Born into a stern farming family on the island of Keos Simonides escapes his harsh childhood through a lucky apprenticeship with a renowned Ionian singer. Travelling through fifth century BC Greece Simonides learn not only how to play the kithara & compose poetry but also how to navigate the political intrigue surrounding his rich patrons. He is witness to the Persian invasion of Ionia to the decadent reign of the Samian pirate king Polykrates & to the flourish & fall of the Pisistratids in the Athenian court. Along the way he encounters artists statesmen athletes thinkers & lovers including the likes of Pythagoras & Aischylos. Using the singers unique perspective Renault combines her vibrant imagination & her formidable grasp of history to establish a sweeping resilient vision of a golden century.