The Beacon at Alexandria is a thoroughly researched historical novel. The two principal approaches to writing historical fiction are either to choose an actual historical personage and recreate that character in its time or to create a fictional character in the particular historical period and incorporate historical figures into the narrative. Bradshaw has chosen the second approach, which gives her greater flexibility and range. By creating an original protagonist who is a woman, Bradshaw is able to incorporate a feminist perspective in a historical scene. Particularly interesting is the friendship that develops between Charis and the dying Archbishop, who would have been horrified if he had known he was being treated by a woman.

Bradshaw uses a first person narration, which, although restrictive, works well in The Beacon at Alexandria because Charis is always the center of the narrative. In her role of physician...