Book review: Son of Nobody by Yann Martell
Genre: Historical fiction
Release date: March 31, 2026
Goodreads rating: 4.05
My rating: 3.5
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This is a very original novel. I’m always impressed by Yann Martel’s storytelling.
Here, he tells the story of Harlow Donne, a Classics academic who discovers ancient Greek writings about Psoas of Midea (son of nobody), a commoner referenced in The Iliad. As he reconstructs his story, he juxtaposes it to his own life.
The format of the book stands out. Each page is split in two: the translation of the Greek text, and Harlow’s footnotes. I’ve never seen this approach before and I was immediately intrigued.
This book delves quite deeply into Greek mythology so some familiarity or interest in this topic is necessary, I feel, to truly get wrapped up in this story. But you’ll also love it if you enjoy innovative writing styles.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for granting me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
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