First published 2007
Helen discovers her divine parentage as a daughter of Zeus, but her extraordinary beauty becomes both gift and curse. Her parents hide her from the world, yet word spreads. Greek princes and kings arrive to compete for her hand despite her youth. She marries Menelaus, king of Sparta, in a loveless political union. Helen resigns herself to this passionless existence until Paris of Troy arrives. His seduction awakens desires she never knew, and she abandons everything to flee with him to Troy. This choice sets in motion the catastrophic war that will consume an entire civilization. Margaret George gives Helen her own voice to tell this legendary tale, transforming the mythic figure into a flesh and blood woman whose personal desires collide with the fate of nations.
Genres: romance, mythology, historical-fiction, fantasy, ancient, classical-studies
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, forbidden-love
Setting: Troy, Sparta
Period: Ancient Greece
448 pages · Paperback · ALBIN MICHEL