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2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
this is more than a tale Jan 08, 2010
the writing and style reminds me of S. Pressfield and all the great authors who turn history into a readable story. Its brings you into the characters lives, you become to know them and make a connection with them personally. I can't get enoough of this style.
3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
The Olympian: An ancient story with meaning for today May 29, 2009
In 'The Olympian', author E. S. Kraay masterfully takes the reader back to an ancient world. Obviously well-versed in his subject, Mr. Kraay intertwines themes involving characters from long ago. Difficult as this task is, the real art to the work is keeping the story completely relevant to the world of today. The self-absorption of athletes, the disproportionate glorification of their accomplishments, the pitfalls of judging others, the purity of sacrifice for the common good--the reader will find ancient events most meaningful in the twenty first century.
'The Olympian' is a terrific read. My hat is off to E. S. Kraay.
3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
From Ancient Greece to Today's Headlines May 25, 2009
"The Olympian" tells the story of a celebrated Olympic athlete from the point of view of a poet who not only saw his performance in the Games but accompanied him to one of civilization's defining moments and watched the effect on him. As I read this book, the author's paralleling the third century BC with today's sport's headlines became clear; excellence in sport is nice, but excellence in living is so much more. If your knowledge of Greek history and the Battle of Thermopylae come from "The 300," this book needs to be in your collection.
The subject of "The Olympian," Theagenes, was what we would call a natural athlete. His obsession was to be the absolute best at his sport, which would bring him everlasting glory and fame. He happens to cross paths with Simonides of Ceos, one of Hellenistic Greece's nine lyric poets; the story is told through Simonides' eyes and memory. The memory of Theagenes, now dead, has been sullied by events in his home city, and a delegation of men is returning from the oracle at Pythia when they happen to meet Simonides. Their journey, and the story that Simonides tells, forms the heart of the book.
Gene Kraay avoids one of the more annoying traits of modern authors; he never yields to the temptation to fill their mouths with today's words. This is a scholarly book, as befits a man whose poems are still quoted today. One never hears modern slang from any of the characters. The settings and backstory are appropriate. Their effect is to bring the reader into the world of Hellas and to appreciate that their lives and aspirations aren't very different from ours today.
If I haven't been crystal clear about my opinion, I reiterate --buy this book so that you may read it again and again. I hope that every journey will evoke some new thought and every journey will bring you joy.
3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
 Beguiling May 06, 2009
Fine writing with attention to the historical record, but the thing that struck me was the personal, introspective musings of the poet and boxer. Dulcet prose in the Pressfield (Gates of Fire) style, which I enjoy greatly. The brutal Olympian strangely paired with the gentle philosopher, finally reconciling in the aftermath of Thermopylae. Some slow spots, but generally irresistible.
A must read for Greek historical fiction enthusiasts.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
A must read for all! Jan 24, 2009
I believe E.S Kraay's "The Olympian: A Tale of Ancient Hellas" is a classic. E.S. Kraay brought ancient Greece alive from the moment that Simonides started his story I was hooked and finished the book over the weekend. A very easy read and well written it will have you traveling though ancient Hellas and wishing the adventure would not end. You will witness the characters grow and one you may even hate until the end. I won't give that away but I didn't see it coming. Thank you Mr. E. S. Kraay
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