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By the Horn of the South
Based on a true story, this historical adventure is set on a Greek merchant vessel, The Delphis, as it sails down the coast of West Africa in search of treasure.
It is about 500 BCE. There is a volatile mix of navigators, healers and soothsayers on board. The seas are huge and the hunt for gold, relentless. The skies are overcast and navigation by the night sky impossible. They get lost in lakes and lagoons, fall ill with mysterious fevers and some die. They ride out a tidal wave and hunt for gorillas.
When they return home they must answer for their actions to one of the most dangerous men of the known world. He hauls them up before an enquiry. Was any treasure found? Who was responsible for the failure of the voyage? Most importantly of all, why is their leader not amongst them? The man seems to have completely disappeared.
This multi-voiced, historical adventure is fast paced and gripping. It explores what was it like to travel the world when it was thought to end at the Straits of Gibraltar and Helios, the sun, disappeared sizzling into the sea each night only to rise, fresh faced again, every morning.
This discussion guide was shared and sponsored in partnership with DartFrog Books.
Book club questions for By the Horn of the South
Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.
While this story is fiction, such a journey to West Africa really might have taken place. What’s your judgement? Could it really have happened?
How many of the constellations can you recognise: in the northern hemisphere or in the southern?
Is there one particular star you would choose to rely on to get you home if you were in a tight spot?
Pythagoras is credited with first saying that the Earth is round. What evidence might he have used to back up his claim? Or do you think it was just philosophical speculation?
Polaris is the the north star now, not Kocab. What does this tell us about the earth’s movements since circa 550 BCE?
Nyptan’s love of Lady Gula is real and touching. Are there gods today which are as comforting?
Is there any equivalent for the amulet in today’s society. If so, what differences and similarities might there be between them?
To what extent do we now place our faith in science to solve our problems? Would it be better if we trusted to the gods more?
By the Horn of the South Book Club Questions PDF
Click here for a printable PDF of the By the Horn of the South discussion questions