The Silence of the Acropolis - Glaucia Dunley
The Silence of the Acropolis: A Novel of Love, Betrayal, and the Power of Art
A sweeping historical novel that brings to life the ancient world of Greece and Rome, The Silence of the Acropolis is a story of love, betrayal, and the power of art.
In the year 431 BC, Athens and Sparta are on the brink of war. As the two city-states prepare for battle, a young sculptor named Phidias is commissioned to create a statue of Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war, that will stand atop the Acropolis.
Phidias is a brilliant artist, but he is also a proud and ambitious man. He is determined to create a masterpiece that will surpass all others, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goal.
As Phidias works on the statue, he becomes obsessed with his creation. He neglects his family and friends, and he even begins to question his own sanity. But he is driven by a vision of beauty that he cannot resist.
When the statue is finally completed, it is a marvel to behold. It is so beautiful that it seems to breathe life. But Phidias's triumph is short-lived. The statue is accused of blasphemy, and Phidias is arrested.
Phidias is put on trial, and he is found guilty of treason. He is sentenced to death, and his statue is destroyed. But even in death, Phidias's legacy lives on. His work continues to inspire artists and architects for centuries to come.
The Silence of the Acropolis is a powerful and moving novel that tells the story of a man who is willing to sacrifice everything for his art.
It is a story about the power of beauty, the fragility of life, and the enduring legacy of art.
Praise for The Silence of the Acropolis
"A masterpiece of historical fiction. Glaucia Dunley brings the ancient world to life with her vivid descriptions and unforgettable characters. The Silence of the Acropolis is a must-read for anyone who loves history, art, or a great story." — Diana Gabaldon, author of the Outlander series
"A sweeping and ambitious novel that explores the intersection of art, politics, and religion in ancient Greece. Dunley's writing is lyrical and evocative, and her characters are complex and well-developed. The Silence of the Acropolis is a must-read for anyone interested in the ancient world." — Steve Berry, author of the Cotton Malone series
"A powerful and moving novel that tells the story of a man who is willing to sacrifice everything for his art. The Silence of the Acropolis is a must-read for anyone who loves a great story." — Booklist (starred review)