Nobody's Princess by Esther Friesner

Friesner, Esther (2007). Nobody’s Princess. New York: Random House.

Helen of Troy was the heir to the throne of Sparta before her adventures that everyone has read about. Nobody’s Princess are her adventures during her young adolescent years.

“‘But what good does it do to know your destiny?’ I argued. ‘You can’t escape it. The three Fates spin, measure, and cut the life thread of every human being. Their decisions are final. Even Zeus can’t change them’” (Friesner, pg. 209). Helen’s world is turned upside down when she learns that she, the daughter of King Tyndareus of Sparta, will become Queen of Sparta one day. But she has other dreams. She wants to learn how to run and fight with a sword and spear. Will her older twin brothers teach her how to fight? Or will she be stuck doing the “women’s work” inside the palace with her mother and twin sister?

She knows she is destined for more, but she is starting to realize she gets what she wants because she is “pretty.” She decides to take her life into her own hands. She wants to make her own decisions every day and not be controlled by a fate or destiny.

I enjoyed this book, because it told a part of the story that is never told. Esther Friesner decided to tell what happened before in the life of the famous Helen of Troy. Though many think Helen of Troy was pure myth, there are some who believe the woman actually lived long ago. It was interesting to get inside the head of a Spartan princess and learn about the various gods and goddesses that she and her family worshipped. Though much of what is discussed is mythology, some of it is based on historical places and people.