Mary
Renault : A Biography (A Harvest Book) by David
Sweetman
I've long been an admirer of
Renault's novels; her muscular prose, idealistic philosophies,
model heroes, and her affection for gay male characters have
struck a very resonant chord in me. After reading Sweetman's
biography, I am now very much an admirer of Renault herself:
intelligent, talented, courageous and strong. Once she wrote to a
friend, speaking about feminists and women in general [she had a
lifelong distaste for women, a point on which I now find myself
differing]: "..the truth obviously is that [they] do seem to
have, as men, some extra reserve of neural strength, some capacity
for sustained intensity and inner drive, which women do not
possess. I will believe otherwise when given evidence,"
rather selling herself short, I think, by not recognizing that
very intensity and drive in herself. -- Anonymous Review
The
Mask of Apollo by Mary Renault
As
a foreigner reader, I would like to state my view on "The
Mask of Apollo". Wonderful book, almost from first to last
line. Nikeratos, the protagonist, has a sweet and accurate way of
talking about his relationships, and they are among the biggest
world has ever seen: Platon (Plato), Aristotle (a dull figure)
Alexander, Aristophanes, Dionisyus and Dion of Siracuse. It is a
book that tell stories of friendship , love, adventures (no Rambos,
please!); of people who lived a life worth living. Renault tries
to tell us that ancient Greece was all but dull, the first time
men (and women) had the right to exist for themselves, eventhough
they were no kings or Pharaohs. Renault's books should be read by
everyone who believes in democracy and the surviving of humans on
earth. -- Anonymous Review
