The Persian Boy by Mary Renault

432 pages first pub 1972 (view editions)

fiction historical lgbtqia+ literary challenging emotional informative slow-paced
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The Persian Boy is ideal for readers drawn to emotionally complex, historically rich narratives that explore the intersection of personal intimacy and the tumultuous ambitions of legendary figures.

Description

“It takes skill to depict, as Miss Renault has done, this half-man, half Courtesan who is so deeply in love with the warrior.”–The Atlantic MonthlyThe Persian Boy traces the last years of Alexander’s life through the eyes of his lover, Bagoas. Abd...

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Community Reviews

4.09
based on 1,085 reviews

Moods

emotional: 75%

adventurous: 63%

informative: 51%

sad: 37%

reflective: 34%

challenging: 30%

dark: 20%

tense: 16%

inspiring: 7%

hopeful: 5%

mysterious: 4%

funny: 1%


Pace

1% of readers chose fast
48% of readers chose medium
51% of readers chose slow
fast
medium
slow

Plot or character driven?

7% of readers chose Plot
48% of readers chose A mix
43% of readers chose Character
Plot
A mix
Character

Strong character development?

67% of readers chose Yes
16% of readers chose Complicated
14% of readers chose No
1% of readers chose N/A
Yes
Complicated
No
N/A

Loveable characters?

68% of readers chose Yes
26% of readers chose Complicated
4% of readers chose No
Yes
Complicated
No

Diverse cast of characters?

68% of readers chose Yes
19% of readers chose Complicated
6% of readers chose No
5% of readers chose N/A
Yes
Complicated
No
N/A

Flaws of characters a main focus?

48% of readers chose Yes
21% of readers chose Complicated
28% of readers chose No
1% of readers chose N/A
Yes
Complicated
No
N/A

Content Warnings

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