46 pages • 1 hour read
Lavinia
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Book Brief
320
Novel • Fiction
Ancient Italy • Pre-Roman
2008
Adult
18+ years
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.
Contemplative
Mysterious
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
16,991 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
16,991 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Aeneas
Aeneas
A Trojan warrior and member of the Trojan royal family, tasked with establishing a new homeland for the Trojans in Latium.
The Poet (Virgil/Vergil)
The Poet (Virgil/Vergil)
The spirit of the dying poet whom Lavinia encounters, reflecting on his work and his creation of Lavinia's character.
Ascanius
Ascanius
Aeneas's adolescent son, whose actions spark conflict in Latium as he comes to terms with his responsibilities and leadership.
Achates
Achates
Aeneas's close companion and fellow warrior who shares a long-standing bond with him and becomes friends with Lavinia.
Latinus
Latinus
Lavinia's father, the ruler of the Latins in Laurentum, who values peace and his daughter's choice.
Amata
Amata
Lavinia's mother, consumed by grief and opposing her husband's wishes regarding Lavinia's marriage.
Turnus
Turnus
A suitor of Lavinia, motivated by impiety and involved in conflict against the Trojans.
Silvius
Silvius
The son of Lavinia and Aeneas, who grows up embodying his father's legacy of duty and piety.
320
Novel • Fiction
Ancient Italy • Pre-Roman
2008
Adult
18+ years
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