I like the 'quadrants of war stories' model, and yeah, it's very understandable that books in the 'brutal AND glorious' quadrant would be particularly difficult.

Er, yeah, I agree with the other comments about Oedipal complexes and Return to Night...! Nice to know Renault keeps on writing exactly what she likes, no matter the setting, I suppose.

I scream this to the heavens as if it is going to in any way hinder me from reading more Renault books. It definitely will not. I will continue reading them and then shrieking like an incoherent dolphin.

Extremely relatable sentiment, specifically and in general when it comes to Renault. :D

I'm glad the Alexander/Hephaistion relationship is positive and adorable, though! I didn't think any of Renault's main couples were that. Although perhaps not as 'main', if it doesn't have much time on the page compared to all the war and conquest.