Review by ab2020 -- The Fox by M. N. J. Butler
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ab2020
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Review by ab2020 -- The Fox by M. N. J. Butler
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Fox" by M. N. J. Butler.]
4 out of 4 stars
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Anyone who has made a serious effort to write historical fiction knows that it is frustratingly difficult. The challenges are endless and include conducting research, adopting a writing style suitable for the period, and presenting the details of the period convincingly, just to name a few. Writing historical fiction set during antiquity is still more difficult, as sources often conflict, are vague, and sometimes do not exist at all. It is a great wonder, then, that M.N.J. Butler’s The Fox has received so little attention in the 24 years since its original publication.
The novel recounts and reimagines the barely recorded life of Leotychides, son of Agis II, Eurypontid King of Sparta. The fact that Leotychides himself never became king drives much of the book’s plot. Upon Agis’ death (around the year 400 B.C.E), Leotychides’ uncle, Agisilaos (Agesilaus in the Latin spelling), proclaims his nephew illegitimate and seizes power. Over the course of the next few decades, Agisilaos consolidates power, engages in what is now known as the Corinthian War, and makes Leotychides’ life extremely difficult. Leotychides, however, manages to raise a family, become a successful general, and take part in Spartan politics. While many of his fellow Spartans still secretly call him King, he learns the ups and downs of love, loss, and loyalty. Eventually, however, Agisilaos turns his power on Leotychides, and the latter must fight for his life.
M.N.J. Butler easily deserves comparisons to such greats of historical fiction as Robert Graves, Mary Renault, and Hilary Mantel. Butler displays impeccable taste in terms of research and writing style, and the novel is quick to immerse the reader in a world 2500 years removed from our own. The prose is fluid and intelligent, and the book is neither overstuffed with historical facts nor too factually sparse to be engaging. Each section of each chapter displays a close knowledge of primary sources, namely Thucydides, Xenophon, and Plutarch, as well as a skillful and gentle historical imagination. Leotychides, who lacks a Wikipedia page (or much other widely available biographical information) comes completely alive in Butler’s hand.
If The Fox has one flaw, it is the same flaw that burdens many such well-researched historical novels: for the uninitiated reader, the enormous cast of characters and niche subject matter might prove overwhelming. The glossary alone runs over 20 pages. Neither the use of Greek spellings (as opposed to Latin ones) nor the multitude of similar and identical names makes reading easier. Though the book is a beautifully crafted one, its great complexity may make it a poor choice for those uninterested in classical antiquity or those without the patience to truly dissect the plot, characters, and setting. However, for readers who do choose to attempt this book, the rewards are sure to be great.
Over the years, M.N.J. Butler’s The Fox has received several glowing reviews, including from Kirkus and the Historical Novel Society. I am happy to add to this list by awarding a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. Though the copy I received contained a few typographical and formatting errors, the book proved to be a more-than-pleasant surprise. I know little of M.N.J. Butler, but I nonetheless heartily recommend this novel for those keen to read the intriguing story of a Spartan prince denied his throne.
******
The Fox
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Anyone who has made a serious effort to write historical fiction knows that it is frustratingly difficult. The challenges are endless and include conducting research, adopting a writing style suitable for the period, and presenting the details of the period convincingly, just to name a few. Writing historical fiction set during antiquity is still more difficult, as sources often conflict, are vague, and sometimes do not exist at all. It is a great wonder, then, that M.N.J. Butler’s The Fox has received so little attention in the 24 years since its original publication.
The novel recounts and reimagines the barely recorded life of Leotychides, son of Agis II, Eurypontid King of Sparta. The fact that Leotychides himself never became king drives much of the book’s plot. Upon Agis’ death (around the year 400 B.C.E), Leotychides’ uncle, Agisilaos (Agesilaus in the Latin spelling), proclaims his nephew illegitimate and seizes power. Over the course of the next few decades, Agisilaos consolidates power, engages in what is now known as the Corinthian War, and makes Leotychides’ life extremely difficult. Leotychides, however, manages to raise a family, become a successful general, and take part in Spartan politics. While many of his fellow Spartans still secretly call him King, he learns the ups and downs of love, loss, and loyalty. Eventually, however, Agisilaos turns his power on Leotychides, and the latter must fight for his life.
M.N.J. Butler easily deserves comparisons to such greats of historical fiction as Robert Graves, Mary Renault, and Hilary Mantel. Butler displays impeccable taste in terms of research and writing style, and the novel is quick to immerse the reader in a world 2500 years removed from our own. The prose is fluid and intelligent, and the book is neither overstuffed with historical facts nor too factually sparse to be engaging. Each section of each chapter displays a close knowledge of primary sources, namely Thucydides, Xenophon, and Plutarch, as well as a skillful and gentle historical imagination. Leotychides, who lacks a Wikipedia page (or much other widely available biographical information) comes completely alive in Butler’s hand.
If The Fox has one flaw, it is the same flaw that burdens many such well-researched historical novels: for the uninitiated reader, the enormous cast of characters and niche subject matter might prove overwhelming. The glossary alone runs over 20 pages. Neither the use of Greek spellings (as opposed to Latin ones) nor the multitude of similar and identical names makes reading easier. Though the book is a beautifully crafted one, its great complexity may make it a poor choice for those uninterested in classical antiquity or those without the patience to truly dissect the plot, characters, and setting. However, for readers who do choose to attempt this book, the rewards are sure to be great.
Over the years, M.N.J. Butler’s The Fox has received several glowing reviews, including from Kirkus and the Historical Novel Society. I am happy to add to this list by awarding a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. Though the copy I received contained a few typographical and formatting errors, the book proved to be a more-than-pleasant surprise. I know little of M.N.J. Butler, but I nonetheless heartily recommend this novel for those keen to read the intriguing story of a Spartan prince denied his throne.
******
The Fox
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: The Altitude Journals by David J Mauro
