Review
Historical Novel Society
Selene has wanted to be a physician ever since the deaths of her mother and baby brother, but this is no easy feat for a girl living in fifth-century Alexandria, Egypt, where higher education is mostly relegated to men. But Selene's drive and intelligence soon earn her the patronage of Lady Hypatia, the city's remarkable polymath scholar (fascinatingly brought to life here), and gain her entrée into the Museum, Alexandria's renowned institute for learning.
Alexandria is not only a "city of scholars" but a hotbed of clashing faiths and cultures with escalating violence in the streets and mounting tensions. It is against this prevailing atmosphere of suspicion and intolerance that Selene's medical training and her apprenticeship to an aged healer, helping to treat patients in the city's non-Christian quarters, is called into question and catapult her into a trial for her very own life.
Selene's world is so meticulously described, from the small, everyday details of her wardrobe and toilette to the authentic recreation of the city she inhabits (partially based on actual excavated ruins), and rendered with such a "you-are-there" immediacy--whether it is a grand chariot procession through the bustling streets or a bird's eye view from the top of the skyscraping Lighthouse, one of the ancient world's Seven Wonders--that readers will be captivated.
Fans of Gillian Bradshaw's classic The Beacon at Alexandria (whose heroine travels to the titled city disguised as a male so she can study medicine) may especially enjoy Selene and find a promising new historical novelist who shares the same gift for wonderfully researched, vividly evoked, good old-fashioned storytelling.
The Copperfield Review
Selene of Alexandria is a fascinating look into a troubled era, and it is clear that Justice did her research for this novel. The sights, the sounds, the people, the culture, and the political climate of the times are brought to life through exquisite attention to detail. Everything from lifestyles, food, architecture, and clothing are there for us to experience alongside the characters.
Selene of Alexandria does what historical fiction does best--weave historical fact, real-life historical figures, and attention to detail with page-turning, plot-driven fiction. Reading Selene of Alexandria is a trip back in time to fifth century Alexandria. You don't need a prior understanding of the era or even a particular interest in this time in history to enjoy this novel. Justice gives you all the tools you need to follow the story, and she expertly brings you along for the ride.
Lacuna: A Journal of Historical Fiction
There is nothing boring about any of Justice's characters. Selene struggles believably with a girl's dreams and a young woman's fears in a city torn apart by disease and political intrigue. She is admirable without being invincible; her decisions have consequences, from the dismissal of her favorite maid to embroilment in a lethal street fight between Christians and Jews. Hypatia, far from the bloodless young martyr of nineteenth century paintings, is a mature woman whose affection for Selene and passion for the fate of her city make her profoundly likable. Justice gives even the villain, the new Patriarch of Alexandria, believable motivations and a drop of the reader's sympathy.
Justice clearly did her research. Fascinating historical details shine from every page without overwhelming the central narrative...This book is outstanding, not just for a first novel, but for any novel. Once you've read it, I'm sure you'll join me in waiting impatiently to read Justice's next project!
Readers' Favorite (5-star review)
Selene of Alexandria is a compelling historical novel that vividly captures the cultural spirit of the time...Justice brings to life A.D. 412, Alexandria, and offers a stunning portrait of its religious, social, and political dynamics. The writing is fluid and enjoyable, filled with vivid descriptions and well-crafted dialogue. The novel features an impressive cast of elaborately developed characters and conflict...Selene of Alexandria is a remarkable tour de force...an unforgettable story with strong themes of love,ambition, and political intrigue -- and the characters will surely stay with readers for a long time.
Additional praise for Selene of Alexandria:
"Selene of Alexandria is pure fiction magic...I couldn't put this book down...The author has weaved a brilliant tale that brings to life this fascinating era, complete with never-to-be-forgotten characters, unrequited love, and the desire of one woman to overcome adversity... It is a story that picks up momentum with each page until it reaches a very explosive ending. Highly recommended."--Story Circle Book Reviews (reviews of books written by, for, and/or about women)
"Selene of Alexandria made me laugh and cry, hope and despair. I can't wait to see what else Faith L. Justice has in store for us.--History and Women
"Selene of Alexandria is an entertaining and enlightening novel of the classical era, and a fine read through and through."--Midwest Book Reviews
"The characters are well-drawn, the plot propels us forward, and the writing carries us easily throughout the story. Even the antagonist comes across as a fully fleshed out person. The depiction of all the historical figures we see through Selene's eyes and the level of authenticity are remarkable. I would recommend Selene of Alexandria to the lover of straight historical fiction who cherishes authenticity and wants to learn about the dusk of the classical era and the dawn of Christianity."--Historical Novel Review
"From the first pages, Selene of Alexandria captured all my attention and I knew right away that I was going to have a fantastic ride. Faith L. Justice weaved a wonderful story that only increased my curiosity for this time period and the charismatic Hypatia."--Historical Tapestry
"I am blown away and enthralled with the work of this author. For seventeen years she has 'hit the books' and studied every piece of information that is available from this time period. The rioting factions of church versus state; the romance between children who have grown up in an unstable world - each piece of their lives has been studied and recorded with beauty, brilliance, and brutal honesty. Run to the bookstore and buy this for yourself."--BookPleasures.com
From the Back Cover
"A grand epic tale told with engaging detail against a complex and compelling historical backdrop. Selene is a heroine worth celebrating."--Leanna Renee Heiber, Award-winning author of The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker
"The last 100 or so pages are so engrossing that they will definitely make one read to the finish, regardless of the lateness of the hour. Having closed the book, it's the kind of novel that lingers for quite some time in one's mind."--Waheed Rabbani, author of Doctor Margaret's Sea Chest
"There must have been an astronomical amount of research necessary to structure the narrative of this book...Justice has written a story with many important players, each of whom you come to love or hate, and with many twists and turns in the plot. She holds your interest and moves the story along rapidly. You won't be able to put the book down. A great read!"--Paul Valentine, J.D., Author and Historian
"The premise of this book is a clever and effective one. Although it purports to tell the story of the fictional character Selene, the book is really about the historical characters around Hypatia...I give this book very high marks for historical fidelity. There is no obvious agenda here...other than the desire to relate a fascinating story."--James McCarron, Ph.D.
About the Author
FAITH L. JUSTICE writes award-winning novels, short stories, and articles in Brooklyn, New York. Her work has appeared in Salon.com, Writer's Digest, The Copperfield Review, the Circles in the Hair anthology, and many more. She is Chair of the New York City chapter of the Historical Novel Society, and Associate Editor for Space and Time Magazine. She co-founded a writer's workshop many more years ago than she likes to admit. For fun, she digs in the dirt-her garden and various archaeological sites.
