The priestess and the slave by Jenny Blackford
Hadley Rille Books, 2009. ISBN 9780981924311
(Ages 14+) A fascinating novel set in Ancient Greece, The Priestess
and the
Slave
tells two parallel stories of a Delphi Pythia and a young slave woman
with incredible historical and archaeological accuracy. It is clearly
written by an author who not only specialises in ancient history, but
has a passion for telling the stories of those who lived in such times.
The novel moves between the lives of two women living in very different
circumstances. Harmonia is a young slave girl whose kind and caring
nature is reflected in the respectful manner she is treated by her
master and mistress. Harmonia's story is set against a backdrop of
tragedy and sadness as the terrible plague of Athens sweeps through her
family.
Thrasulla is a Pythia who prophesies for Apollo. Her story unfolds
amidst the corruption of man as one of her fellow Pythia accepts a
bribe from a mad king. Thrasulla is reflective of her life before
becoming a Pythia, and her life experiences guide her through the
trials of priesthood.
These two emotionally moving tales give a glimpse at what life was like
during ancient times, from the perspective of two quietly courageous
women. It is written with such detail and accuracy that it is easy to
see history through the eyes of those who lived it. Whilst being a
short book, the themes are mature in nature and discerning readers will
ponder the themes of survival, corruption and human nature. This
is a highly recommended book for those who are interested in or
studying Ancient Greece and gives a touching view of life in ancient
times.
Alison Woodward