The war is won. Troy has fallen, been sacked and burnt. Every man, boy, and foetus (just to be on the safe side) killed. The women, grieving wives, mothers, and orphans, are divvied up among the victors.
Helen is taken back by Menelaus, a surprise to many of the Greeks who blame her for all the death and destruction, but there again, she remains a stunner and able to charm her way through life (and death). Andromache, widow of Trojan hero Hector, is taken by Pyrrhus, teenage son of dead Achilles, and incompetent slayer of old King Priam. Cassandra, daughter of Priam, virgin priestess raped in the temple during the battle, is picked by Agamemnon – a choice that is just asking for trouble.
These women of Troy join long-term captive Briseis who, carrying Achilles’ child, has been married off to Alcimus. This acquired respectability gives Briseis privileges in the camp which she uses to keep up morale and mitigate the treatment of the captive women.
Though the war is over, the Greeks remain camped between the ruined city and the sea, which has become impassable due to persistent adverse winds. The Gods are clearly displeased, but who is to blame? Pyrrhus who won’t allow Priam to be buried? Menelaus for taking back Helen? Or Agamemnon for marrying Cassandra despite having a wife back home?
Pat Barker relates the fate of the Trojan women with candour. They may be in the same boat but that doesn’t mean they have to like each other. Rivalries and jealousies have to be managed to survive, and Briseis needs her wits about her as the wind blows, tempers shorten, and a sacrifice has to be made.
Though this second
book of the trilogy lacks the bloody intensity of the first, it bubbles along
compulsively enough with subplots emerging, some resolved, other left to play
out in volume three, which is nestling on the bookshelf ready to go.
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