Reader recommendation: Sparta

Monitor readers share their favorite book picks.

July 26, 2013

Sparta, Roxana Robinson’s latest novel, beautifully weaves the tragic irony of modern warfare fought in the “cradle of civilization”: Iraq.  The young hero was called to the warrior life by his study of ancient Sparta. The author’s compassion and meticulous research render this returned veteran's experience – as well as the premises of war itself – searchingly.