Dragonflies.

Stephen Greenhalgh is Prospect Research Analyst, Advancement Services,
University of Alberta.

Dragonflies is the latest book from author Grant Buday, whose other works have included the Golden Goa and Rootbound.

Dragonflies is a retelling of the last days of the Trojan War from the perspective of legendary Greek hero Odysseus. In the first chapter, Odysseus recounts the past ten years of the war as the Greeks went from acts of courage and bravery to those of apathy and utter despair. Indeed, we are told that the Greek soldiers have become scavengers who roam about and pillage the nearby countryside just to survive. What’s more, we learn that King Agamemnon is as reviled by his fellow Greeks for his bravado and incompetency as he is by the Trojans for bringing the war to the gates of their city. Worse still for Odysseus, he is tasked by Agamemnon with coming up with the means to end the decade-long war. His plan is the now infamous Trojan horse.

Dragonflies is narrated by Odysseus, whose witty and somewhat sarcastic, even cynical, tone after having enduring a ten-year stalemate will appeal to most readers. In a few instances, the dialogue borders on contemporary, although that is easily overlooked and only serves to the make the reader sympathize with the tired and dejected Greeks. Additionally, while the final outcome of the Trojan War will be known to many, Buday skillfully maintains the reader’s attention, as well as the tale’s level of suspense, as the Greeks lay out their ingenious plan and wait for the Trojans to take the bait.

Dragonflies is an enjoyable and well-written read for all.