Gift of the Gods: Silver and
Gold
By Thomas J. Berry
Five men and women in Ancient Greece are set on a
dangerous journey of self-discovery during the bitter conflict of the
Peloponnesian War.
The
climatic war between Athens and Sparta is over and, while peace has settled
upon the land, bitter factions are at work to resurrect the bloody
conflict. The rival superpowers align
themselves with new allies and embark on an overseas adventure with
far-reaching consequences. The democrats
of Athens seek conquest and wealth abroad while the militant Spartans play a
deadly gambit to stop them. In the midst
of this struggle, one man makes a fateful decision that will change the course
of history forever.
As
the powerful city-states gather their armies once more, men and women from
across the region have far more pressing needs.
A harried mother sees her world turned upside down and struggles to make
peace with her husband. A rich playboy
with grand ideas has finally achieved the power to make those dreams a reality
while another agonizes over a promising future that has slowly slipped
away. A Spartan officer emerges from his
brother’s shadow to claim his own stake in the world and wipe away the stain of
his ignoble birth. A young slave struggles to find the courage to save, not
only himself, but the ones he holds most dear as he discovers the true meaning
of family.
Five
men and women come together to weave an epic story of conquest, love, betrayal,
and sacrifice. Their lives will take on
new meaning as the political landscape around them changes irreversibly. How will they navigate these turbulent times
and plot their own destiny towards peace?
"I have had frequent dreams of
late, dreams of danger and ruins for Athens..."
But
what did Socrates know?
The
Peace of Nicias had brought an end to the bloodshed — and the war. But until
Sparta has surrendered Amphipolis to Athens, as was agreed, then why should the
Athenians relinquish Pylos? One could almost argue,
Peace
isn't what Athenian politician, Alcibiades, wants anyway. He wants glory and
honour and above everything else, wealth. The only thing that could pose a
problem to his plans is the Spartans and fellow politician, Nicias. So when the
opportunity comes, Alcibiades uses his cunning to pick a fight with the
Spartans and provoke a war.
War
with Athens seems inevitable. However, Sparta is a land of warriors. They will
face this new threat with courage, and they will be victorious. They have to be.
Socrates' warning has, unfortunately, come too late. The Athenians had come too far.
Alcibiades would not, he could not, stop what he had put into motion. The
Athenian fleet would sail. Alcibiades was not leading his people to destruction
and ruin. Socrates was wrong— he had to be. The armada would not burn — how could it? Alcibiades was not leading his men to their deaths. He was leading them to glory and riches. To a land of silver and gold...
From
the festival of Pyanepsion in Sicily to the utter defeat of the Athenian army
under Nicias during the Siege of Syracuse, Gift of the Gods: Silver and Gold by
Thomas J. Berry is in all ways a Historical Fiction triumph.
Told
from the viewpoint of five very different people from opposing sides, Gift of
the Gods: Silver and Gold is as rich and as potent as the wine once served in
the dive bars in Syracuse, Sicily. This is a story that is not only tense,
powerful and compulsive in the telling, but one that is also profoundly moving.
Nothing
is beyond the telling, and Berry's attention to the historical detailing is as
staggering as it is accurate. Berry has brought this time and this place back
to life in his crystalline prose and his compelling narrative. But, this book
is not for the faint-hearted. Berry does not gloss over the history, nor does
he gloss over the reality of the battles and the appalling treatment and torture
of the prisoners. This book is a realistic retelling of this period of history.
The
political landscape has been carefully documented and brought back to life in
the raucous Assembly. The duplicitous Alcibiades was masterfully portrayed. He
gets what he wants through cunning and tricks, and if he can embarrass Nicias
at the same time, then so much the better. Likewise, I thought Berry had a
lucid understanding of General Nicias, and his struggle to curb Alcibiades'
ambitions. Nicias comes across as a shrewd politician, a man who seeks to keep
the peace — he would rather work with Sparta than against her. But, Alcibiades
is a formidable opponent, and Nicias can do nothing but watch as his beloved
Athens is propelled towards another war. The consequences of which, as history
will tell us, was disastrous for both Athens and Nicias. It is certainly a
fascinating time in history, and Berry has really outdone himself in his
portrayal of both of these very charismatic men.
Of
course, in times of political unrest, such things spill over into everyday
life, and Berry demonstrates this fabulously with the exclusion of the Spartans
in the 420 Olympic Games. Berry is one of those authors that has an intuitive
understanding of the power of words and how they fit together, which may sound
a little strange, but it is true. He is a master at his craft. Berry's writing
is as effortless to read as watching a Wolfgang Petersen's Troy, and it is just
as rewarding. This skill is clearly demonstrated when Berry brings back to life
the excitement, the danger, and the thrill of chariot racing at the Olympics. I could feel and
see the enthusiasm of the crowd, the nervous agitation of the horses, and the
determination of the competitors. Brilliantly written and wholly unforgettable.
I could talk about how fabulously written that chariot race scene was all day,
which I think says it all.
Another
character that I must not forget to mention was Andreas. He has lived in the
shadow of his brother for too long, and now that his brother is dead Andreas
has the chance to prove himself. Through Andreas, Berry has allowed us a
glimpse as to what life as a Spartan soldier was like. I thought it was a
wonderfully compelling representation. Brilliant.
There
are several other characters in this book, Cathryn being one of them, who gave
a different perspective to the story. All the characters are wonderfully
depicted, and they all helped to drive the story forward.
I am
not jesting when I say there is enough adrenaline in this book to keep you
reading all night. It is one of those books that you simply cannot put down.
Fans of battle heavy historical fiction will fall in love with this book. There
is no doubt in my mind that Thomas Berry has written a masterpiece.
I
Highly Recommend.
Review
by Mary Anne Yarde.
The
Coffee Pot Book Club
Thomas J. Berry
Thomas Berry received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from St.
Bonaventure University. A lover of history and literature, he has found his
true passion in writing historical fiction. When not writing, he enjoys long
distance running and has completed several marathons. He currently lives with
his wife and five children in New Jersey.
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See you on your next coffee break!
Take Care,
Mary Anne xxx