[BigOlChiefsfan]

Re-reading "Latro in the mist" by Gene Wolfe. Wolfe released 3 novels about a Latin soldier fighting as a mercenary on the Persian side in the Wars between Persia and Greece. Latro gets a head wound that strips him of memory about noon, daily, so he learns to write down important news and reads the scroll often - to remember who he is, what he's done, what he's trying to do. They later released the first two books as Latrio in the Mist, and while it's a big book and requires some attention (Wolfe makes you figure out stuff all thru the book - even minor victories still count as victories) As a stroke victim with memory issues myself 'He's speaking to me' and I enjoy reading this every year or two. JoCo library no longer has a copy, so I buy 2nd hand copies on Amazon when they come on for less than $10. I've bought several over the years and given 'em away. Favorite books make a good gift - even if the gifted don't 'really get it'. A few hints - Latro calls the various countries, tribes, etc...by the 'translated name' that makes sense to him. So the Spartans he calls 'Rope makers'. The wound that caused his memory problems has a side effect. He can see Gods, and magical beings that the ancient Greeks and Persians and proto-Romans like Latro believe surround them. It's pretty cool to figure out who or what he sees that no one else can see. Sidebar - if Latro sees a god or goddess and touches them, everyone in the room can see them. This leads to an orgy or two, and convinces the people who've captured him that he ought to get some special treatment. A few of them accompany him trying to heal him - things happen along the way. It's really well written, I always read it slowly because some of these lines are the best thing, ever. As mentioned, 'Latro in the Mist' is the 2 book combo (Soldier in the Mist/Soldier of Arete) and Soldier of Sidon follows up. Wolfe passed away a few years ago, but left us some good stuff. Recommended.