Are they Singing in Sparta?
A novel by Helena P. Schrader
Based on an incident reported by Ancient historians, this novel describes the establishment of the first recorded Democracy in world history.
The novel is scheduled for publication in 2002.
Synopsis
Unable to win a decisive victory over the rebellious Messenians, the Spartan government turns to the Delphic Oracle for advice. Delphi advises the Spartans to send to Athens for a Supreme Commander (Polemarch). The Athenians, however, siding with the Messenians and not wishing to see Sparta's power increase, select an eccentric, lame schoolmaster from the provinces. Against his wishes, the obscure poet, Tyrtaios find himself Supreme Polemarch of Sparta.
The most successful of Sparta's young military commanders, Agesandros, is offended and insulted by the Athenian choice of Polemarch. As the son of a notorious drunk, who only gained his citizenship in the Great Reforms of the previous decade, Agesandros has fought poverty, prejudice and illiteracy to work his way up in society. His mother and sister still belong to the society he has left behind, a constant reminder of his roots. When his nephew joins the rebels, Agesandros knows that his own loyalty and status may be endangered, yet, he has set his sights on a new challenge: Agesandros wants to marry a granddaughter of one of Sparta's kings and widow of one of the great aristocratic heroes of the last war
Alethea is a widow with three children. When her youngest son is caught mocking the "Supreme Polemarch", she seeks out the Athenian schoolmaster with the intention of apologising for her son's behaviour. Because her father sent her to safety in Athens during the "Time of Troubles" when she was a girl, she quickly recognises Tyrtaios' home-sicknesses. She offers him a home in her own house. Here Tyrtaios is inspired to resume his composing. Alethea's son, however, has been punished and humiliated by the Spartan authorities for his rudeness to the Supreme Polemarch. He feels he must "restore his honour" by killing the hated enemy guerrilla leader, Aristomenes.
In the ensuing confrontation with the guerrillas, Agesandros, Tyrtaios and Alethea must work to over-come their prejudices and redefine themselves and their goals.
If you wish to be informed when this book is available for purchase, please write to me at: novels@helena-schrader.com.
For more information about Sparta, see Sparta Reconsidered.