The Siege of Troy

A young teacher uses the myth of The Iliad to help her students endure the horrors of World War II, revealing timeless truths about humanity.

In The Siege of Troy, Theodor Kallifatides offers a profound retelling of the classic tale from The Iliad, set against the harrowing backdrop of World War II. A young Greek teacher finds herself in a precarious situation as bombs rain down on her village. Seeking refuge, she gathers her students in a cave, where she begins to weave the ancient story of the Trojan War to help them cope with the chaos surrounding them. This act of storytelling becomes a lifeline, connecting the past's mythic struggles with the present's brutal realities.

As the teacher recounts the tale of the Greeks besieging Troy, the students are transported to a time of valor and tragedy. They learn of the fierce battles, the thirst and suffering of the warriors, and the pivotal moments that led to the conflict ignited by the love of Helen and Paris. Kallifatides skillfully draws parallels between the ancient war and the modern-day horrors they face, highlighting the universal themes of love, loss, and the senselessness of violence. Helen, caught between two worlds, embodies the anguish of war and the inevitability of sacrifice.

Through The Siege of Troy, readers are invited to reflect on the enduring power of myth and its relevance in times of strife. Kallifatides delves deep into the human psyche, offering insights into the motivations and fears of the characters, while stripping away the divine influences that often overshadow their stories. The result is a poignant exploration of what it means to be human in the face of conflict, reminding us that the echoes of history resonate within our own lives.