Mary Renault

Mary Renault was a British writer best known for her historical novels set in ancient Greece. She was born on September 4, 1905, and her work often explores themes of heroism, sexuality, and human relationships. Her notable works include 'The King Must Die' and 'The Persian Boy'. Renault's writing is praised for its vivid portrayal of the ancient world and its complex characters.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The King Must Die

    This novel is a historical fiction that reimagines the myth of Theseus, a young man who believes he is the son of Poseidon. He grows up in the palace of his mother's husband, King Pittheus of Troizen, but later ventures out to discover his true father. His journey leads him to Athens, where he overthrows the cruel King Minos, and to Crete, where he becomes a bull-leaper and eventually kills the monstrous Minotaur. The book explores themes of destiny, heroism, and the struggle between old and new religious practices.