great. Additionally, the novel receives positive feedback for its rich images, deeply touching narrative that takes readers on a vivid journey of love, and scholarly content that provides insight into various kingdoms. However, the pacing receives mixed reactions, with several customers finding it slow-paced.

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Historical fictionReadabilityWriting qualityCharacter developmentVisual qualityTouchstoneScholarly contentPacing
44 customers mention "Historical fiction"44 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the historical fiction elements of the book, describing it as a very enjoyable story set against historical events with a high level of authenticity. One customer notes it is packed with details of ancient life and travels.

"An unusual look at history - well written but so sad in many ways" Read more

"...Absolutely changed my perspective on how good historical fiction could be." Read more

"If you are looking for an exciting story, you can't go wrong with Alexander biographies and stories...." Read more

"Deeply moving, and unfailingly historically accurate, this story of the young castrated lover of Alexander the Great is surprisingly educational in..." Read more

44 customers mention "Readability"40 positive4 negative

Customers find the book delightful every time they read it, describing it as a fantastic and very interesting novel that is worth their time.

"This is, simply put, a great book. The language is lovely...." Read more

"The Persian Boy is one of the best novels I have read in quite a long time...." Read more

"I could not put this book down! A great read and an interesting part of history." Read more

"This is a wonderful book." Read more

30 customers mention "Writing quality"27 positive3 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, noting its beautifully wrought prose and ability to transform prose into poetry, with one customer describing the words as "silk and fire."

"...This, the second in her Alexander trilogy, is brave and poetic...." Read more

"An unusual look at history - well written but so sad in many ways" Read more

"Great writing...like living with Alexander." Read more

"...Remarkable work, well-studied, well-reasoned, well-developed. You will not be able to put it down once you open the first page." Read more

20 customers mention "Character development"20 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, particularly the epic tale of Alexander the Great, with one customer highlighting the beautiful eunuch's devotion to him.

"...She also brings other characters to life. All that she mentions by their names, the reader will know what kind of person he/she was...." Read more

"...grins:: The characters were believable, if Renaults portrayal of the times/societies were correct...." Read more

"...The story of Alexander has been much explored, what I think makes this book successful is seeing the familiar story through the eyes of a character..." Read more

"...The beautiful eunuch's devotion to Alexander to the very end is deeply touching." Read more

17 customers mention "Visual quality"17 positive0 negative

Customers praise the book's visual quality, describing it as stunning with rich images, and one customer notes its historically accurate portrayal of Alexander the Great's life.

"...Using the voice of Alexander's beloved eunuch Bagoas, it is beautiful in its purity and strength...." Read more

"...and the love scenes, it is not as disturbing, since it is not graphic at all. Transparent, clean, and good taste...." Read more

"...Therefore this sensual, beautiful, and tender NOVEL should be judged on it's own merits and not pecked to meaningless pieces by modern labeling..." Read more

"...and it's presented as a great love story, so in some ways it seems very modern and even post-gay...." Read more

10 customers mention "Touchstone"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the book deeply touching and moving, taking readers on a vivid journey of love.

"...young boy who had been made a eunuch who came to serve Alexander is very moving...." Read more

"Deeply moving, and unfailingly historically accurate, this story of the young castrated lover of Alexander the Great is surprisingly educational in..." Read more

"...the love and respect that Bagoas felt for Alexander, and that is very touching. I don't read many novels, but this one is worth the time and money." Read more

"...Therefore this sensual, beautiful, and tender NOVEL should be judged on it's own merits and not pecked to meaningless pieces by modern labeling..." Read more

9 customers mention "Scholarly content"9 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the scholarly content of the book, with reviews noting its extensive research, engaging descriptions, and valuable insights into various kingdoms. One customer highlights its importance in the history of gay literature.

"...is surprisingly educational in today's world because it talks about East and West...." Read more

"...It's full of research and actual events, packed with details of ancient life and travels...." Read more

"...directly connected and yet also at a societal, hierarchical, cultural distance...." Read more

"...Not much action in terms of battle scenes. The book makes a great reference on the topic of Boy Love in the ancient world." Read more

12 customers mention "Pacing"8 positive4 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with several finding it slow-paced.

"...Alexander's beloved eunuch Bagoas, it is beautiful in its purity and strength. Ms Renault, though no longer living, has a new fan." Read more

"...While sometimes the story pacing felt a little slow, it wasn't enough to damage my enjoyment of the book...." Read more

"...Remarkable work, well-studied, well-reasoned, well-developed. You will not be able to put it down once you open the first page." Read more

"...lists of today seldom include such literate and substantial and enduring novels." Read more

wrong cover😑
1 out of 5 stars
wrong cover😑
the cover listed is not the cover that will be delivered to you. the one in my photo is the cover. if you are looking to complete the set, it will not match😑😑
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Top reviews from the United States

  • PuppyTalk
    5.0 out of 5 stars can't put it down!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2002
    Verified Purchase
    If you are looking for an exciting story, you can't go wrong with Alexander biographies and stories. Whether he is portrayed evil or good, his life was full of energy and events that simply amaze you. But of all the books I've read about him, this book is the one that captured my mind the most.
    First, she starts out with Bagoas's boyhood. Doing so she is successful in educating her reader about Persian people and their culture/customs, the environment and the way it was back then, to prepare us for deeper understanding of the future events. The first one-third of the book is about Bagoas's boyhood, mostly about his court life, which tells what had happened inside the Persian Empire before Alexander actually came into scene. This is a very smart start, because by the time Darius was killed, and his murderer Bessus was arrested by Alexander and executed, with nose and ears cut off, the reader is well prepared to understand why it had to be done that way. She also explains well the reason why Alexander became so Persianized, which created resentments and mutinies and lots of problems. Mary Renaults does the best job in making the reader understand this crucial point which cast shadow over him until he died.
    As for homosexuality and the love scenes, it is not as disturbing, since it is not graphic at all. Transparent, clean, and good taste.
    She also brings other characters to life. All that she mentions by their names, the reader will know what kind of person he/she was. Whether her portrayal of Alexander and the way she used the well-known events to develop the characters and story are factual or not, she will convince you effortlessly. Remarkable work, well-studied, well-reasoned, well-developed. You will not be able to put it down once you open the first page.
    24 people found this helpful
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  • Anne Rice
    5.0 out of 5 stars Quietly and Consistently Magnificent
    Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2004
    Verified Purchase
    Deeply moving, and unfailingly historically accurate, this story of the young castrated lover of Alexander the Great is surprisingly educational in today's world because it talks about East and West. Through the eyes of "the Persian boy," we come to understand a gulf between mindsets that has not been bridged even to the present time. But you don't think about these things when you're reading Mary Renault's smooth and beautiful prose. You're swept up in the story and above all else, in her fully realized characters. Alexander the Great and his youthful brashness become completely real to you. You imbibe the history. That's how Mary Renault wanted it and she was marvelously accomplished at her task. You take away with you an emotional experience of this incalculably important period of time -- when Alexander through sheer will and conviction brought Hellenism, that is Greek philosophy and ideas to foreign territories all along the Mediterranean coast laying the ground for a way of life which we are still to this day enjoying -- and your comprehension of the sequence of events is forever deepened. Renault's The Last of the Wine brings to life ancient Athens in the same rich and unforgettable manner. Both are sad novels in a way, but sadness with Renault can be very sweet and very rewarding. Highly recommended. The best seller lists of today seldom include such literate and substantial and enduring novels.
    53 people found this helpful
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  • Carolyn
    4.0 out of 5 stars A good novel about Alexander the Great
    Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2011
    Verified Purchase
    I'm not a big fan of Bagoas, but I really enjoyed reading this novel about the personal life of Alexander the Great from his triumphal entrance into Babylon until his death. The historical Alexander did indeed have a personal magnetism that inspired love in so many people. This novel fully explores that. Page 179 describes Alexander reading the Iliad to Bagoas and describing the love between Achilles and Patroklos, and Bagoas says, "He [Alexander] did not tell it with art, like the taletellers in the market, but as if he had been there and remembered everything. At last I knew where my rival [Hephaestion] stood, grafted into his spirit, deeper than any memories of the flesh.". Pages 328-329 describe what could have happened on the crossing of the Gredosian desert, when Hephaestion goes back to save Bagoas from death and asks Bagoas to look after Alexander. When Bagoas tells Alexander about it, the King says, "That is Hephaestion; it always has been."; and it was as if he closed again the curtain guarding a shrine." Pages 383 and 384 describe Alexander's grief after Hephaestion's death. "I [Bagoas] thought, He [Alexander] has rebuilt the legend in everlasting bronze. He will keep faith with it, if he lives to threescore and ten. Hephaestion's regiment is always to bear his name whoever may command it, just so he will be forever Alexander's lover; no one else will ever hear, "I love you best." "The Persian Boy" also describes the love and respect that Bagoas felt for Alexander, and that is very touching. I don't read many novels, but this one is worth the time and money.
    10 people found this helpful
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  • Subhasis
    5.0 out of 5 stars Never read a book like this
    Reviewed in India on April 7, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Very rarely do I read books that are for mature audience. I prefer children's fantasy. But this book has changed everything for me. Fantasy is like the moon: beautiful, magestic, yet we only ever see one side of it. Mary Renault explores the other side. In her interpretation, our love of heroism becomes what Sigmund Freud called Penis Envy. Read this trilogy only if you are willing to give up your innocent fascination with fantasy. I had no idea this would happen. But I am okay with it. It was an experience of a lifetime.
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  • Canada Crone
    5.0 out of 5 stars One Of The finest Historical Novels Ever Written
    Reviewed in Canada on December 21, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    There has never been a better telling of the life of Alexander the Great. Mary Renault draws you into the life of the warrior king, as seen through the eyes of his servant and lover, Bagoas, so deeply that returning to the 21st Century is a horrible shock.
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  • Maria de la Luz Montoya
    5.0 out of 5 stars Pase años buscándolo
    Reviewed in Mexico on March 18, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    No encontraba esta trilogía por ningún lado y después de años al fin la tengo. Estoy muy feliz, es una gran autora y la historia te cautiva hasta el final.
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    Maria de la Luz Montoya
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Pase años buscándolo

    Reviewed in Mexico on March 18, 2024
    No encontraba esta trilogía por ningún lado y después de años al fin la tengo. Estoy muy feliz, es una gran autora y la historia te cautiva hasta el final.
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  • ElenaPi
    5.0 out of 5 stars Stupendo
    Reviewed in Italy on August 8, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Libro stupendo! Incuriosita su Bagoas dopo aver visto Alexander (sia all'uscita del film nei cinema anni fa, e di recente rivisto come Ultimate Cut dove Bagoas è più presente) ho deciso di cercare qualcosa di più su questo personaggio, scoprendo così questo libro. Devo dire che è davvero bello! Bagoas è un personaggio particolare e interessante, peccato che a livello storico non ci siano molte informazioni al riguardo. Appena avrò la possibilità recupererò anche gli altri libri della trilogia di Alessandro.
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  • karl
    5.0 out of 5 stars A dramatic account of Alexander the Great's life and his friendship with Hephaistion
    Reviewed in Germany on February 1, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Such a grand depiction of Alexander's adult life perceived from the perspective of a close friend and lover - thrilling. You will not be able to stop reading! Absolutely great.
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