The Last of the Wine
The Last of the Wine
Book Brief
400
Novel • Fiction
Athens, Greece • 5th century BC
1956
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Last of the Wine by Mary Renault is a historical novel set in ancient Athens during the end of the Peloponnesian War. It follows Alexias, a young nobleman known for his athleticism and beauty, as he navigates a complex relationship with Lysis, an older student of Socrates. The novel explores themes of love, mentorship, and societal norms, with Socrates playing a pivotal role in guiding the protagonists. The book addresses the practice of pederasty in classical Greece and includes a scene where a father considers child abandonment.
Contemplative
Mysterious
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
6,805 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Mary Renault’s The Last of the Wine intricately portrays ancient Athens, highlighting rich historical detail and emotional depth. Reviewers praise the engaging narrative and well-crafted characters, though some note a dense, slow-paced storyline. Overall, the novel stands out for its immersive setting and nuanced exploration of love and friendship.
Who Should Read The Last of the Wine?
Readers who enjoy historical fiction rich in detail and character development will relish Mary Renault's The Last of the Wine. Fans of Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall or Robert Graves' I, Claudius will appreciate Renault's meticulous portrayal of ancient Greece and its vivid, emotional narrative.
6,805 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
*The Last of the Wine* was Mary Renault's first novel set in ancient Greece, and it was published in 1956, paving the way for her reputation as a writer of historical fiction that rigorously adhered to historical detail.
Mary Renault was praised for her ability to blend historical accuracy with fictional narrative, and her detailed depiction of Athenian society in *The Last of the Wine* reflects her extensive research and understanding of ancient Greek culture and philosophy.
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Renault was known for her subtle inclusion of LGBTQ+ themes in her works, and *The Last of the Wine* is noted for its exploration of the relationship between the two male protagonists against the backdrop of classical Greek society.
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400
Novel • Fiction
Athens, Greece • 5th century BC
1956
Adult
18+ years
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