Troy has not yet fallen. But one of its satellite cities, Lyrnessus, has with predictable consequences. The women are taken as booty, divvied up among the conquering heroes, who have slaughtered their fathers, brothers, and male children in front of their eyes. The high-born, young, and beautiful go to the chiefs, the rest are left to the mercies of the rank and file.
Briseis, an attractive nineteen-year-old princess, is ‘awarded’ to Achilles in recognition of his prowess in battle. Chryseis, the fifteen-tear-old daughter of a priest of Apollo, is taken by Agamemnon, the king of kings. Others – lets name them, Uza, Hecamede, Iphis, Tecmessa – end up with the likes of Odysseus, Nestor, Patroclus, and Ajax.
It is Briseis who carries the narrative forward. She is used, no more than that, by Achilles, who reserves any emotional attachment for his close friend, Patroclus. It is only the latter who makes Briseis’ new life tolerable by treating her as a person rather than as a possession.
Life in camp is vividly portrayed - battles, feasts, rivalries, funeral games. All great fun until the rats come, carrying plague. Turns out that kidnapping the daughter of a priest of Apollo was not a great idea. Agamemnon has to make amends, return Chryseis to her father. He demands Briseis as a replacement. Achilles rages, complies, sulks, and withdraws from the fight. Disaster! The siege falters. And it is all the fault of Briseis. As she says, it’s like blaming the bone for a dogfight.
The focus on the life of the women behind the battle lines is insightful. Their choices – endurance, acceptance, embracement – in respect of their captors / clients / partners, is subtly explored. Even so, there is plenty of battle noise, blood, gore, death, and burials to keep it in context. And there is a moving climax, despite leaving things open enough to lead into the sequel.
Pat Barker is a fine
writer and here gives a memorable voice to at least one of the girls previously
silent. Roll on book two!
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