The Splendor of Antiquity (Le splendor de l'antiquité)


Cheryl Anne Gardner
Lulu (2007)
ISBN 9781430314127
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (5/07)


I was amazed at how much detail Cheryl Anne Gardner was able to pack into her 52-page novella. She has a gift of immediately bringing you into her story. Being that it is a novella makes it a good thing because no words are wasted.

Joliette, the heroine in this story, has a talent for making archaeological discoveries. In this case, she finds the remains of a Babylonian god/king during an excavation near the Black Sea. He has been waiting for a thousand years to have his spirit reunited with his body. The rites to do this are written on the walls of his crypt. Much of this story is narrated by his spirit. He has fallen for her and he watches as she struggles in dealing with a real relationship.

Part of this story is about Joliette’s discovery and the archaeological mystery surrounding the king’s remains. The other part is about Joliette’s relationship with Botton, a colleague whom she loves but has problems trusting. They have a tempestuous relationship. Memories of a former love still linger in Joliette’s mind. She holds on to the pain of being abandoned by this man.

Through his skull remains, the king is able to watch the drama unfold. He sees what Joliette cannot, that Botton really loves her. Joliette has to find this out on her own. Her past issues with Botton make it difficult to truly let go and let herself love him. She has to decide to take the risk. Meanwhile, she celebrates her find and works on solving the mystery of the king’s remains.

“Le splendor de l'antiquité” is a love story not to be missed. In a few short pages, it really touched my heart and I am sure that it will touch yours as well.

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