Achates

Virgil's Aeneid is the great masterpiece of Latin literature. Written at the beginning of the Roman Empire, it tells the exciting story of how a Trojan named Aeneas flees his burning city and goes on a quest to find a new homeland with a small fleet of refugees. The hero Aeneas encounters many monsters and opponents, undergoes many trials and temptations, survives shipwrecks and the whims of the gods. Throughout it all he is accompanied by his loyal sidekick, "faithful Achates"... My idea was this: "What if Achates was not just another Trojan, but a DOG!" "I absolutely love it. Fidus Achates becomes Achates the fido, what a brilliant coup de théâtre!" Professor Llewelyn Morgan, Brasenose College, Oxford "Caroline Lawrence has once again conjured magical reality from the sparest of Virgilian hints." Professor P.A. Cartledge, Clare College, Cambridge "It was fast paced, exciting, surprising, poetic and huge fun - what a brilliant way to get to the heart of the Aeneid." Katrina Kelly, The Classical Podcast host "There are so many utterly charming moments in this story, as well as clever riffs on the original now that there's a canine protagonist..." Laura Jenkinson-Brown, creator of Greek Myths Comix and author of 'You Are Odysseus' "Lawrence's writing is beautiful and accessible, making classical myth feel both intimate and new. A must-read for lovers of mythology, animals, and inventive storytelling." Lottie Luke of @myclassicsportal