http://www.bostonbibliophile.com/2009... ( )

http://tamaranth.blogspot.com/2009/10... ( )

As the daughter of a King, and an only child, it is Lavinia's duty to marry. Although presented with many suitors, there seems to be only one choice; Turnus, a neighbouring King who is both youthful and handsome. However an oracle foretells a different choice of husband for Lavinia; a choice that leads to war.

When Lavinia is eighteen she travels to Albunea, a sacred place, to seek guidance. There she meets a man who will change her life. He offers her guidance, prophecy and hope. He is a man responsible for giving her life, a name, but no voice. He is a shadow, once a poet, but now a dying man, who has yet to be born.

Lavinia is but a background character, a bit part in a greater story of the exploits of men and gods. She existed only as a daughter, wife and mother of great men, of Kings. But now she speaks, giving herself a voice, a life filled with myth, history, war and love.

This is a book you will either love or hate. The only thing missing from Lavinia is Chapters, but how do you divide a life, section memories? Lavinia is unique, beautifully written and highly creative. A story that stays with you long after the last word is read. ( )

It was slow getting into it, but I really enjoyed it once I got there. Great writing. ( )

Set in the empty spaces between lines in Virgil's Aeneid, the story follows the life of Lavinia herself - daughter of a king, before the founding of Rome and wife of the hero Aeneas.

The narrative is understated, and oddly meditative, given the war in the middle. I liked the forays into the nature of storytelling, stories, and reality. Lavinia is that unusual combination of admirable and honestly flawed heroine. For a self-titled story, the focus is often elsewhere, with Lavinia's eyes as the lens not necessarily the subject. ( )