The Double Tongue: Introduced by Bettany Hughes

Here is a summary of the book:
The Oracle of Delphi in ancient Greece is the subject of this novel, which was written by the Nobel Laureate and author of Lord of the Flies. It tells the story of young Arieka, an outcast who is chosen to be a Pythia and must navigate political conspiracy and the threat of the Romans to preserve her belief and sanity. The novel is praised for its compelling storytelling and clear-eyed philosophy of the dangerous puzzles of being human.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 06 January 2022
Publisher: Faber & Faber

In this captivating tale of the ancient world, introduced by Bettany Hughes, meet the Oracle of Delphi in Greece. The story unfolds as a young girl named Arieka, an outcast and misfit, is thrust into a role as the Pythia, a mouthpiece for the god Apollo, an oracle who utters cryptic prophecies to frenzied crowds. However, as she navigates the treacherous waters of political conspiracy and the threat of the Romans, Arieka must hold onto her belief and sanity.

Golding's writing is a remarkable work, showcasing his ability as a compelling storyteller and a clear-eyed philosopher of the complex puzzles of being human. The Times praises the book as a "marvellously apt surprise," while the Sunday Times describes it as "Will excite, tantalize, and enthral Golding devotees." The Sunday Telegraph praises the book as "Most brilliantly and hair-raisingly evoked."

Arieka, the central character, is a wonderful portrayal of a young woman navigating the challenges of her role and the world around her. The story unfolds as clean and dry and clear as the beach in Lord of the Flies, with a sense of foreboding and danger lurking beneath the surface. Golding's writing is masterful, drawing the reader into Arieka's world and leaving them with a lasting impression.

Overall, this is a must-read for fans of Golding's work and anyone interested in the ancient world and the complexities of human nature. Golding's writing is a testament to his talent as a storyteller and his ability to explore the darkest corners of the human psyche.

Weight: 188g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780571371686
Edition number: Main