The fate of Athens and the birthright of Phano, the nearly 14-year-old narrator, become the central questions of Galloway's (Snake Dreamer) novel, which is set in 360 B.C.E. Phano's father has always told her that her mother, a citizen of Athens, died in childbirth before he married Nera, "the most famous courtesan in Corinth." But when Phano is courted by Theo, who is quickly rising to the heights of leadership in Athens, his opponents call her parentage into question. As King Philip II of Macedon threatens Greece from the north, the rich citizens of Athens become fiercely divided about how to proceed: Do they align themselves with the king or unite with Thebes against him, raising taxes to support a navy? Like the geishas of Japan, the courtesans are well educated in arts and politics, the better to serve their "clients," and this knowledge Nera passes on to Phano. The heroine's education becomes essential when Phrynion, a highly powerful Athenian to whom Nera once belonged, carries over his wish for revenge on Nera to Phano herself. The author plants some tempting red herrings, and if the plot occasionally spills into melodrama, readers may be willing to overlook these scenes for the fascinating historical tidbits—the meals, costumes and rituals. A standout is the lead-in to the festival of the Anthesterion, the ceremony at which Phano is to become Basilinna (or Queen of Athens). Ages 12-up. (Oct.)
