SALAMMBÔ
An Ancient Tale of Blood & Thunder
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5.0 • 1 Rating
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- $2.99
Publisher Description
Gustave Flaubert's 'SALAMMBÔ' is a historical novel set in ancient Carthage during the Mercenary War. The book delves into themes of power, love, and betrayal, with rich descriptions of the lavish court life and political intrigue of the time. Flaubert's prose is impeccably crafted, with a meticulous attention to detail that brings the ancient world to life. The novel's vivid imagery and complex characters make it a standout work of historical fiction, often compared to the author's more famous work, 'Madame Bovary.' 'SALAMMBÔ' is a captivating blend of history and fiction, showcasing Flaubert's skill as a storyteller and his deep knowledge of classical antiquity. Readers will be transported to a distant era filled with passion, ambition, and violence, as they follow the gripping tale of Salammbô, the Carthaginian priestess caught in a web of treachery and desire.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Druillet offers a new science-fictional take on Flaubert's 1862 protoheroic story involving the Punic Wars, creating a staggeringly vibrant but roundabout tale. In a cosmic landscape, Sloane betrays and kills his own crew aboard his space ship while looking for his friend Yearl. Sloane then finds himself in Carthage, hoping to conquer it after glimpsing the face of the beautiful Salammb , sacred virgin of the city. After interrupting a feast where Salammb is present, Sloane becomes involved in a war between unpaid mercenaries and their employers in Carthage that ultimately leads to both his and Salammb 's deaths. But the returning Yearl promises future resurrection. Despite Druillet's eye-catching use of high-contrast colors and masterfully intricate line work, the story is unfortunately marred by wordiness and excesses of world-building. The intricacy of Flaubert's original plot is lost and often unreadable due to the sheer volume of information and needless story components. Though visually stunning, this book ends up at war over the importance of detail and accessibility.
