What do you think?
Rate this book
The Confessions of Socrates
Socrates sits chained to a wall in a small prison cell. In a month he will die of hemlock poisoning. At night, by the light of a tiny oil lamp, on rolls of paper smuggled in by loyal friends, he tells his three sons the story of his life.
He writes vividly about the people and events that shaped him as a person. The mother who encouraged his questions. Teachers who promoted the Greek ideals of courage and glory. Bloody battles. Lifelong friends lost and enemies made. Being proclaimed the world’s wisest man.
Fearing his sons may follow in his ill-fated path, Socrates honestly reveals his thoughts and feelings, his successes and his failures, and his search for the answer to the ultimate question—how can I be happy?
He writes vividly about the people and events that shaped him as a person. The mother who encouraged his questions. Teachers who promoted the Greek ideals of courage and glory. Bloody battles. Lifelong friends lost and enemies made. Being proclaimed the world’s wisest man.
Fearing his sons may follow in his ill-fated path, Socrates honestly reveals his thoughts and feelings, his successes and his failures, and his search for the answer to the ultimate question—how can I be happy?
336 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2017
65 people are currently reading
5979 people want to read
About the author
R.L. Prendergast
4 books204 followersR. L. (Rod) Prendergast’s first novel, "The Impact of a Single Event," was long-listed for literary fiction by the Independent Publisher Book Awards in 2009. The book became a bestseller in Canada. Rod’s second novel, "Dinner with Lisa," was awarded the 2012 Independent Publisher Book Awards Bronze Medal for Best Regional Fiction, Western Canada. Inspired by his son’s inability to sleep through the night, Rod then wrote a children’s story, "Baby, Please go to Sleep." "The Confessions of Socrates" is his third novel and fourth book. "The Confessions of Socrates" was a finalist for the 11th annual National Indie Excellence Award for historical fiction, is a finalist for the 2017 Whistler Independent Book Award for Fiction and is shortlisted for the 2017 International Rubery Book Award, which is the largest cash award for books published by independent publishers in Great Britain.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
October 28, 2022
Humanizing Socrates? The author has done a fantastic job accomplishing what he tells us in his notes was his goal in writing this thoughtful novel and character study! The story is set in the form of an autobiography written by Socrates to his family. On the very day Socrates drinks the hemlock, his oldest son writes down events of that day. Each day Socrates is in prison awaiting execution for blasphemy and the corruption of youth, he reflects back on his life and writes to his family, giving details of his life from boyhood to the day before his death. He hopes with these heartfelt and soul-baring confessions in which he reveals his feelings at the time of each incident and upon reflection what lessons he's learnt, his sons will avoid the same mistakes he has made in his life. He reveals hubris, fear, resentment, and self-doubt. We see what events Socrates considers turning points in his life and how he discovers the meaning of "know thyself", the motto at Delphi.
Although he's had a native curiosity from boyhood, he is stimulated years later in his friendship with Simon the cobbler, into developing his "Socratic method" of questioning. At first I thought the cover a bit bland but I came to see it represents a concept in the book; one day, while tearing down the "long walls" after the Athenian defeat in war, Socrates sees a little plant struggling to survive in a block of marble which is gradually being torn apart by its efforts. He sees this as a lesson in optimism or persistence. I thought the author's blending in several of Aesop's fables and other anecdotes with a moral, to be well done. The personalities of other major characters were also strongly delineated. The only blemish was the use of a couple of okay's, which I can't see in any historical novel set before that word gained currency--the 1800's.
Most highly recommended for everyone. Thanks to the author for sending me an ARC as part of the Goodreads giveaway program. Upon receiving it in the mail, I opened it and began reading almost immediately, then right away reread.
Although he's had a native curiosity from boyhood, he is stimulated years later in his friendship with Simon the cobbler, into developing his "Socratic method" of questioning. At first I thought the cover a bit bland but I came to see it represents a concept in the book; one day, while tearing down the "long walls" after the Athenian defeat in war, Socrates sees a little plant struggling to survive in a block of marble which is gradually being torn apart by its efforts. He sees this as a lesson in optimism or persistence. I thought the author's blending in several of Aesop's fables and other anecdotes with a moral, to be well done. The personalities of other major characters were also strongly delineated. The only blemish was the use of a couple of okay's, which I can't see in any historical novel set before that word gained currency--the 1800's.
Most highly recommended for everyone. Thanks to the author for sending me an ARC as part of the Goodreads giveaway program. Upon receiving it in the mail, I opened it and began reading almost immediately, then right away reread.
August 23, 2018
I received a free e-copy of The Confessions of Socrates by R.L. Prendergast from Goodreads for my honest review.
This is a wonderful book. The book is written as twenty-eight daily entries by Socrates to his sons as he awaits execution on death row.
In this book we get a glimpse into Socrates' life and his upbringing. We also get to read about what Socrates' life could have been like. I liked how the book was told from the perspective of Socrates examining his own life. The book takes us from his childhood until his death sentence. A vivid read.
There are maps at the front of the book that I recommend you reference while you are reading it. I also recommend looking at the glossaries and time line sections at the end of the book while reading the book.
This is a wonderful book. The book is written as twenty-eight daily entries by Socrates to his sons as he awaits execution on death row.
In this book we get a glimpse into Socrates' life and his upbringing. We also get to read about what Socrates' life could have been like. I liked how the book was told from the perspective of Socrates examining his own life. The book takes us from his childhood until his death sentence. A vivid read.
There are maps at the front of the book that I recommend you reference while you are reading it. I also recommend looking at the glossaries and time line sections at the end of the book while reading the book.
April 19, 2018
Many thanks to Dekko, Prendergast, and Goodreads for the opportunity to review this book.
This book takes us back in Socrates' life to give us an understanding of early Greek life and how he began his life as a logic teacher. He really wasn't well liked according to this book. And he was a bit snooty. He was very proud of his family. And loved to talk. And talk. And talk. So he humiliated some important people. And they swore revenge. And we all know what happened to him in the end. So it was a positive retelling of a great man's history even if it may not be accurate.
This book takes us back in Socrates' life to give us an understanding of early Greek life and how he began his life as a logic teacher. He really wasn't well liked according to this book. And he was a bit snooty. He was very proud of his family. And loved to talk. And talk. And talk. So he humiliated some important people. And they swore revenge. And we all know what happened to him in the end. So it was a positive retelling of a great man's history even if it may not be accurate.
February 19, 2019
I had high hopes for this book, but I just couldn't get into it. Of course, I knew I was reading a fiction story as nothing has even been found that gives factual information about Socrates, but I was expecting more than I was receiving in the first few chapters. Imprisoned and awaiting his death by poisoning, he begins writing letters to his family telling his sons of his childhood and life. I only made it about 100 pages into the story and just felt it wasn't going anywhere. Socrates is said to be know for his intelligence, wisdom and knowledge. The story I was reading (at least to me), was of a weak young boy without confidence and endurance. Perhaps he found strength and self-assurance later in the letters, but I didn't stick around long enough to find out.
I always hate it when I don't finish a story, but the more time I was spending trying to make myself enjoy the story, the more I knew I was missing out on reading something that spoke to me. My apologizes to the author and publisher that I could not give a more positive feedback. I hope to many other readers that this book spoke volumes.
I always hate it when I don't finish a story, but the more time I was spending trying to make myself enjoy the story, the more I knew I was missing out on reading something that spoke to me. My apologizes to the author and publisher that I could not give a more positive feedback. I hope to many other readers that this book spoke volumes.
May 16, 2017
The Confessions of Socrates are daily articles written by Socrates while being held in his prison cell as he awaits the day of his execution. This new novel by R.L. Prendergast tells how his family and friends have arranged for him to receive food along with quill and papyrus so that he can record his final thoughts. The manuscripts take us through the philosopher’s life, from his earliest memories after barely surviving being trampled by a horse, right up to his trial where he is accused of corrupting the youth of Athens, not believing in the Gods of the city, and worshipping other new divinities of his own creation. They tell of a man battling with his own insecurities, questioning his peers and contemporaries in his struggle to find answers; a man who loses his adored mother early in life and who is left with a dour, taciturn father bereft of any warmth or affection; a man highly regarded and admired by his friends but unable to fathom what it is that is admirable or likeable about himself. The narrative takes us though his brief and interrupted schooling, his military training, his visit to the oracle at Delphi with his friend Chaerephon, his distinguished participation in three major battles and his life as a stonemason apprenticed to his father. It describes daily life in the ancient bustling city of Athens, the plagues, the constant wars with Sparta and the Persians, the politics and the development of his philosophical views. It tells us how he meets his wife, about the birth of his sons, about his friends, students and contemporaries and finally his trial and sentence of death.
Confessions of Socrates is a well-researched, beautifully written work. R.L. Prendergast has managed to weave a compelling story built partly around historical fact and, as no direct writings have ever been attributed to Socrates, what is known about him through the writings of Plato, Xenophon and Aristophanes. I was especially impressed with the descriptions of life in the Athens of the day and the battles in which Socrates participated. The visit to the temple complex at Delphi was particularly vivid. Although the book is a work of fiction it is soundly anchored in the currently available data and comes with a useful Historical Timeline along with Glossaries of Names and Terms. A thoroughly enjoyable, informative and thought-provoking book which I highly recommend.
Confessions of Socrates is a well-researched, beautifully written work. R.L. Prendergast has managed to weave a compelling story built partly around historical fact and, as no direct writings have ever been attributed to Socrates, what is known about him through the writings of Plato, Xenophon and Aristophanes. I was especially impressed with the descriptions of life in the Athens of the day and the battles in which Socrates participated. The visit to the temple complex at Delphi was particularly vivid. Although the book is a work of fiction it is soundly anchored in the currently available data and comes with a useful Historical Timeline along with Glossaries of Names and Terms. A thoroughly enjoyable, informative and thought-provoking book which I highly recommend.
August 3, 2018
A fascinating book that takes you back to life in ancient Greece. It is well researched, and written in the format of what Socrates may have said in letters to his sons prior to his execution. The author has skillfully brought Socrates, the man, to life, as well as the time in which he lived. The book makes you see Socrates as he might have seen himself as he came to the end of his life. (Note-by reading in the Kindle, it was very easy to also get a brief history of Socrates family, friends, Greek gods, and the places mentioned) I thoroughly enjoyed the book!
August 6, 2018
The author did hit on the major events of Socrates life, and in the process managed to humanize Socrates. Not an easy thing to do.
August 2, 2017
Shortlisted for the Rubery Book Award for Fiction 2017
While Socrates sits in prison in Athens awaiting his death sentence he writes to his sons telling them of his varied life as a stone mason’s apprentice, a soldier and teacher. One soon comes to like the self-effacing philosopher and to begin to understand the complex society in which he lived. The characters are fascinating and distinctive - Crito the hero, the loving slave Diotima and Socrates himself who risked unpopularity by logical questioning - but never single-dimensional. There are exciting battle scenes, philosophical disputes and shamings, all culminating in the famous trial. The book is written in beautifully clear prose so that what might seem distant in time and relevance is brought to life.
ruberybookaward.com
While Socrates sits in prison in Athens awaiting his death sentence he writes to his sons telling them of his varied life as a stone mason’s apprentice, a soldier and teacher. One soon comes to like the self-effacing philosopher and to begin to understand the complex society in which he lived. The characters are fascinating and distinctive - Crito the hero, the loving slave Diotima and Socrates himself who risked unpopularity by logical questioning - but never single-dimensional. There are exciting battle scenes, philosophical disputes and shamings, all culminating in the famous trial. The book is written in beautifully clear prose so that what might seem distant in time and relevance is brought to life.
ruberybookaward.com
March 22, 2018
I received The Confessions of Socrates as part of a Goodreads giveaway.
Locked in a prison cell with only a month to live, revolutionary ancient philosopher Socrates attempts to author his autobiography, from his humble beginnings to his military service in the Peloponnesian War, his rise as a philosopher to his trial and eventual execution, thought the focus is mostly on his personal life, the bonds of family and friendship that made him who he is.
I don't know much about ancient Greek history, so I can't speak to the historical accuracy of the piece, but I found it compelling. Prendergast's Socrates is warm and human, the relative pain of his early life clearly leaving its mark in adulthood. I'm glad I finally got to read this one, as it was a look into a period that I wasn't familiar with.
Locked in a prison cell with only a month to live, revolutionary ancient philosopher Socrates attempts to author his autobiography, from his humble beginnings to his military service in the Peloponnesian War, his rise as a philosopher to his trial and eventual execution, thought the focus is mostly on his personal life, the bonds of family and friendship that made him who he is.
I don't know much about ancient Greek history, so I can't speak to the historical accuracy of the piece, but I found it compelling. Prendergast's Socrates is warm and human, the relative pain of his early life clearly leaving its mark in adulthood. I'm glad I finally got to read this one, as it was a look into a period that I wasn't familiar with.
August 11, 2018
Received this book in a giveaway on Goodreads. I don’t find myself normally reading a true historical fiction without a bit of suspense or romance in it but found this to be a pretty solid book. The book is basically letters found from Socrates to his family during his jail sentence, awaiting his death, going over his life with his parents, during his short time in school and in war and after, contemplating how he lived his life. All in all a good read.
May 11, 2022
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A great discovery is made. Amphorae containing missives that Socrates wrote to his family while in prison awaiting execution. He writes a lot about his regrets and missing his family.
I'm not sure this really humanizes Socrates, but it is certainly a different point of view.
A great discovery is made. Amphorae containing missives that Socrates wrote to his family while in prison awaiting execution. He writes a lot about his regrets and missing his family.
I'm not sure this really humanizes Socrates, but it is certainly a different point of view.
April 10, 2018
I enjoy reading about ancient Greece so this story fit well with me. The story helped me come to a better understanding of Socrates and his beliefs. Ancient Athens can be confusing. I found the glossary at the end of the book very helpful. I won this story on Goodreads.
April 25, 2018
I received a free copy of The Confessions of Socrates from Goodreads for a fair and honest review.
I enjoyed the book. It is written as 28 daily entries by Socrates to his sons as he awaits execution on death row. I knew nothing about Socrates before reading this book and considering that Socrates himself left no diary or written account of his life I think this book is a fair representation of what his life and personality may have been.
Socrates is, obviously, the main character and he is the only character who we really get to know and see evolve during the story. Because of the way the author chose to set the story we get a glimpse into all of his life and the influences of his upbringing. The choice to have him writing to his boys about his life was a good way to include a lot of information about him without it seeming forced or being convoluted with to many events or details.
All in all an enjoyable read.
I enjoyed the book. It is written as 28 daily entries by Socrates to his sons as he awaits execution on death row. I knew nothing about Socrates before reading this book and considering that Socrates himself left no diary or written account of his life I think this book is a fair representation of what his life and personality may have been.
Socrates is, obviously, the main character and he is the only character who we really get to know and see evolve during the story. Because of the way the author chose to set the story we get a glimpse into all of his life and the influences of his upbringing. The choice to have him writing to his boys about his life was a good way to include a lot of information about him without it seeming forced or being convoluted with to many events or details.
All in all an enjoyable read.
September 1, 2017
A Sparkling Linguistic Diamond
While The Confessions of Socrates was categorized under “Biographical” this gem deserves much broader recognition in different categories. Of course it is fiction; but what brilliant and well-researched Historical Fiction it is.
Socrates languishes in a stinking prison cell awaiting execution: death by drinking hemlock. Having been given a 28-day reprieve (not by his vile accusers or the Council of Five Hundred, but due to the observation of a festival period), he scribbles an account of his life on scrolls smuggled in by a kind jailer. In it, he reveals himself to his sons (and to the reader) not as the haughty Greek philosopher we have come to believe he was, but as a fallible human being.
His humble beginnings as a stonemason surprised me (bringing into focus the book’s cover: even a hard block of stone cannot suppress new life sprouting from it). I never knew he was drafted for several military campaigns – albeit without much enthusiasm on his part. He is an outwardly gruff sort of man, but his long internal struggles with himself and toward his family, friends and foes at last expose him as quite vulnerable and deeply caring; not that he admitted this to anyone until the end of his life.
The author injects conversations and philosophical arguments as they might have taken place during those heady days of Athenian dominance; not an easy read, mind you, but so well executed I never skipped a single paragraph. What a joy to read such brilliant and intelligent use of language. While this novel is a literary gem, it is by no means devoid of action, intrigue, and surprises with plenty human fallacies and insights.
I also appreciated the appended glossary of Greek names, places and gods. It made me realize those times were real, as were most of the people, their beliefs, continual wars and personal struggles. While I am ashamed to say that the little I knew about Ancient Greece I had almost forgotten, I am now inspired to re-acquaint myself with another great ancient civilization, brought to its knees by Man’s forever impetus to wage war.
The Confessions of Socrates is indeed a Discovered Diamond and I shall heartily recommend it for the Discovering Diamonds Review Blog.
While The Confessions of Socrates was categorized under “Biographical” this gem deserves much broader recognition in different categories. Of course it is fiction; but what brilliant and well-researched Historical Fiction it is.
Socrates languishes in a stinking prison cell awaiting execution: death by drinking hemlock. Having been given a 28-day reprieve (not by his vile accusers or the Council of Five Hundred, but due to the observation of a festival period), he scribbles an account of his life on scrolls smuggled in by a kind jailer. In it, he reveals himself to his sons (and to the reader) not as the haughty Greek philosopher we have come to believe he was, but as a fallible human being.
His humble beginnings as a stonemason surprised me (bringing into focus the book’s cover: even a hard block of stone cannot suppress new life sprouting from it). I never knew he was drafted for several military campaigns – albeit without much enthusiasm on his part. He is an outwardly gruff sort of man, but his long internal struggles with himself and toward his family, friends and foes at last expose him as quite vulnerable and deeply caring; not that he admitted this to anyone until the end of his life.
The author injects conversations and philosophical arguments as they might have taken place during those heady days of Athenian dominance; not an easy read, mind you, but so well executed I never skipped a single paragraph. What a joy to read such brilliant and intelligent use of language. While this novel is a literary gem, it is by no means devoid of action, intrigue, and surprises with plenty human fallacies and insights.
I also appreciated the appended glossary of Greek names, places and gods. It made me realize those times were real, as were most of the people, their beliefs, continual wars and personal struggles. While I am ashamed to say that the little I knew about Ancient Greece I had almost forgotten, I am now inspired to re-acquaint myself with another great ancient civilization, brought to its knees by Man’s forever impetus to wage war.
The Confessions of Socrates is indeed a Discovered Diamond and I shall heartily recommend it for the Discovering Diamonds Review Blog.
January 6, 2019
**I received a free Kindle version of this book from a Goodreads giveaway**
I am a of both historical fiction and fan fiction, and this felt a little like both. The author discusses in the afterward how difficult it was to write about the life of a man for whom there is so little trustworthy documentation, but he managed to flesh Socrates out into a fascinating character, made all the more real by his very human flaws. It was also interesting to read about what was going on in Greece around the time of Socrates life, to give even more context to his philosophy.
A solid 3.5 stars.
I am a of both historical fiction and fan fiction, and this felt a little like both. The author discusses in the afterward how difficult it was to write about the life of a man for whom there is so little trustworthy documentation, but he managed to flesh Socrates out into a fascinating character, made all the more real by his very human flaws. It was also interesting to read about what was going on in Greece around the time of Socrates life, to give even more context to his philosophy.
A solid 3.5 stars.
April 3, 2017
Life's been busy but I just finished The Confessions of Socrates..! I was skeptical about the subject but knew I have thoroughly enjoyed both R.L. Prendergast's previous books so I dove in... and I really liked it!!! The closer I got to Day 28.. the slower I read on purpose for it not to end. Can't wait for your next book...G
November 12, 2018
**I received this as a Kindle edition Goodreads giveaway.**
I have to admit I started this book but put it down to finish others for book club or top of the list choices. I was really looking forward to this book, as you hear so much about Socrates in literature, but I don't really know much about him. As I began reading, I just couldn't get in to the style of the author. Each new chapter felt repetitive, as Socrates wrote to his sons each day in prison; it was what kept me from picking it up sooner. Eventually, that does change and the story begins to flow better.
As with many historical fiction books (that I love to read), I look up things about people. Luckily, I figured out how to do that within the context of the book on the Kindle (still new at the Kindle thing)! But somehow I kept asking myself how much of this was true and how did the author get the information. Unfortunately for me, I didn't read the table of contents before I started reading. Had I done so I would have seen all the addenda, with people names, places, definitions and the author's notes. All of which would have helped me read it with a different mind set. The author's notes are why I gave this a 3. He did the best he could with the limited amount of information available about such an ancient figure.
The story is interesting and does make you wonder about the foundations of democracy in Ancient Greece that we learned about in school. It wasn't as simple and clear cut as the history books made it seem. Sadly, Socrates' trial felt like much of our political atmosphere today: who makes up the better story (fake news). Socrates still remains an elusive figure but an interesting one. I did feel a connection with him process, as I ask a lot of questions!!
I have to admit I started this book but put it down to finish others for book club or top of the list choices. I was really looking forward to this book, as you hear so much about Socrates in literature, but I don't really know much about him. As I began reading, I just couldn't get in to the style of the author. Each new chapter felt repetitive, as Socrates wrote to his sons each day in prison; it was what kept me from picking it up sooner. Eventually, that does change and the story begins to flow better.
As with many historical fiction books (that I love to read), I look up things about people. Luckily, I figured out how to do that within the context of the book on the Kindle (still new at the Kindle thing)! But somehow I kept asking myself how much of this was true and how did the author get the information. Unfortunately for me, I didn't read the table of contents before I started reading. Had I done so I would have seen all the addenda, with people names, places, definitions and the author's notes. All of which would have helped me read it with a different mind set. The author's notes are why I gave this a 3. He did the best he could with the limited amount of information available about such an ancient figure.
The story is interesting and does make you wonder about the foundations of democracy in Ancient Greece that we learned about in school. It wasn't as simple and clear cut as the history books made it seem. Sadly, Socrates' trial felt like much of our political atmosphere today: who makes up the better story (fake news). Socrates still remains an elusive figure but an interesting one. I did feel a connection with him process, as I ask a lot of questions!!
July 5, 2018
This was a book I found to be a thoroughly enjoyable read! Historical fiction is a tough sell for a lot of people, especially for people that are well known to history. The reason for that is because there are so many beliefs and ideas of what the individual was truly like. In writing historical fiction, an author runs the risk of trying to make a believable character that stays true to the historical record, while trying to give human character and presence to that individual -- knowing that everyone has a different idea of who that person was, how they lived, and what they were like. This is especially true in this case, since the true Socrates has little left to us from history -- and yet he is so well known that the doors for personal visions of him will abound.
Pendegast has done an amazing job of making the character of Socrates into a living individual, and allowing readers to give some thought and consideration to who this man was, who shaped Western logic so completely. All of the characters of this book are a joy to get to know, and the story is a great book to put on for your summer reading.
The one big complaint I have about this book is that the editing could have used a little more work. There were certainly some glaring issues that crop up throughout the book. Fortunately, there aren't a lot of them, but the ones that are there are certainly noticeable.
Definitely a must read for the summer.
Pendegast has done an amazing job of making the character of Socrates into a living individual, and allowing readers to give some thought and consideration to who this man was, who shaped Western logic so completely. All of the characters of this book are a joy to get to know, and the story is a great book to put on for your summer reading.
The one big complaint I have about this book is that the editing could have used a little more work. There were certainly some glaring issues that crop up throughout the book. Fortunately, there aren't a lot of them, but the ones that are there are certainly noticeable.
Definitely a must read for the summer.
December 13, 2018
First I'd like to thank Goodreads and the author for the chance to read this. I won it in a Goodreads giveaway.
But I found myself really disappointed. I'm a huge fan of the Classical World in general. Historical fiction from this time period is rare enough to begin with that finding a disappointing one is a double blow.
My main complaint is the writing. I always like to say that the more a historical fiction novel is like a textbook the more I like it but...not like this. This was mostly written as a dry recitation of 5th century bce Athenian politics without any action added by the characters. There were a few battle scenes but even these were quickly handled and then moved past. It's just a wasted opportunity more than anything else. Classical Athens was one of those historical times where a bunch of really famous people were all there together and reading this, you don't get that feeling. Plato hardly even shows up and he was Socrates' most famous student.
On top of that, there's very little development of Socrates the philosopher. I guess because he wrote nothing for posterity but it seemed as if a huge chunk of his life was skipped over from when he first went to war to when he was suddenly discoursing on philosophy with no clear path of how he got there.
Unfortunately this one didn't do it for me.
But I found myself really disappointed. I'm a huge fan of the Classical World in general. Historical fiction from this time period is rare enough to begin with that finding a disappointing one is a double blow.
My main complaint is the writing. I always like to say that the more a historical fiction novel is like a textbook the more I like it but...not like this. This was mostly written as a dry recitation of 5th century bce Athenian politics without any action added by the characters. There were a few battle scenes but even these were quickly handled and then moved past. It's just a wasted opportunity more than anything else. Classical Athens was one of those historical times where a bunch of really famous people were all there together and reading this, you don't get that feeling. Plato hardly even shows up and he was Socrates' most famous student.
On top of that, there's very little development of Socrates the philosopher. I guess because he wrote nothing for posterity but it seemed as if a huge chunk of his life was skipped over from when he first went to war to when he was suddenly discoursing on philosophy with no clear path of how he got there.
Unfortunately this one didn't do it for me.
June 13, 2018
I won this book in ebook format through the Goodreads giveaways.
I wasn't sure that I was going to enjoy this book as it was written as just Socrates' letters to his family and any letters from them weren't included.. However, much of his letters were stories or memories that he was sharing. Which led to less of trying to figure out the responses of those he was writing to. I did enjoyed reading about what Socrates' life may have been like. I liked how the book was told from the perspective of Socrates examining his own life. It showed how different we veiw ours at different points in our lives, and how different that veiw is from how others view us. I thought that knowing Socrates' fate, and the end of the book would have made it less interesting to read. That was not the case with this book, because of the way that the story was written. The only thing that I would have liked to have done differently is to have read this book in physical format. There were maps at the front of the book that I would have liked to reference while I was reading, but didn't because I couldn't flip back and forth from page to page. There were also glossaries and historical time line sections at the end of the book that would have come in handy had I know that they were there. Over all this book was interesting and enjoyable to read.
I wasn't sure that I was going to enjoy this book as it was written as just Socrates' letters to his family and any letters from them weren't included.. However, much of his letters were stories or memories that he was sharing. Which led to less of trying to figure out the responses of those he was writing to. I did enjoyed reading about what Socrates' life may have been like. I liked how the book was told from the perspective of Socrates examining his own life. It showed how different we veiw ours at different points in our lives, and how different that veiw is from how others view us. I thought that knowing Socrates' fate, and the end of the book would have made it less interesting to read. That was not the case with this book, because of the way that the story was written. The only thing that I would have liked to have done differently is to have read this book in physical format. There were maps at the front of the book that I would have liked to reference while I was reading, but didn't because I couldn't flip back and forth from page to page. There were also glossaries and historical time line sections at the end of the book that would have come in handy had I know that they were there. Over all this book was interesting and enjoyable to read.
August 24, 2018
I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway. I had no idea what to expect from this book, but the concept peaked my curiosity. I was very pleased with the outcome and found it to be a worthwhile thought experiment. What if Socrates did write something? What if it was letters to his children? What if they were written while he was awaiting his execution? Would they contain his life story? Would he express emotions, fears, hopes? There is no way to know if the topics covered in the letters in this book would have been what he would have written, obviously, but it's nice to think that he would have spent the time providing his children with so many details of his life and expressing his love and hopes for their happiness in them. No matter what, the author has provided us with some insight into what may have been the human side of the man while still faithfully representing the ideas that were the foundation of Socrates' teachings. Well done.
September 17, 2018
I received this book through Goodreads. I found learning about Socrates, the Greek philosopher, very interesting. I expected the book to be a “dry” read and a challenge to get through but was wrong. I am glad I read this book.
The story is Socrates writing about his life while in jail awaiting execution. Each chapter is a day closer to his execution. “This is not the first time I have awaited my end. In fact, it’s the fourth time. The difference is that the other threats to my life occurred on the battlefield.” It starts when Socrates is a child progressing through his participation in wars. His relationships with friends and family is well done. The reader gains a true insight of the life and challenges during these times.
I checked the facts throughout the book and found it to be accurate. It is apparent the author has performed a great deal of research for this book. I recommend anyone read this book if historical fiction is a fave.
The story is Socrates writing about his life while in jail awaiting execution. Each chapter is a day closer to his execution. “This is not the first time I have awaited my end. In fact, it’s the fourth time. The difference is that the other threats to my life occurred on the battlefield.” It starts when Socrates is a child progressing through his participation in wars. His relationships with friends and family is well done. The reader gains a true insight of the life and challenges during these times.
I checked the facts throughout the book and found it to be accurate. It is apparent the author has performed a great deal of research for this book. I recommend anyone read this book if historical fiction is a fave.
September 17, 2018
I received this book through Goodreads. I found learning about Socrates, the Greek philosopher, very interesting. I expected the book to be a “dry” read and a challenge to get through but was wrong. I am glad I read this book.
The story is Socrates writing about his life while in jail awaiting execution. Each chapter is a day closer to his execution. “This is not the first time I have awaited my end. In fact, it’s the fourth time. The difference is that the other threats to my life occurred on the battlefield.” It starts when Socrates is a child progressing through his participation in wars. His relationships with friends and family is well done. The reader gains a true insight of the life and challenges during these times.
I checked the facts throughout the book and found it to be accurate. It is apparent the author has performed a great deal of research for this book. I recommend anyone read this book if historical fiction is a fave.
The story is Socrates writing about his life while in jail awaiting execution. Each chapter is a day closer to his execution. “This is not the first time I have awaited my end. In fact, it’s the fourth time. The difference is that the other threats to my life occurred on the battlefield.” It starts when Socrates is a child progressing through his participation in wars. His relationships with friends and family is well done. The reader gains a true insight of the life and challenges during these times.
I checked the facts throughout the book and found it to be accurate. It is apparent the author has performed a great deal of research for this book. I recommend anyone read this book if historical fiction is a fave.
February 14, 2018
I don’t know much about Socrates, only know that he was a classical famous philosopher. So, when I decided to read this book, I didn’t know what I would expect.
This book is not an easy read. Especially because English is not my native language and needed to constantly open google translate. I almost quitted reading because I felt I didn’t progress lol
The book tells story about Socrates from his point of view, from his childhood until his death sentence. I found a humanize man, a father, philosopher, with all his doubt and regrets in life as we all did.
The author portrays the city, the battle, and the Socrates’s world in a detail and careful way. I could imagine myself as if I live in that era.
I finished the book feeling good and satisfied. Hopefully there are more books like this one.
This book is not an easy read. Especially because English is not my native language and needed to constantly open google translate. I almost quitted reading because I felt I didn’t progress lol
The book tells story about Socrates from his point of view, from his childhood until his death sentence. I found a humanize man, a father, philosopher, with all his doubt and regrets in life as we all did.
The author portrays the city, the battle, and the Socrates’s world in a detail and careful way. I could imagine myself as if I live in that era.
I finished the book feeling good and satisfied. Hopefully there are more books like this one.
December 13, 2018
I won a copy of this as a First Reads Giveaway and I am very grateful to GoodReads and the Author for this. I wasn't quite sure how well this was going to work when I requested it but I ended up enjoying it very much. Not much is known about the real Socrates so this is almost pure fiction, but it felt very real. This is told as a lost diary of sorts that Socrates writes to his Sons as he is waiting for his own execution. For the most part that worked but there were a few times when the writing felt very forced and awkward just to fit that framework. Still, it was not enough to ruin the story. This depicts a very simple life with all of its warts and foibles. Socrates is not held up to be a shining light of wisdom but a man with all of his faults and troubles. This really felt like it was an accurate description of what his life might have been. Highly recommended.
March 2, 2019
I admit I took longer to reading this book than I should have after receiving it through a Goodreads giveaway. After reading it I doubly regret it. This was truly a wonderful surprise that I enjoyed it so much and the style of writing drew me in right away.
The concept was my initial draw to the book, and the author has done a commendable job in creating a persona of Socrates that we can only speculate on. He gives life to him through the storytelling and has you reflecting as if you were sitting right there with him at the time. His descriptive style lets the imagery fall before you as you walk these stories with Socrates.
Even if you think you have no desire to read about this time period or this man, I urge you to reconsider and pick up this book. It has so many levels to appeal to a reader, one of them will pull you in quickly.
The concept was my initial draw to the book, and the author has done a commendable job in creating a persona of Socrates that we can only speculate on. He gives life to him through the storytelling and has you reflecting as if you were sitting right there with him at the time. His descriptive style lets the imagery fall before you as you walk these stories with Socrates.
Even if you think you have no desire to read about this time period or this man, I urge you to reconsider and pick up this book. It has so many levels to appeal to a reader, one of them will pull you in quickly.
February 19, 2018
**I received this book from a Goodreads Giveaway in exchange for an honest review**
Ok so as weird as it may sound, one of my biggest qualms with this book, writing style aside, lies with the prologue and the ending authors note. Call me petty, but starting you book with a weak “we just found this hidden biography” and then ending with “yea I did a lot of research and made the rest up”. It’s hard to put a finger on, I didn’t hate the book, but it felt confused. Almost like the author couldn’t decide if he was writing a biography or a story. The beginning to any book sets the scene for the rest of the story, and for some reason the prologue just rubbed me the wrong way, pompous maybe?
An interesting one time read, but if you have no idea who Socrates is you might struggle a bit.
Ok so as weird as it may sound, one of my biggest qualms with this book, writing style aside, lies with the prologue and the ending authors note. Call me petty, but starting you book with a weak “we just found this hidden biography” and then ending with “yea I did a lot of research and made the rest up”. It’s hard to put a finger on, I didn’t hate the book, but it felt confused. Almost like the author couldn’t decide if he was writing a biography or a story. The beginning to any book sets the scene for the rest of the story, and for some reason the prologue just rubbed me the wrong way, pompous maybe?
An interesting one time read, but if you have no idea who Socrates is you might struggle a bit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2020
I received this book from a Goodreads Giveaway and absolutely loved it. The author did a wonderful job of incorporating well-known stories about Socrates' life and telling them from his point of view. We've heard so much about Socrates' philosophy and process of questioning but due to lack of information we've not heard a lot about his life or him as a man. Prendergast did a phenomenal job of humanizing the legend. Flaws, self-doubt, insecurity all were there - not even far below the surface. I was able to relate to a lot of the feelings and misgivings and desires that Socrates expressed. I honestly didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did and I would highly recommend it to anyone that has interest in Socrates or Ancient Greece.
December 10, 2017
this was a really good book, thanks to a friend of mine on goodreads with her rating of it that I decided to read it. We have all heard of Socrates but he left no written records we get what we know of him mostly through Plato, Xenophon and Aristophanes the author of this book comes up with scrolls written by him when he was in his cell waiting execution written to his sons and later found through archeological dig. the author puts a human face on Socrates about his fears that trouble him and his doubts about making something of himself. highly recommend this book, it has me looking for more books about the man. KNOW THY SELF
August 21, 2018
The Confessions of Socrates started a little slow for me. The somewhat artificial feel of the story being conveyed in letters written to his family from his jail cell made it difficult for me to enter his world-at first. As the narrative of the letters took hold, the story captivated my attention, and I thoroughly enjoyed this story and felt like I could see Socrates as a real person who lived and died.
I think the story would be better if it were just written as a narrative without the artifice of the beginning and ending of each section of story with salutations and signing off, but definitely worth reading.
I think the story would be better if it were just written as a narrative without the artifice of the beginning and ending of each section of story with salutations and signing off, but definitely worth reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews