Title: The Queen of Sparta
Author: T.S. Chaudhry
Publisher: Top Hat Books
ASIN: 9781782797500
Pages: 376
Genre: Historical Fiction
Reviewed by: Krista Schnee, Pacific Book Review
Book Review
Weary from battle, Alexander accepted the assistance and hospitality of Kautilya, an individual who not only offered food and rest, but also information that would aid in Alexander’s finally conquering India. Reclining over dinner, Alexander inquired about the Greek origins of the people who resisted him in that locality; their leader had spoken Greek, thus piquing his interest. Cleophis, the leader of that resistance, spoke of a Greek woman, a Spartan, who had saved Greece from the Persians. Intrigued, Alexander wanted to learn more about this Spartan and the truth behind the claim. Kautilya happened to have a manuscript in his possession that told the story of the Spartan queen and the Sakala prince who assisted her during troubled times.
Reading the text, Alexander learned about Queen Gorgo, the leader of Sparta following the death of her husband, Leonidas, at Thermopylae. Learned and wise, she led the kingdom during the invasion from Persia, directing troops and managing political intrigue. Hers was not an ordinary rule, however. Her father had encouraged a united Greece, and so Gorgo continued that policy by solidifying alliances with the other city-states. Additionally, her compassion for the Helots, the local slave population, as well as her affinity for foreign ideas, made her a controversial figure. Indeed, this reputation would only grow stronger when Prince Sherzada was brought before her.
A warrior who fought alongside the Persians, Sherzada was captured by the Spartans during battle. Known as an honorable man among the Persians, he faced strong opposition with Gorgo. His knowledge of Sparta as well as his willingness to share information about the Persians slowly gained her support and his freedom. Through tales of battles fought and discussion of his own perspective of liberty and equality, he influenced the course of Gorgo’s reign. Even as she stayed in Sparta to defend her family from evil plots, Sherzada traveled from city to city, fighting to protect Gorgo’s interests abroad. Thus their relationship grew even as the dangers mounted against them. Ultimately, Sherzada would return to Sparta and Gorgo, but Alexander was left to muse on their fate.
In the pages of his book, The Queen of Sparta, T.S. Chaudhry has provided the reader with a tale that will be sure to enlighten as well as entertain. Based on a mention of the queen in the writings of Herodotus, the book gives one possible explanation of the events so well known to every history student. Indeed, rather than simply being a re-imagining of historical events, Chaudhry’s book gives a wider view of the culture of the time and the tension—as well as interconnection—between various people groups. Through the characters of Gorgo and Sherzada, along with a cast of colorful and often familiar minor characters, Chaudhry writes the story of ancient civilizations and the events that shaped our modern world.
No mere personal fantasy, Chaudhry’s The Queen of Sparta is solidly based in historical documents and texts. With its underpinning of truth, the book is a riveting tale, providing the reader with well-paced action and developed characters. Chaudhry has managed in this book to not only provide a historical background and explanation of events, but also classic themes of liberty, courage, righteousness, and sacrifice. These themes as expressed in the fascinating characters and their actions leave the reader with much to ponder even after the book has been finished. The Queen of Sparta would obviously be a perfect choice for the history buff who also loves fiction; however, any mature reader will appreciate the book and its thought-provoking themes. The first of what will hopefully be many novels, T.S. Chaudhry’s The Queen of Sparta is a book that is not to be missed.
