Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon is a novel that takes us back to ancient Syracuse, where war, art, and humanity collide. This gripping tale follows two down-on-their-luck potters who hatch an audacious plan to produce a performance of the works of Euripedes despite the fact that their actors are prisoners of war and their stage set a death camp in a marble pit. It's a story of resilience, friendship, and the power of art in the face of destruction, but did it make for a good book club book?

Regular book-club reporter Phil Chaffee dials in from New York to join Kate alongside keen readers and returning pod guests Emily Bohill and Sarah Oliver in London.

And find out Laura's thoughts at the end as we consider what makes Glorious Exploits such a standout debut, whether or not you need to know about Classical history to enjoy it, and why the audio version is such a particular joy. All this plus our recommendations for follow on reads inspired by Glorious Exploits.

Booklist

The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower

The Years by Annie Ernaux

Rejection by Tony Tulathimutte

You Dreamed of Empires by Ávaro Enrigue

Metamorphoses by Ovid

Piranesi by Susanna Clarke

Enter Ghost by Isabella Hammad

The Netanyahus by Joshua Cohen

Circe by Madeleine Miller

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Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon • #172