Soon, Helen’s martial skills outmatch those of her twin brothers Castor and Pollux. A trained warrior with a talent for being outspoken and strategic, Helen rebels against injustice and the oppression of her own freedom no matter where she is. Friesner’s idea of Helen’s character is exquisite. Her theory about how Helen would be raised in Sparta is historically accurate, considering that Spartan women were active in sports and physical training like men. Helen becomes a strong woman capable of clear thought and saving herself from trouble with rational planning instead of a weak female needing rescuing or running after men herself. This in itself is an intelligent twist on Greek mythology and the history of Ancient Greece.
Also, Friesner shows what it would be like for a beautiful woman like Helen to survive in a man’s world, where women were disrespected daily and practically disregarded as human beings. Helen’s attitude toward her position as future queen of Sparta, her temperament, and her unquenchable thirst for real life experiences command the many turns of the storyline. She gets to meet Atalanta, another famous female figure of Greek mythology who freed herself from the control of men by living her own life separately and not caring what people thought of her marital status.
To be continued...
Nobody's Princess is available in local libraries and bookstores in Fresno, and online.
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