STEALING ATHENA

Two determined women trapped in male-dominated worlds come alive in this novel about the controversial "Elgin marbles." Aspasia, mistress of Pericles, influences the creation of the sculptures. Mary Nisbet, rich and pretty Scottish wife of the Earl of Elgin, charms the Turks into letting the treasures go to England centuries later. Kudos to Susan Denaker for making each of these women stand out—Aspasia with a distinctive accent and an awareness of her vulnerability in Greek society, and Mary with a Scottish burr and a good grasp of her own charms. The manipulative earl, powerful Pericles, gossipy servants, and self-important noblemen are individually voiced, adding color and tension to the alternating duo of dramas. Entertaining and informative, this is well worth listening to. J.B.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2008]