Lavinia

Brief Overview

The novel «Lavinia» by Ursula Le Guin tells the story of Lavinia, the daughter of the Latin king Latinus and his wife Amata, who is only briefly mentioned in Virgil's «Aeneid». In the book, Lavinia becomes the central character, and her story unfolds against the backdrop of the myths and legends of ancient Rome. Living in a world where her fate is predetermined by gods and poets, Lavinia strives to find her own voice and freedom of choice. She faces prophecies about her marriage to Aeneas, the Trojan hero, and the challenges this prediction brings. Lavinia reflects on her role in history, on love, war, and destiny, trying to understand how her life fits into the grand events described in the epic. Ursula Le Guin explores themes of fate, freedom, and female identity, creating a rich and layered world where myth and reality intertwine.