The Last of the Wine

My very first Mary Renault's book. An abandoned book on a shelf covered in dust. Could not drop it until the end. A really before-and-after experience in my life. Enjoy.

My all-time favorite. For half a century academic types have praised this one for its historical accuracy, the gays for its exquisite depiction of male love, but let me in this occasion praise Mary Renault for a wonderful heart, because I'm certain it takes knowing overwhelming compassion to write overwhelming compassion.

a book about an ancient love that will live forever to the minds of those who have read it

Great historical fiction.

My all time favorite novel along with Siddhartha. Renault wrote like a inspired poet and researched like a great scholar. Beautiful and enobling.

It's a pretty decent book, don't be strayed from it because of homophobic feelings the friendship expressed in this novel is exquisite. Unfortunately, for me, this book was centered around the Peloponnesian War and there are probably no more than two pages total with any fighting in them. Other than that it's a decent read. Pretty good book though there are some places where it gets a little dry....more

It's a pretty decent book, don't be strayed from it because of homophobic feelings the friendship expressed in this novel is exquisite. Unfortunately, for me, this book was centered around the Peloponnesian War and there are probably no more than two pages total with any fighting in them. Other than that it's a decent read. Pretty good book though there are some places where it gets a little dry. Other than that it's a good read. I'd recommend it.   hide

Great book for historical fiction readers. This book and "The Persian Boy" are my favorites by Renault.

How often do u come across literature based on Greek history, that doesnt put u to sleep? a slightly romantic one, of cos. Besides the engaging storyline, the language was so elegant yet grammatically efficient - no bombastic words

I read this book in high school when we were studying World History and ten years later it's still one of my favorite books of all time. It's very historical and beautifully written. Brilliant.