The Immigrant Queen
Athens, 5th Century BCE. Limander serves as a bard for Lady Aspasia, a woman of education who engages in rhetorical debates with the likes of Socrates and is in love with a politician named Pericles. At one of Aspasia’s parties, Limander meets a young man of high standing and falls in love. But the young noble named Alcis thinks Limander is a visitor to the city, not a slave. Meanwhile, tensions in the city rise to a boiling point. When Aspasia is accused of blasphemy, she must face a jury of men who seem intent on her execution.
I expected Aspasia to be a main part of the narration. However, it’s told entirely through Limander’s perspective, which I enjoyed, as well as his enduring love story. However, because of this choice, Aspasia doesn’t feel fully developed. Is it plausible for a wealthy owner to find occasion to share personal feelings and struggles with their slave? For me, a more accurate plot summary would help temper reader expectations: Limander is not even mentioned in the book blurbs I’ve come across. This novel tells the story of Aspasia from, although sympathetic, a male point of view. In this sense, regretfully, the book disappoints.
The formatting is atypical, particularly with dialogue. Often, the dialogue tags are either left out or in a separate paragraph. While a bit confusing on who’s speaking, the book is otherwise well-written and intriguing. Through Limander’s eyes, readers get a glimpse of the dark back alleys of Athens, the living conditions for slaves and their treatment, the work to keep a wealthy household running, and some Assembly meetings. The worldly details and the mindsets of characters are well-crafted and were elements I delighted in.
