This  historical novel, set in 5th century BCE Delphi, tells the story of Eleutheria, a gifted and intelligent girl who resists the restrictions of women’s lives in ancient Greece. The “perilous seat” of the title is the tripod on which Apollo’s priestess, the Pythia, delivers her oracles. 

Theria envies her twin brother his schooling, and studies on her own, but her gift for poetry can find no accepted outlet.  She follows intently the unfolding political situation as the Persians prepare to invade Greece, but can take no part in public life.  Eventually – at a moment of crisis – Theria offers to become the Pythia, and takes the perilous seat.  

Snedeker confronts a familiar challenge: how to create a girl character who will appeal to modern readers in light of the limitations on girls and women in the historical period in which her novel is set.  She does so in two ways: she clearly depicts those limitations and Theria’s experience of them, and she finds ways – historically improbable, but convincing within the story world – for Theria to evade the most crushing limitations and make a new life for herself.

The book is not currently in print, but may be found through second-hand booksellers and in some libraries.   Other novels of Snedeker’s have been reprinted, and this may follow. It will appeal to readers who are open to older fiction.  I loved it when I encountered it at the age of twelve. - Deborah Roberts