Troy by Adèle Geras is a Young Adult novel that offers a modern retelling of Homer's Iliad, focusing on the lives of two sisters, Xanthe and Marpessa, during the Trojan War. Living in Priam's palace, they navigate the challenges of a city under siege while being influenced by the gods, particularly Aphrodite, who initiated the conflict through her meddling. Xanthe serves Andromache and cares for her son, while Marpessa is a maid to Helen, fostering a close bond with her. As the war progresses and personal desires intertwine, the sisters face love, betrayal, and loss. With the war’s brutal climax, the fall of Troy is sealed by the Greeks’ cunning tactics, leading to tragedy and transformation for the sisters. Ultimately, Xanthe and Marpessa find hope and a chance for a new life away from the gods’ capriciousness.
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