Glorious Exploits

In the quarries of Syracuse, thousands of Athenian soldiers are held captive. Lampo and Gelon, two potters, discover prisoners who will recite lines from Euripides' plays for food. They decide to put on Medea in the quarry, but it becomes difficult to distinguish between enemies and friends. Ferdia Lennon's debut novel is an exhilarating, fierce, original story of brotherhood, war, and art.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 18 January 2024
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

In 412 BC, after the disastrous Athenian invasion of Sicily, thousands of Athenian soldiers are imprisoned in the quarries of Syracuse, facing starvation, despair, and the constant threat of death. Two local potters, Lampo and Gelon, find themselves with no work and only a few coins to their name. One day, while visiting the quarry, they stumble upon prisoners who are willing to recite lines from the plays of Euripides in exchange for scraps of bread and a handful of olives. Inspired by this, Lampo and Gelon hatch a daring plan: they will stage a performance of Medea in the quarry. It will be a grand spectacle, a proper production that will be sung of for generations to come. After all, even though they may hate the Athenians for invading their territory, they cannot deny the power of their poetry. As the performance draws near, Lampo and Gelon face countless challenges and obstacles. They must navigate the treacherous terrain of politics, friendship, and love, all while trying to keep their secret from the enemy. But their courage and determination are tested in ways they could never have imagined. In the end, their performance is a triumph, a testament to the power of art and the human spirit. Ferdia Lennon's outstandingly original debut is a masterpiece of tragedy, comedy, and bravery. It is a story that will stay with you long after you have turned the last page.

Weight: 394g
Dimension: 234 x 170 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780241617649