Alexander at the End of the World by Rachel Kousser

Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Alexander at the End of the World:

Bro did not know when to go home.

Quick synopsis:

The story of Alexander the Great’s final 7 years.

Fact for Non-History People:

Alexander was never defeated in battle.

Fact for History Nerds:

Alexander named over 70 cities after himself. Self-obsessed much? Am I right?

My Take on Alexander at the End of the World:

Confession time. I hate reading ancient history. Often, I find the authors of this time period are focused on hitting the reader with as many facts and scientific jargon as possible. Sure, I understand that archeologists need to do the best with what they have, but that doesn’t mean I have to find it interesting.

So, I had trepidation when picking up Rachel Kousser’s Alexander at the End of the World. Not only is it ancient history, but the book is looking at Alexander the Great AFTER all the super cool battles that most books focus on. Instead, Kousser looks at when Alexander made a long and belligerent march in the direction of the Pacific Ocean (not that he knew what it was or where it was for that matter). Surely, this book would put me to sleep forthwith.

Yes, dear reader, I was once again forced to admit that I am a ridiculous person. Kousser’s book is magnificent. She continually finds the most interesting and intriguing parts of the story and presents it to the reader like it’s a novel. Kousser even finds a way to mention where the historians argue about what really happened without bogging down the narrative. She has written a book which I can wholeheartedly recommend to every audience. If my cold, dead, ancient history avoiding heart can fall in love, then you can, too.

(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Mariner Books.)

Verdict:

Awesome. Buy it here!