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Sat 11 Nov 2009An epic tale from a king of storytellers
FICTION: Ransom, by David Malouf, Chatto, 224pp, £14
A GREAT PRINCE of Troy is slain by a powerful Greek warrior, one whose reputation for courage is matched only by his less attractive temper and habitual savagery. This most recent killing was intended to avenge that of a friend who was slaughtered while wearing the warrior’s famous helmet. But the avenger is not satisfied. The body of the dead prince, tied to a chariot, is dragged over the stony ground. This act of violation is repeated day after day before the eyes of the prince’s grieving parents. The father is a great king, now ancient, but still a king. He wants the body of his son to be returned for burial.
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