Review: The Conqueror's Wife

Stephanie Thornton does it again, at least for me. I think The Conqueror's Wife was one of her earlier books, but I just got to it, and it's as good as the others. I'll admit it took me a little while to get into it, but once I did I couldn't put it down.

It's Thornton's story of Alexander the Great, but as with her Tiger Queens it is told from the perspectives of others in his life, particularly the women. Each chapter is from the perspective of a different character, which is a narrative approach I love.

Stateira, one of Alexander's wives

All the women around Alexander are strong women in their own way, which in a way feels a little cliched - I doubt they were all badass women, but it makes for a great story. And while they're all (or mostly all) strong, they each have their own approach to life, from his wives Roxana and Stateira, his mother Olympia, his sister Thessolonike, or his sister-in-law the amateur engineer Drypetis, you'll definitely have opinions on these women.

However, my favorite character was Hephaestion, Alexander's best friend and second-in-command (and possibly lover). Without giving any spoilers away, Hephaestion is a great foil for Alexander, and their relationship is really touching. It's also the first time I can recall her using a male narrator, so that was an interesting change of pace as well.

Roxana and Olympias were an interesting contrast to Drypetis and Thessalonike. Roxana and Olympias were clearly the more ruthless half of the coin, while Drypetis and Thessalonike manage to be strong but still show compassion and love.

Alexander and Hephaestion
by Andrea Camassei
17th Century

As usual, this also really peaked my interest in this area of the world and this time period. I'm glad I've already got some other books on my Kindle, and even more on my TBR, that will satisfy that interest. Thornton herself recommends Mary Renault, so I might have to try something by her soon.

It also really piqued my interest in Persian history and culture; I've not ever encountered it before, and it seemed really interesting. While she doesn't get too deeply into the culture, the bits she does touch on - the Gods and the burial rights - definitely was intriguing.

Overall, this definitely confirmed my opinion that Thornton is one of the greats in women's historical fiction, and I hope she continues to write for a long time to come.