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The Curse of Troy: Helen's Story
Helen of Troy! The most beautiful woman in the world. Her face launched a thousand ships. Betrayal, greed and power unfold in this compelling Greek tragedy. It was a war renowned throughout times gone by as the greatest and bloodiest of them all. It was a romance between two star-crossed lovers. Helen, Queen of Sparta, home-wrecker and whore, flees with her lover Paris, Prince of Troy… That’s the story known to history.
But is this all true? History is told by the victors, and facts can be changed to twist the truth. Is it possible Helen of Sparta never went to Troy? Could she be a scapegoat in a devious plan and organised by the power hungry Agamemnon?
Perhaps. This is Helen’s story in her words, as told to a wandering historian.
But is this all true? History is told by the victors, and facts can be changed to twist the truth. Is it possible Helen of Sparta never went to Troy? Could she be a scapegoat in a devious plan and organised by the power hungry Agamemnon?
Perhaps. This is Helen’s story in her words, as told to a wandering historian.
36 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 8, 2013
52 people want to read
About the author
Luciana Cavallaro
10 books140 followersLuciana Cavallaro is a multi award-winning author of historical adventure fiction with a mythological twist. Her stories blend ancient history, legendary heroes, and gripping quests, drawing readers into immersive, cinematic worlds. Her books—The Labyrinthine Journey, Minotaur’s Lair, and The Guardian’s Legacy—have been recognised internationally, including as a Finalist in the New Media Film Festival and Quarterfinalist in the ScreenCraft Cinematic Book Competition.
Luciana grew up in Western Australia, where her passion for myths and storytelling began early—so early, in fact, she once tried to drive the family car at age three. That early spark of curiosity and mischief now fuels the imaginative adventures she writes today.
She loves connecting with readers, so feel free to follow her here on Goodreads or visit her website.
Luciana grew up in Western Australia, where her passion for myths and storytelling began early—so early, in fact, she once tried to drive the family car at age three. That early spark of curiosity and mischief now fuels the imaginative adventures she writes today.
She loves connecting with readers, so feel free to follow her here on Goodreads or visit her website.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 30, 2015
If you think you know the story of Helen of Troy, think again. Loved Cavallaro's insightful look at the legendary Helen. Turns out, there's more to Helen than her beauty. A young historian visits the beautiful Queen of Sparta to set the record straight. Well done!!
March 6, 2013
Everyone has heard the story of Helen of Troy, right? You know, how Helen was so beautiful she was “the face that launched a thousand ships” as the rest of Greece went to war against Troy after she was kidnapped.
What if that popular version of Helen’s legend was wrong — very, very wrong? Who better, then, to set the historical record straight than the woman herself? That is a nutshell overview of The Curse of Troy by Luciana Cavallaro (@ClucianaLuciana), a short story I had the pleasure of reading when the author requested a review.
After reading some heavy-duty non-fiction and a couple mystery/thriller novels recently, The Curse of Troy was a very enjoyable change of pace for me. I read a lot of history but my focus has been on more recent times, so after finishing The Curse of Troy I did some quick research on the Helen legend and discovered how much I had forgotten of that era and how much scholarship has advanced since I attended college (Ed: soooooo many years ago).
I think highly of any story that generates interest in learning more about a subject and I’m definitely going to delve more into Ancient History in the future.
As The Curse of Troy is a short story, it would be a disservice to future readers to discuss too much of the plot, so instead I reached out to Luciana Cavallaro by email and invited her to answer a few questions:
Interview with Luciana Cavallaro
1. What inspired you to write The Curse of Troy?
LC: I've always enjoyed Greek Mythology and Ancient History and about 15 years ago read The Iliad and fell in love with the story. I read everything about Heinrich Schleimann, the myth surrounding the war between the Greeks and the Trojans and watched documentaries about the legend.
2. Your story is very different from the popular legend of Helen, but not without basis in historical record. Which do you believe is closer to the truth?
LC: That is a great question. Women were a commodity in the Ancient World. When invading nations conquered warring states the women were part of the spoils. Perhaps it went something like this: the Trojans traveled to Greece, perhaps with good intentions like wanting to establish trade agreements, it didn't go well and in retribution fought the city-state and stole their women. The Greeks, set out to Troy (Ilion) with a huge fleet , to exact revenge. But that is only one small part of the equation. I believe the ultimate goal was greed and power. Whoever controlled the Isthmus would gain a massive fortune from the huge trading port that was Ilion. It was after all, Priam's treasure Agamemnon coveted and his position in that area.
3. What is it about Ancient History that you find most intriguing?
LC: I'm always sweetly surprised by what I read by either the ancient historians of the time, scripts by playwrights or discoveries made by archaeologists. I'm always learning something new. The ideas, concepts and inventions of the time and how they developed with limited resources and technology is extraordinary. They were much smarter than we are today.
4. You’ve also written the short story Aphrodite’s Curse. What other historical fiction have you written, or are in the process of writing? What story would you love to tell?
LC: I am currently writing a series of short stories that will make up an anthology titled Accursed Women. I have a third story due out soon about Hera, the Queen of the Gods and writing a fourth about Pandora.
The novels listed on my blog form part of a trilogy and are also set in the Ancient World and based on the myth of Atlantis. The characters are premised on the heroes of the golden age such as Akhilles, Theseus, Herakles reflecting the many tragedies they endured plus given they were flawed in many ways.
In my notebook of ideas, I have many stories ready for me to explore and create. There is one I would like to sink my teeth into so to speak and that is to write a story about Atlantis being the cornerstone of all civilizations based on Ignatius Donnelly's theory he wrote Atlantis: the Antediluvian World published in 1882.
~~~
To learn more about Ms. Cavallaro and her writing please visit her blog Eternal Atlantis (http://luccav.com/). Her books are available at Smashwords and Amazon or Amazon UK. I can't wait to read her Atlantis novel when it comes out.
What if that popular version of Helen’s legend was wrong — very, very wrong? Who better, then, to set the historical record straight than the woman herself? That is a nutshell overview of The Curse of Troy by Luciana Cavallaro (@ClucianaLuciana), a short story I had the pleasure of reading when the author requested a review.
After reading some heavy-duty non-fiction and a couple mystery/thriller novels recently, The Curse of Troy was a very enjoyable change of pace for me. I read a lot of history but my focus has been on more recent times, so after finishing The Curse of Troy I did some quick research on the Helen legend and discovered how much I had forgotten of that era and how much scholarship has advanced since I attended college (Ed: soooooo many years ago).
I think highly of any story that generates interest in learning more about a subject and I’m definitely going to delve more into Ancient History in the future.
As The Curse of Troy is a short story, it would be a disservice to future readers to discuss too much of the plot, so instead I reached out to Luciana Cavallaro by email and invited her to answer a few questions:
Interview with Luciana Cavallaro
1. What inspired you to write The Curse of Troy?
LC: I've always enjoyed Greek Mythology and Ancient History and about 15 years ago read The Iliad and fell in love with the story. I read everything about Heinrich Schleimann, the myth surrounding the war between the Greeks and the Trojans and watched documentaries about the legend.
2. Your story is very different from the popular legend of Helen, but not without basis in historical record. Which do you believe is closer to the truth?
LC: That is a great question. Women were a commodity in the Ancient World. When invading nations conquered warring states the women were part of the spoils. Perhaps it went something like this: the Trojans traveled to Greece, perhaps with good intentions like wanting to establish trade agreements, it didn't go well and in retribution fought the city-state and stole their women. The Greeks, set out to Troy (Ilion) with a huge fleet , to exact revenge. But that is only one small part of the equation. I believe the ultimate goal was greed and power. Whoever controlled the Isthmus would gain a massive fortune from the huge trading port that was Ilion. It was after all, Priam's treasure Agamemnon coveted and his position in that area.
3. What is it about Ancient History that you find most intriguing?
LC: I'm always sweetly surprised by what I read by either the ancient historians of the time, scripts by playwrights or discoveries made by archaeologists. I'm always learning something new. The ideas, concepts and inventions of the time and how they developed with limited resources and technology is extraordinary. They were much smarter than we are today.
4. You’ve also written the short story Aphrodite’s Curse. What other historical fiction have you written, or are in the process of writing? What story would you love to tell?
LC: I am currently writing a series of short stories that will make up an anthology titled Accursed Women. I have a third story due out soon about Hera, the Queen of the Gods and writing a fourth about Pandora.
The novels listed on my blog form part of a trilogy and are also set in the Ancient World and based on the myth of Atlantis. The characters are premised on the heroes of the golden age such as Akhilles, Theseus, Herakles reflecting the many tragedies they endured plus given they were flawed in many ways.
In my notebook of ideas, I have many stories ready for me to explore and create. There is one I would like to sink my teeth into so to speak and that is to write a story about Atlantis being the cornerstone of all civilizations based on Ignatius Donnelly's theory he wrote Atlantis: the Antediluvian World published in 1882.
~~~
To learn more about Ms. Cavallaro and her writing please visit her blog Eternal Atlantis (http://luccav.com/). Her books are available at Smashwords and Amazon or Amazon UK. I can't wait to read her Atlantis novel when it comes out.
December 9, 2018
This story created by this talented author of historical novels is a twist on the story of Helen of Troy, the woman whose face launched a thousand ships and was supposedly stolen away by Prince Paris. But did she ever really go to Troy from Sparta? What if she didn’t leave of her own volition?
This is a fascinating tale that kept me engrossed to read about Helen’s story as told through her own words to an historian. The author has the reader believing that this is all possible and could have changed history and prevented a war saving many lives in the process if her story was believed.
An excellent quick read that I didn’t want to end. I look forward to more historic novels by this creative author who knows her history well in order to change it.
This is a fascinating tale that kept me engrossed to read about Helen’s story as told through her own words to an historian. The author has the reader believing that this is all possible and could have changed history and prevented a war saving many lives in the process if her story was believed.
An excellent quick read that I didn’t want to end. I look forward to more historic novels by this creative author who knows her history well in order to change it.
February 3, 2013
Fate of a woman in a patriarchal society
With patriarchal societies it is always the same, be it an archaic Greek, an Arabic, an Indian or any other patriarchal society: Women are moved like chess pieces among men, and love is not expected to happen. Women are never asked, always used, and what they really want is not allowed. Such is the fate of Helen who was made responsible for the Trojan War and the fall of Troy. In her own words the story tells much differently.
Interesting the author's attempt to describe the process of separation of truth and myth by the introduction of a first historian into the story. Not fully convincing is that he is a fully-developed historian from the beginning; would have been better to see him developing step by step the concept of writing history, and then at the end to realize that he created something new: Writing of History.
Not fully convincing is the author's try to weave in Ranke-Graves' romantic idea of an ancient matriarchy which gave way to patriarchy. Besides the fact that it is not true, such a cultural change cannot come about so quickly, and what young Helen likes is simply girlish: Dancing, Jewelry, etc. Furthermore, the reasons of war are rarely simply man's greed.
When reading this short story quite another plot came to me: Why not depicting Helen as the "bad guy" who plotted it all? Maybe she made Theseus "raping" her in order to gain the social prestige of being deflowered by such a famous man? Maybe she charmingly made her father marry her with Menelaos because he is the brother of powerful Agamemnon? Maybe she intentionally seduced poor Paris in order to bring war about Troy and to capture all the wealth for herself, then letting her sister kill Agamemnon, afterwards? So, she being left as the true ruler and winner? Women can be so cunning and plotting, don't they have us men all in their hands?
With patriarchal societies it is always the same, be it an archaic Greek, an Arabic, an Indian or any other patriarchal society: Women are moved like chess pieces among men, and love is not expected to happen. Women are never asked, always used, and what they really want is not allowed. Such is the fate of Helen who was made responsible for the Trojan War and the fall of Troy. In her own words the story tells much differently.
Interesting the author's attempt to describe the process of separation of truth and myth by the introduction of a first historian into the story. Not fully convincing is that he is a fully-developed historian from the beginning; would have been better to see him developing step by step the concept of writing history, and then at the end to realize that he created something new: Writing of History.
Not fully convincing is the author's try to weave in Ranke-Graves' romantic idea of an ancient matriarchy which gave way to patriarchy. Besides the fact that it is not true, such a cultural change cannot come about so quickly, and what young Helen likes is simply girlish: Dancing, Jewelry, etc. Furthermore, the reasons of war are rarely simply man's greed.
When reading this short story quite another plot came to me: Why not depicting Helen as the "bad guy" who plotted it all? Maybe she made Theseus "raping" her in order to gain the social prestige of being deflowered by such a famous man? Maybe she charmingly made her father marry her with Menelaos because he is the brother of powerful Agamemnon? Maybe she intentionally seduced poor Paris in order to bring war about Troy and to capture all the wealth for herself, then letting her sister kill Agamemnon, afterwards? So, she being left as the true ruler and winner? Women can be so cunning and plotting, don't they have us men all in their hands?
August 25, 2016
[Full disclosure: Luciana Cavallaro provided me with a free ebook copy of her short story in exchange for an honest review.]
This is my first ever short story review, so please bear with me.
However, this is definitely not the first short story I’ve ever read. If I’m going to be honest, it’s probably one of the best I’ve read. I enjoyed The Curse of Troy so much that I wish it had been longer, say novel-lenth. Luciana Cavallaro’s approach to the famous legend of Troy was most definitely unique and it’s one that I’d like to see more of.
Told from the point of view of a young historian talking to the much older Helen after the events of the Trojan War, The Curse of Troy offers a much more sympathetic version of events. I don’t want to give too much away, but have you ever considered that Helen was completely innocent of pretty much everything she was accused of? This sounds quite incredulous, but I assure you that Luciana Cavallaro has packed enough information in this 30 page short story to make you see just such a possibility.
Even in such a limited format, the character of Helen came across very well. Having Helen tell her version of events to our first-person narrator was an interesting approach and we were able to see her reflect upon her youth with an older, more mature perspective. Her interaction with the unnamed young historian (our narrator) also revealed quite a bit of her character. Make no mistake: this story is about Helen, not our mysterious narrator. That doesn’t mean our narrator is necessarily one dimensional—he’s not—but it provides us with a fresh look at the (in)famous woman of legend.
I give this story 5/5 stars.
This is my first ever short story review, so please bear with me.
However, this is definitely not the first short story I’ve ever read. If I’m going to be honest, it’s probably one of the best I’ve read. I enjoyed The Curse of Troy so much that I wish it had been longer, say novel-lenth. Luciana Cavallaro’s approach to the famous legend of Troy was most definitely unique and it’s one that I’d like to see more of.
Told from the point of view of a young historian talking to the much older Helen after the events of the Trojan War, The Curse of Troy offers a much more sympathetic version of events. I don’t want to give too much away, but have you ever considered that Helen was completely innocent of pretty much everything she was accused of? This sounds quite incredulous, but I assure you that Luciana Cavallaro has packed enough information in this 30 page short story to make you see just such a possibility.
Even in such a limited format, the character of Helen came across very well. Having Helen tell her version of events to our first-person narrator was an interesting approach and we were able to see her reflect upon her youth with an older, more mature perspective. Her interaction with the unnamed young historian (our narrator) also revealed quite a bit of her character. Make no mistake: this story is about Helen, not our mysterious narrator. That doesn’t mean our narrator is necessarily one dimensional—he’s not—but it provides us with a fresh look at the (in)famous woman of legend.
I give this story 5/5 stars.
April 12, 2013
Helen of Troy, Queen of Sparta. This woman has had many titles, names and stories written about her. However few tales tell her perspective behind the things that have happened in her life. This is a short story that occurs when a historian interviews the Queen and vows to share her truth.
Luciana Cavallaro weaves a unique tale in this short story. Her narrator, the historian, never reveals his name, yet readers of Greek Mythology will recognize him by the end of the tale. Helen’s appearance is described with the intricate details that many have come to associate with her beauty. However, in this short story, Helen is given a voice which shows that behind all of her beauty lies pain. This is a short story that is filled to the brim with details and emotions. Luciana Cavallaro has done an excellent job at giving readers another perspective behind the Trojan War. Recommended for fans of Greek Mythology. Though this is a bittersweet, short story there are many people and events that are mentioned that some readers may not recognize.
Notes:
A copy of this book was provided by the author for me to review. To learn more about this author and her work, please visit her website at http://www.luccav.com
This review was originally posted on Ariesgrl Book Reviews. To see this and other reviews, please visit my website at http://ariesgrlreview.com
Luciana Cavallaro weaves a unique tale in this short story. Her narrator, the historian, never reveals his name, yet readers of Greek Mythology will recognize him by the end of the tale. Helen’s appearance is described with the intricate details that many have come to associate with her beauty. However, in this short story, Helen is given a voice which shows that behind all of her beauty lies pain. This is a short story that is filled to the brim with details and emotions. Luciana Cavallaro has done an excellent job at giving readers another perspective behind the Trojan War. Recommended for fans of Greek Mythology. Though this is a bittersweet, short story there are many people and events that are mentioned that some readers may not recognize.
Notes:
A copy of this book was provided by the author for me to review. To learn more about this author and her work, please visit her website at http://www.luccav.com
This review was originally posted on Ariesgrl Book Reviews. To see this and other reviews, please visit my website at http://ariesgrlreview.com
December 28, 2016
The Curse of Troy, Luciana Cavallaro's 2nd in the Accursed Women series (Mythos Publications 2013) is Helen's narrative account of her life as told to a traveling historian, highlighting the reality of what she lived vs. the fiction put out for mostly political and power reasons. Her intent is to set the record straight. It is a timeline of events from Helen's budding womanhood to her ascension to the throne, told as Helen might talk to a friend. At thirty-nine pages, it's more a long story, so I was able to finish it in one sitting, absorbing the culture, smells, and drama of the era without any interference from my 21st-century life. By the time I turned the last page, I felt like I knew Helen, like we were friends, sharing secrets. I don't think I'll ever again think of her as that untouchable creature, aloof to life.
If you are a fan of Steven Pressfield's epic tale of the Battle of Thermopylae, The Gates of Fire, you'll enjoy this story. They're similar, well, except for the fact that Helen's The Curse of Troy is shorter, less violent, and focused only on Helen.
If you are a fan of Steven Pressfield's epic tale of the Battle of Thermopylae, The Gates of Fire, you'll enjoy this story. They're similar, well, except for the fact that Helen's The Curse of Troy is shorter, less violent, and focused only on Helen.
June 25, 2013
"The Curse of Troy" is a short story with the richness and layers of a much longer work. Author Luciana Cavallaro has created a very believable account of one of the world's most legendary figures, Helen of Troy. The story captivates from the first line, and never lets go. "I am not to blame for what happened to Troy or the Trojans . . ." Helen states boldly, and we are drawn in to the account from the get-go. Cavallaro presents the story as an interview. A young historian has been granted the honor of interviewing Helen of Troy, and the story is told in her own words. In a nutshell, this is a refreshing, meticulously researched, and very creative look at one of the great legends in world history. Highly recommended for those interested in Greek myth and history, and for anyone who enjoys a good story, well crafted and well told.
August 16, 2013
Getting close to Helen of Troy.
This is the first work of author Luciana Cavallaro's that I have read and I have to say that I really enjoyed this piece of short fiction.
The author writes this story as a simple interview between an historian and Helen, Queen of Sparta, in her later years.
It is a sad tale, a true tragedy and this story gives Helen a voice, a chance to dispel with many of the rumours that have hounded her reputation through history.
The author's writing is smooth and the voice she gives to this most famous of ancient women is absolutely lovely.
For these few pages, you will bounce between anger and sadness.
A wonderful read.
Recommended.
This is the first work of author Luciana Cavallaro's that I have read and I have to say that I really enjoyed this piece of short fiction.
The author writes this story as a simple interview between an historian and Helen, Queen of Sparta, in her later years.
It is a sad tale, a true tragedy and this story gives Helen a voice, a chance to dispel with many of the rumours that have hounded her reputation through history.
The author's writing is smooth and the voice she gives to this most famous of ancient women is absolutely lovely.
For these few pages, you will bounce between anger and sadness.
A wonderful read.
Recommended.
April 20, 2013
EXCELLENT BOOK!!! Congrats Author Cavallaro... Review to come on my blog SOON! http://emilyguido.com/
July 13, 2022
Mediocre
It's ok if you are into the Helen was in Egypt not Troy version it's a short story kills an hour not bad not great meh
It's ok if you are into the Helen was in Egypt not Troy version it's a short story kills an hour not bad not great meh
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews