Our colleague Ceilidh finishes out the week with this review:
Athens, Greece. 461 B.C. The fate of the world’s first democracy hangs in the balance, and Nicolaos, son of Sophroniscus, a sculptor, realizes his life is about to change when a dead man falls from the cliff above. The Pericles Commission is the first in a lively, irreverent new series from first-time novelist Gary Corby, who transports us to Classical Athens at one of the most pivotal moments in Western history.
Nico quickly realizes that the dead man is Ephialtes, the charismatic leader of the city’s democratic movement and a thorn in the side of the aristocratic, oligarchic Council of the Areopagus. Suspicion immediately falls on his political adversaries in the Council. His death throws the democratic party into turmoil and the city into sudden uproar, and everyone wonders: will Athens’ new-born democracy live to see its first birthday?
The up-and-coming young politician, Pericles, heir apparent to the democratic movement, appears on the scene seconds after the murder. He is, of course, Nico’s first suspect, but is soon cleared of suspicion. Pericles, impressed by Nico’s preliminary conclusions, commissions him to investigate the murder. In return, Pericles promises to tutor the ambitious young man, who himself longs for a career as a politician, in rhetoric and politics—but only if he succeeds in catching the killer.
The corpses rapidly begin to pile up as the investigation continues. Was the assassination politically motivated, as everyone in Athens seems to believe; or have Ephialtes’ political rivals been framed by someone much closer to home? Events steadily build to a dramatic climax in which Nicolaos’ very own survival depends on solving the mystery.
I have to admit, having studied Greek and Latin at college, I grabbed this book off the shelf the second I saw it. But I also have to admit, my hopes were not high. I was convinced that I would spend the whole time complaining and finding fault. Well, Gary Corby, you have my apologies. The book is well-researched, and the author seamlessly weaves in facts about Athens—the history, culture, and politics—without becoming tedious. Moreover, he manages to strike an excellent balance between creating this authentic setting and making the narrator and plot entertaining enough to satisfy and fascinate his modern audience. Some readers may dislike the modern voice the author has given to his narrator, but I believe this is one of the book’s greatest strengths. Athens was the essence of modernity in its time, continually pushing forward, so to give Nicolaos a voice that is modern in both language and tone is appropriate.
And what’s more—it’s funny. I dare you to read it and not laugh at Nico’s younger brother, Socrates, (yes, the Socrates), who, to his elder brother’s constant chagrin, proves to be an investigative genius. “Nico, I’ve been thinking….”
The narrator is engaging, principled, and thoroughly likable, if a little too self-satisfied at times. Mr. Corby has also created a rich, entertaining cast of surrounding characters, consisting of assorted innkeepers, city guards, bankers, slaves, rioters, a courtesan, a madwoman and an annoyingly attractive and intelligent priestess. I found that the blend of both historical and fictional characters worked very well, and the author has done a wonderful job giving a voice to such legendary figures as Pericles and Socrates.
The Pericles Commission is a very promising debut. It is a fascinating and enjoyable tale of politics and murder at the dawn of democracy. Despite its ancient setting, the book is very approachable, while remaining historically rich. Mr. Corby brings the world of ancient Athens vividly to life from the very first page to the last.
Check the WRL catalog for The Pericles Commission.
I’m so happy to read this post. And to find your blog. I’ve been seeing the promos for this book and and wondering … Now I need to read it. How can a girl pass up ancient Greece, with murder and politics, and humor. I’m buying it now. As in … right now!