The book offers an engaging and very readable retelling of the main episodes of the Trojan War, adapted for a modern reader. The author achieves a good balance between clarity and expressive beauty, using accessible language without losing a refined style. This combination preserves the legendary atmosphere of the original stories while bringing them naturally closer to a contemporary audience. The overall tone of the work is clearly epic, in line with classical sources such as the Iliad.
The narrative is structured as a series of episodes—from the origin of the conflict to the fall of Troy—that maintain the mythical spirit and dramatic intensity of the Trojan cycle. Sutcliff gives depth to characters such as Achilles, Hector, and Andromache, making them more relatable to the reader. In addition, the illustrations by Alan Lee stand out, as their high artistic quality complements the text exceptionally well: their delicate and evocative images help recreate the ancient world with a very refined aesthetic.
Rosemary Sutcliff (1920–1992) was an important British writer specializing in historical literature, especially aimed at young readers. She was born in Surrey and spent much of her childhood ill, which led her to develop a strong connection with reading. She studied painting at the Bideford School of Art, but soon turned to writing, where she achieved considerable recognition. Throughout her life, she received important awards such as the Carnegie Medal, and she always showed a deep interest in history and tradition, partly influenced by her mother, who told her ancient legends. Her work reflects themes such as identity, courage, and a sense of belonging.