Super Short Summary

The Last of the Wine by Mary Renault is a historical novel set in ancient Athens during the end of the Peloponnesian War. It follows Alexias, a young nobleman known for his athleticism and beauty, as he navigates a complex relationship with Lysis, an older student of Socrates. The novel explores themes of love, mentorship, and societal norms, with Socrates playing a pivotal role in guiding the protagonists. The book addresses the practice of pederasty in classical Greece and includes a scene where a father considers child abandonment.