Editorial Reviews
Odyssey of an Etruscan Noblewoman

Odyssey of an Etruscan Noblewoman

“Pacing is brisk in this insightful narrative weighty with historical detail... It’s an impressive arc that works on multiple levels…that allows for comparison of Etruscan ways with those of other cultures, including Rome and Egypt… a survival tale of lost heritage, homelessness and empowerment.”

“The desire to be independent and live one's own life fueled some women when such an idea was a taboo. Odyssey of an Etruscan Noblewoman is a historical novel following ambitious Larthia as she follows her path through the ancient world to go against the fate of a woman at the time, becoming a scribe and traveling the known world, facing endless adversity and the drive for life. Odyssey of an Etruscan Noblewoman is a riveting novel of the ancient world. Recommended.”

“Odyssey of an Etruscan Noblewoman is a wonderful narrative with realistic characters, filled with excitement and surprises to satisfy any reader. It is indeed a well-written book.”

Odyssey is a book that draws the reader in immediately and takes them deeper and deeper into life of early Italy, the people, and their rituals. Through Burgundy's creation of Larthia, we are treated to a unique experience of a noblewoman's trials and triumphs despite much adversity. This book would go well with a feast fit for a king (or princess!), goblets of wine, and an occasional cold wind blowing.”

“ …has been selected by the Sons of Italy for its National Book Club. Members in an estimated 700 chapters around the country choose one or more books each quarter and discuss it during their monthly meetings.” Read full letter [pdf: 116 kb]

“With a confident tone and sense of historical context, Burgundy takes us back to the sixth century BCE into an era populated with Greeks, Etruscans, Egyptians and Romans. Larthia, the protagonist, is unwillingly taken on a breathtaking journey from her opening role as childless wife passing as a male scribe, through to her initiation as a priestess in the cult of Isis, and finally makes her way back home. She arrives home (having been driven and sustained by her desire for a return to normalcy) only to find her family has moved on, and she finds out that she is strong enough to push through and continue to evolve as a strong, dominant woman.
Through prose reminiscent of Mary Renault, the author has crafted Larthia as likable and sympathetic, Her time as a scribe serves her well, as she remembers scraps of poetry (written y Sappho) which remind her of home and is able to use her writings and organizational skills to maneuver her way into positions of authority (as much as she is able in a patriarchal society). She remains a strong female role model, retaining her sense of self, compassion, and worth even as she suffers at the hands of some brutal characters.

Without lecturing, Burgundy successfully explores Etruscan culture and history and parses fine detail and the differences between Larthia's background and the societies where she finds herself. Etruria in particular proves more open to the equal status of women than the other cultures she encounters, especially for those who would soon lead on the world stage. Well-written and fun to read, suitable for any public library and some high schools.”

“The author weaves a fascinating tale, with sharp characters, all the while educating the reader on the Etruscan civilization. The descriptions of the countryside, villages, cities, sea vessels and physical contact (whether love or hate) are breathtaking. The main character (her inner thoughts are in italics) was clear and engaging. The author achieves excellence with the ending—the last paragraph is stunning! What a marvelous movie it would make...”