46 pages 1 hour read

Ursula K. Le Guin

Lavinia

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2008

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Lavinia by Ursula K. Le Guin reimagines part of Virgil’s Aeneid from the perspective of Aeneas’s wife, Lavinia, expanding her minor role in the epic. The novel delves into Lavinia's life, her interactions with her family, her friendship with a farmer’s daughter, and her eventual marriage to Aeneas. Lavinia’s awareness of her fictional status alters her view on fate, and as wars unfold, her story extends beyond Aeneas’s death to her own transformation. This novel includes discussions of death by suicide, enslavement, physical abuse, and child death.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

In Lavinia, Ursula K. Le Guin masterfully reimagines the life of a minor character from Virgil's Aeneid, providing her with a compelling voice and narrative. Critics praise the lyrical prose and deep historical context, though some note the slow pacing might deter certain readers. Overall, the novel is celebrated for its rich storytelling and feminist perspective.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Lavinia?

A reader who enjoys historical fiction with a mythological twist, akin to The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller or Circe by the same author, would be captivated by Lavinia by Ursula K. Le Guin. Lovers of classical literature and fans of epic narratives reimagined from a female perspective are ideal candidates for this novel.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Fantasy

Mythology

Topics

Military / War

History: World

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Conflict

Emotions/Behavior: Courage

Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance