The Persian Boy
The Persian Boy by Mary Renault is a reissue published by Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group on February 12, 1988. This historical fiction novel presents the final years of Alexander the Great’s life through the perspective of his lover, Bagoas. Abducted and gelded as a child, Bagoas was sold into servitude but ultimately found freedom with Alexander following the conquest of Persia. The narrative explores their complex relationship as Alexander navigates political intrigue, personal challenges, and the weight of his ambitions.
Readers will discover a richly woven tale that delves into themes of love, power, and identity. The story captures Bagoas’s unique position as both a courtesan and a confidant, providing insight into Alexander’s character and the tumultuous events surrounding his reign. With a page count of 432, this edition invites exploration of historical and biographical elements, as well as LGBTQ+ themes, making it a significant addition to the genre.
Official synopsis Publisher
“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 Monthly
The Persian Boy traces the last years of Alexander’s life through the eyes of his lover, Bagoas. Abducted and gelded as a boy, Bagoas was sold as a courtesan to King Darius of Persia, but found freedom with Alexander after the Macedon army conquered his homeland. Their relationship sustains Alexander as he weathers assassination plots, the demands of two foreign wives, a sometimes-mutinous army, and his own ferocious temper. After Alexander’s mysterious death, we are left wondering if this Persian boy understood the great warrior and his ambitions better than anyone.
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