Literature Guide

By Category

By City

By City

User Poll

Recent Literature Articles

Men of Bronze

Because of the format and style of this particular book, I feel that I should begin this review with a film-like promo: Now Playing at Your Local Library. A Limited Engagement! Look for it on the shelves with the new releases.

Made in the episodic manner of movie scenarios, Men of Bronze gives the fleshed out story of an obscure Egyptian dynasty and the events leading to a battle that decided the dynasty's fate. It follows Hasdrabal Barca, a mercenary in the employ of the Pharaoh, Khnemibre Ahmose and his successor, Ankhkaenre Psammetichus during the eventful years of 526 and 525 BC.

It is a story of political intrigue, betrayal, love, honor and loyalty. Barca—and you should be very glad that I keep the references to full names minimal—is a fierce warrior with a tragic past and a future with little hope. In the midst of war and desperation, Barca finds solace and love with an Arabian slave girl named Jauharah. In the course of the story, the reader is introduced to the world of Egypt where preparing for death can appear to be the main concern of the living. The author also provides a view of Greeks, Persians and Bedouins that might be considered stereotypical by today's standards. Certainly the author casts the Bedo in an unfavorable light and never offers an alternate view of their culture.

One problem that I found with this story is that it does not fulfill my requirement of a satisfactory ending. In historical novels, the reader is always aware that everyone will die sooner or later, usually offstage. There are, of course, exceptions and I found this book to be one. By seeing this long-gone world through the eyes its people, who lived and died by standards different than our own, we come to understand their acceptance of death, especially of death in the path of duty.

A redeeming characteristic of the story, though, is the abundance of heroes and villains that every adventure needs. Men of Bronze definitely has plenty of both. The action segments are lively and realistic and the intrigues are plausible enough to keep you turning the pages. This is a fast and worthwhile read for a long weekend.

Men of Bronze is a Platinum Imprint of Medallion Press, Inc., located at 225 Seabreeze Ave. in Palm Beach, Florida 33480. The book is treasure trove of facts relating to Egyptian history and language with a glossary, bibliography, chronology and pronunciation and spelling guide.