This book was very well written, well edited, and with the exception of trying to pronounce the names a joy to read - except, I just didn't like it much. It seems to me even novels should have a point and I just never found it in this one. I kept looking for "the golden mean," but never found it. About three quarters through the book I thought both Alexander and I found it, but it soon seemed to slip away from both of us. My favorite character in the book was Herpyllis, Pythias's maid and Aristotle's companion after Pythias's death. She was the only one in the whole story that seemed normal, stable, uninfluenced by the royals and the court. Aristotle gave voice to the novel, which allowed me to know at least one character in some depth. The rest seemed a bit two dimensional with the rare exception. The book felt more like a story written for teen-age boys. I am sure that the ancient folks had vulgar words of their own, but I just could not make the transition of our vulgar words to their time, especially when the rest of the setting, culture, etc. seemed so well researched. It was a jolt when the modern vulgarity entered the text, not because I haven't heard or even used the words, but because they just seemed the wrong vulgar words for the time. This historical novel about Aristotle and Alexander is told from the master teacher's point of view. The voice is intriguing, arresting, and penetrates to the deep meaning of the book's title. An unblinking view of the harsh realities of life in an era we tend to romanticize, The Golden Mean is absorbing, taking the reader on a journey she doesn't always relish, but with a rewarding destination.Lately I've been reading books by women, making active choices to by-pass male authors.
What do You think about Le Juste Milieu (2009)?
There was not enough Aristotle. I was a story but it didn't really catch my interest.
—ilovesmug12
Very interesting examination of Alexander's and Aristotle's personalities.
—Shaniarose
Not really what I was expecting - a bit slow and drawn out for my taste.
—damomma
