Review of The Admiral’s Wife
I recommend M.K. Tod’s latest historical fiction, set in Hong Kong in a dual timeline of 1912 and 2016. My review of an engaging deep dive into family dynamics, cultural heritage, and romance.
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Weekly Posts
Best Books Set in the Trojan War
I was recently asked to put together an annotated list of my personal favorites among Trojan War books. I had fun putting it together, although limiting myself to five was challenging.
Çatalhöyük’s skeletons, Painted and Celebrated
The World Heritage Site of Çatalhöyük in southern Anatolia contains the ruins of one of the oldest “cities.” Recent study of Çatalhöyük’s “colorful” skeletons adds a fascinating layer to what we can discern about their communal practices, including relations between the sexes.
Magical stones and Sumerian Lyricism
During a trip down a research rabbit hole, I first found an article about Mesopotamian magic stones and then a translation of Sumerian poetry that feels tragically appropriate for this contemporary moment when so many must abandon their homes and flee for their lives.
Beyond Letters: Royal Visits between Great Kings?
Did the Great Kings (and Queens) of the Bronze Age get together for royal visits? Or did they depend solely on diplomatic letters? In terms of my fiction, did Tesha ever sit down for a feast with Pharaoh? The evidence is tantalizingly fragmentary.
Free Fantasy Reads for a Fun Escape
This week, in the company of fellow authors in search of new readers, I’m bringing you two ways to load up on Fantasy novels for free. Both collections are large enough so everyone should be able to find what suits your fancy.
Exploring Tutankhamun’s Dagger from the Sky: Ancient texts & scientific analysis
Among his myriad tomb treasures, Tutankhamun’s dagger made of iron has long intrigued archaeologists and the public. The mysterious knife has an elaborate gold hilt and sheath. Clearly a treasure worthy of a king. But how did someone forge an iron weapon during the Bronze Age? Who did the work, and how did it get into Tutankhamun’s grave?
Troy, the Archaeological Site
When I visited the site in Turkey that archaeologists generally agree is Homer’s Troy, I felt a sizzle of excitement to be surrounded by the remains of a place so dear to my heart. But, I’ll confess, imaging Troy in its grandeur isn’t easy when you visit. It’s a complicated joy that can benefit from knowing the history of the site, which makes me welcome this enjoyable introduction in the Smithsonian’s recent article “In Search of Troy.”
Interview with Simon Rose: The Stone of the Seer
I bring you a delightful change of pace: a guest interview with Simon Rose, author of The Stone of the Seer, a YA historical fantasy adventure set in the English Civil War.
Magical Medicines of Mesopotamia & Greece
For a writer, assembling the precise details regarding the magical medicines of a Hittite healing priestess can be a challenge. There’s an abundance of mentions in ancient texts, but too often we don’t know what the words actually refer to. Here’s a clever detective story of how scholars identified one of these “lost” plants used in medico-magical rites.