Aphrodite: Moeurs antiques

In the bustling streets of ancient Alexandria, a confident courtesan makes her way through the city’s glittering salons and lively markets. Unbound by saints or gods, she pursues ambition with the same fire that drove the heroes of myth. The narrative follows her daily negotiations, friendships, and the subtle power she wields in a world where love is both sacred and transactional. From the first encounter, her wit and pride set the tone for a story that challenges conventional morality.

Interwoven with the protagonist’s life are vivid retellings of classic Greek tales, from Hercules’ choices to Odysseus’ riddles, each serving as a mirror for the courtesan’s own decisions. The author uses these myths to explore the ancient Greeks’ unflinching view of desire as a virtue rather than a vice, contrasting it with later moral codes. Rich historical detail brings Alexandria’s libraries, temples, and taverns to life, while philosophical dialogues invite listeners to reconsider what freedom and honor mean in any age.