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Title: The Trojan War
ISBN: 0618154280
Author:
Olivia E. Coolidge
Olivia E Coolidge
Publicate Date: 2001-10-29
Publish: 2001-10-29
List Price: $6.95
Average Customer Rating: 4.0
Format: Paperback
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Amazon Lowest New Price: $3.50
Amazon Lowest Used Price: $2.45
Amazon Merchant Price: $6.95
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| Customer Review: |
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1: The Trojan War v. Troy
Although many students are familiar with the version of the Trojan War made popular by Wolfgang Petersen, Coolidge presents a well-researched, chronological narrative that draws from the primary sources familiar to both the modern and ancient world. Aeschylus, "Homer," Vergil, inter al. speak in Coolidge's work, allowing students to gain an understanding of what "really" happened in Troy. Middle grade students can read this version and build a solid foundation for other primary source readings in high school. The chapters are brief and can be assigned as daily readings that do not overwhelm students. I highly recommend this book.
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2: 11 year old boy review
This story is a classical story. I am sure you have heard the story of the Trojan horse. Well, this book tells you why the horse was even built. This is a good story of how the war came to be, and there is so much information about both sides. You will not be able to decide which side you want to win. This book is so interesting, and you will learn a lot about Greece and Troy (Troy is where the Trojans live if you do not know). This book is definitely an action war kind of book, and if you like a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, then you will love this story. I really recommend reading this book.
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3: A good introduction for my students.
I teach this to my 6th grade English students (all boys) and though they find it confusing to begin with, every year they are hooked by the time we get to the second section. It gives a strong introduction to the many Greek stories surrounding the Trojan War. My students from prior years still remember the events of the book.
I inherited the text from my predecessor when I took over the job, and was not enthusiastic about the idea of teaching it to begin with. I remembered Greek history and myth as dry and dusty. The writing is a little bland and stilted in spots, but the events it retells are vivid enough in themselves to carry the reader's interest.
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4: A 6-year old's review
This is a very good book because of its intense atmosphere and it is very exciting. Some of the main characters are Achilles, Hector, Helen and Paris. Helen loved Paris and ran away with him from her original husband. She was the most beautiful woman in the world which is why the Greeks and Trojans fought over her. The outcome is that the Greeks won. They won by killing all the Trojan leaders, one at a time. It also helped by invading the city from inside. The Trojans were told to take a giant horse which was made of wood inside their city. It was full of Greek soldiers hiding inside it! It was an ambush! I recommend this book for boys and girls.
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5: The Rotten Apple
Although the story of The Trojan War is masterfully captured in the Iliad and Odyssey, Olivia Coolidge's retelling of the saga could put anyone to sleep. The Trojan War begins at a wedding party. Discord throws the golden apple towards the guests at the party. Inscribed in the apple are the words "For the fairest." The goddesses at the party begin competing for the title of the fairest. Eventually Aphrodite claims the name. She promises Paris of Troy the finest wife. Paris then captures Helen and brings her to Troy. The Greek armies storm after Paris beginning the ten year long war.
This book is a classic waste of time because the characters are undeveloped, the prose and discourse are dull, and several scenes leave the reader hanging. The characteristics of many of Olivia Coolidge's characters are not explained thoroughly. There are so many characters, Coolidge does not have time, nor space to develop each of them comprehensively. In fact, the character list at the end of the book attests to this fact. It covers seven entire pages! The author writes in a very primitive form of English. The story lacks the excitement and subtlety of Homer's sagas. The Trojan War could be compared to a tedious textbook. The scenes in the story are written such that they are too complex for young readers and too dreary for adult readers. The lack of detail causes a feeling of anxiety, making the reader think, "What did I miss??"
Although I advise many readers to pass by this book, some avid mythology readers may find this book appealing. I would recommend books such as the Odyssey and the Iliad instead of The Trojan War to all interested readers. Olivia Coolidge's retelling of the Trojan War is the rotten apple in a library of golden ones.
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