Synopsis
When her father dies, leaving no dowry for her to marry, she wonders whether her brother will find her a husband or sell her into slavery. Although she'd rather have a kind master than a cruel husband, her brother decides to give Myrto to his form teacher Socrates as a second wife.
Being a second wife is not easy for Myrto, and while her new husband treats her kindly, his first wife Xanthippe is nothing but cruel. Myrto spends much of her time away from home in an attempt to avoid being alone with the terrifying Xanthippe, and soon strikes up an intellectual friendship with her husband's student, Plato. Although she wants nothing more than a friend, he has designs on more.
Now Myrto must discover where she belongs in this quickly changing world. Will she accept the lot she has been given by her family, succumb to romantic love, or pave the way for women of the future to live better lives?
As her personal journey through Ancient Greek Metaphysics unfolds, will she always be defined by her relationships with men? Or will she discover the joy of being Just Myrto?
REVIEW:
I have never read a book quite like this one. A book that captured so many things I love in a novel. Myrto is a female character who reminds me of me somewhat, which I love. Her thirst for knowledge is fantastic, allowing her to be seen in a new light. I fell in love with the characters, especially Socrates, his kindness and words of wisdom always made me smile. I wish I could find more books such as this one to read, where I somehow discover myself as I read. I would reccomend this book to ANYONE, no matter what you like to read. It's just that good.
Favorite Quote:
I have never read a book quite like this one. A book that captured so many things I love in a novel. Myrto is a female character who reminds me of me somewhat, which I love. Her thirst for knowledge is fantastic, allowing her to be seen in a new light. I fell in love with the characters, especially Socrates, his kindness and words of wisdom always made me smile. I wish I could find more books such as this one to read, where I somehow discover myself as I read. I would reccomend this book to ANYONE, no matter what you like to read. It's just that good.
Favorite Quote:
"Even when I do my best to tell you and Lamprocles the truth, you cannot simply repeat what I sagas truth for yourself."
"I'm a philosophical midwife. People concierge ideas in their minds, and I help bring these ideas to light."
"Maybe it's more about seeking wisdom than being right?"
"The only difference between the sunrise and the sunset is your point of view."
PRAISE FOR JUST MYRTO:
“What I loved most about this book is how the author resists the temptation of the romantic master narrative. Myrto develops great strength as she learns to think for herself. In fact, I’ve never seen a better depiction of growth in a young woman — from vulnerability and anxiety to confidence and courage.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in ancient Greek culture and in a riveting story of female empowerment.”
~Shirley Hershey Showalter, author of Blush: A Mennonite Girl Meets a Glittering World, and former president of Goshen College.
~Shirley Hershey Showalter, author of Blush: A Mennonite Girl Meets a Glittering World, and former president of Goshen College.
“Laurie Gray crafts a compelling and appealing narrator who shows that despite societal constraints, an individual can create her own life. Complete with delightful renderings of Socratic dialogue and thoughtful looks into the customs and knowledge of the time, Just Myrto is a lively story of some of the most important people of the Classical period of ancient Greece. The depth of Gray’s research shows in the accuracy of the details of daily life, yet doesn’t interfere with the story or get in the way of the readers’ interest in the characters.”
–Tracy Barrett, author of Dark of the Moon
–Tracy Barrett, author of Dark of the Moon
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Laurie Gray has worked as a high school teacher, a deputy prosecuting attorney, and the founder of Socratic Parenting LLC (www.SocraticParenting.com). In addition to writing, speaking and consulting, Laurie currently works as a bilingual child forensic interviewer at her local Child Advocacy Center and as an adjunct professor of criminal sciences at Indiana Tech. She has served on the faculty of the National Symposium for Child Abuse in Huntsville, Alabama, annually since 2009. Her debut novel Summer Sanctuary (Luminis Books/2010) received a Moonbeam Gold Medal for excellence in young adult fiction and was named a 2011 Indiana Best Book Finalist. Her second novel, MAYBE I WILL (Luminis Books/ 2013) received a Moonbeam Bronze Medal.
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