The Mask of Apollo : A Virago Modern Classic

THE ANCIENT GREEK STAGE BROUGHT THRILLINGLY TO LIFE BY THE QUEEN OF HISTORICAL FICTION

The artist flows into the mask the poet offers him; only so will the god possess him. Greece, fourth century BC. The golden age of theatre may be over, but Nikeratos still lives and breathes the stage.

Finding work with a group of travelling actors, he discovers amongst their dusty props an old, discarded mask of Apollo. When a violent attack threatens the company mid-performance, the actors must go on: once the show ends, they know their lives are at stake. Seized by inspiration, Niko dons the golden mask and feels the powerful words of Apollo coursing through him - spurring the defenders to victory.

But Greece is racked by political struggles, and as his fame grows Niko finds himself caught in the crossfire, a pawn in a game of tyrants. And all the while, the mask gains power - becoming his conscience, keeper of his secrets and, ultimately, the maker of his gravest choice.