Synopses & Reviews
Caroline B. Cooney brings to life this epic tale of one girls courage.At age six Anaxandra is taken by King Nicander to be a companion to his crippled daughter on the island of Siphnos. Anaxandra has adjusted to her new life when, six years later, Siphnos is sacked by pirates, and she is the sole survivor. When a fleet of ships stops on the island to investigate, she assumes the identity of Princess Callisto to survive. The ships belong to Menelaus, king of Sparta, and he takes her back to Sparta with him. But Helen, wife of
Menelaus, does not believe that this child is Princess Callisto. Anaxandra manages to stay out of harms wayuntil Paris and Aeneas arrive. When Menelaus and his men depart to attend his grandfathers funeral, Paris and Helens passionate affair plunges Sparta and Troy into war.
Winner of the Josette Frank Award
A New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age
An ALA Notable Book
Synopsis
"Caroline B. Cooney brings to life this epic tale of one girl's courage.
"At age six Anaxandra is taken by King Nicander to be a companion to his crippled daughter on the island of Siphnos. Anaxandra has adjusted to her new life when, six years later, Siphnos is sacked by pirates, and she is the sole survivor. When a fleet of ships stops on the island to investigate, she assumes the identity of Princess Callisto to survive. The ships belong to Menelaus, king of Sparta, and he takes her back to Sparta with him. But Helen, wife of
Menelaus, does not believe that this child is Princess Callisto. Anaxandra manages to stay out of harm's way--until Paris and Aeneas arrive. When Menelaus and his men depart to attend his grandfather's funeral, Paris and Helen's passionate affair plunges Sparta and Troy into war.
"Winner of the Josette Frank Award
A New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age
An ALA Notable Book"
Reading Group Guide
1. “Anaxandra was just the right name for me,” Anaxandra declares. (p. 1) She often examines the names of people and places and their meanings. Think about the importance of names in this novel. How does Pleis broken pronunciation “Calli Sto” symbolize Anaxandras story? Why is it important that Anaxandras birth island had no name?
2. Consider the merchants glass jar in Gythion. “I could see through it,” Anaxandra thinks in amazement. “The merchant dropped a shiny red bead into the jar and I could still see the bead. . . . It contained, but did not hide.” (p. 56) How does this observation parallel Anaxandras life? The merchant says that glass “[breaks] more easily than hearts.” (p. 57) What is symbolic about the moment the glass breaks? (p. 80)
3. Anaxandra says “I will die as Anaxandra” when she fears Helens wrath on the journey to Troy. (p. 132) Similarly, when she befriends the princess Andromache, she becomes “dizzy with the desire to tell her the truth.” (p. 177) Why, at these particular moments, does Anaxandras true identity become so important to her?
4. While telling Euneus stories of her past, Anaxandra blends truths in order to tell him about the loss of the puppy she had on her birth island: “In this version, I had lost Seaweed at Siphnos.” (p. 196) How does this help Anaxandra preserve pieces of truth?
5. Anaxandra is not the only character whose identity is vulnerable. Discuss the enslaved
former queen Aethra, especially in the context of this moment: “The squire bowed, as if Aethra was still a queen. And she was.” (p. 158) Also, discuss the implications of Helens rejection of old loyalties to Menelaus and Sparta when she fiercely proclaims herself “Helen of Troy.” (p. 125) How do Helens and Aethras changes attest to the resilience of human identity?
6. Helen commands attention; her power is irrefutable. Just by smiling, she causes everyone to yearn “to do or say something to make that smile return.” (p. 100) Think about the many other instances that prove her vast power, which seems to derive from her beauty, disposition, and half-god birthright. Compare this power to examples of male power in this novel.
7. Consider the significance of gender in the relationships and societies in this novel. Examine these quotes in your discussion:
“A girl as hostage?” (p. 2)
“Nicander . . . brought back the usual treasure: grain, women, lumber.” (p. 20)
“No man wants wealth more than sons.” (p. 19)
“Priam has many wives.” (p. 50)
“But to take a kings son.” (p. 126)
8. Cassandra, a prisoner in her own land, can see past, present, and future. “And yet it was Cassandra the people feared.” (p. 209) Discuss why her omniscience and outspoken truths incite perhaps more fear than Helens treachery.
9. Throughout the novel, Troy is described as a mystifying and invincible city. Consider Anaxandras thought that Troy “did not cringe inside walls. Troy was the wall.” (p. 166) In what ways is Anaxandra like Troy?