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The Fall of Troy by Peter Ackroyd

Posted: Mon November 24th, 2008, 3:02 pm
by sweetpotatoboy
This novel is not actually set during the Trojan War as its title might suggest. It's set in the late 19th century as German archaeologist Heinrich Obermann (closely modelled on real-life Heinrich Schliemann) is excavating the site in Hissarlik in Turkey that is thought to be Ancient Troy.

As we join the story, 50-something Herr Obermann has arranged himself a marriage with the much younger Sophia, the daughter of a distinguish but impoverished Athenian family, who he takes with him to Hissarlik. The story - what there is - is more the story of Sophia, or rather what subsequent events reveal to her about the character of the man she has married.

It soon becomes clear why Ackroyd has fictionalised Schliemann as Obermann as the characterisation is very far from flattering. When we first know him, he appears as an eccentric but charming and effervescent polymath. It doesn't take too long to discover that he has an ' idée fixe' -- an unshakeable belief that the Troy of Homer is historical truth -- and any theory or archaelogical discovery that even threatens to contradict this is viewed by him as out-and-out erroneous and he will stop at nothing to prevent any criticism of his approach or views.

Hmm, that's about it. Without giving too much away, this short novel meanders along in this manner for 150 pages, with the action reaching a somewhat implausible dénouement in the last 50 pages.

It's all a bit clichéd really once you see where it's going. Ackroyd is a talented writer, which just about saves it. But there's little subtlety in the characterisations or plotting. Granted, until the last few pages, it's not 100% clear quite which way it's going to end but it comes as no surprise when you get there.

It does feel like Ackroyd was trying to make a point about academics who will do their utmost to prove their theories, even if it means ignoring conflicting evidence or even resorting to more underhand methods.

If you are mainly interested in stories about the Trojan War, then ignore this one. And as historical fiction set in 19th century Turkey, it has little to offer.

I don't regret reading it, especially as it's only 200 pages, but I don't think I gained much from it. I would like to know what happened to Sophia afterwards though -- so he must have engaged me a little!

2.5/5

Posted: Mon November 24th, 2008, 6:13 pm
by SonjaMarie
Well bummer, I was looking forward to reading this one, but now I don't think I'll bother. Oh well!

SM

Posted: Wed November 26th, 2008, 8:38 pm
by annis
I keep meaning to read this one, but haven't got to it yet.

Irving Stone's 1975 biographical novel about Heinrich and Sophie Schliemann is a good read if anyone wants to explore further:
"Greek Treasure"

And who could forget that iconic image of Sophie Schliemann decked out in "Helen's jewels"?

Darn, still can't post images :(
The picture is in this article

Posted: Wed November 26th, 2008, 9:06 pm
by sweetpotatoboy
Oh, that's interesting. I didn't know about that Stone novel. I'll be sure to check it out as I loved the only other one of his I read (The Agony and the Ecstasy).

And that photo. When I saw it just now, I knew it was a famous one. I just never made the connection before.