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lucysiri's review
5.0
a late review but a review nonetheless in the name of my new endeavour to Remember What I Read.
i love history, mythology and gender study and so basically this book was perfect for me.
when i hear “essay collection” i get scared, but it’s clear morales carefully picked exactly what plays and myths she wanted to touch on, and each chapter was absolutely outstanding and equally insightful.
the writing is funny at times, as well as touching and inspiring.
morales links modern phenomena to antiquity in a way that empowers us to make change. it was both fascinating and appalling to see how the structures that undermine my freedom and control me are underpinned by ancient cultural perspectives. but she doesn’t just go, “look! it’s always been this way.” she speaks of the roman goddess diana who punishes men in mythology, and of the female revenge taken in the bacchae - a play that warns against men trying to control women.
despite being a highly qualified academic in her field, morales isn’t stiffy or defensive about how we should read mythology. she doesn’t shy away from queer, feminist, or optimistic readings. she mentions artsits like beyoncé’s reimaginings of greek myth and of how activists like diana the killer of bus drivers have used mythology to subvert modern brutality - both sections that I found very insightful.
i would have liked this book to be a lot over, but i’m already excited to get my hands on some greek plays and mythology this year.
“Will you join me in taking up the body?”
- Sophocles, Antigone
when i hear “essay collection” i get scared, but it’s clear morales carefully picked exactly what plays and myths she wanted to touch on, and each chapter was absolutely outstanding and equally insightful.
the writing is funny at times, as well as touching and inspiring.
morales links modern phenomena to antiquity in a way that empowers us to make change. it was both fascinating and appalling to see how the structures that undermine my freedom and control me are underpinned by ancient cultural perspectives. but she doesn’t just go, “look! it’s always been this way.” she speaks of the roman goddess diana who punishes men in mythology, and of the female revenge taken in the bacchae - a play that warns against men trying to control women.
despite being a highly qualified academic in her field, morales isn’t stiffy or defensive about how we should read mythology. she doesn’t shy away from queer, feminist, or optimistic readings. she mentions artsits like beyoncé’s reimaginings of greek myth and of how activists like diana the killer of bus drivers have used mythology to subvert modern brutality - both sections that I found very insightful.
i would have liked this book to be a lot over, but i’m already excited to get my hands on some greek plays and mythology this year.
“Will you join me in taking up the body?”
- Sophocles, Antigone
shona22's review
4.0
This was pop-Classics with a strong Feminist lead - and that's not to say that's a bad thing. I think it's a really important role to offer accessible entries into the discipline for undergrads, the public, and interested nerds outside of university. It wasn't as in-depth as I was expecting but Morales made some great connections across pop culture that I hadn't considered before.
abbykruth's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
biobeetle's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Sexual assault, Rape, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Transphobia, Racism, and Adult/minor relationship
Minor: Pregnancy
ginalucia's review
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Antigone Rising is an inclusive and thought-provoking read that's well worth your time.
This book is a brilliant example of inclusive feminism at its finest. If you’re looking for something that hits all the marks and leaves you fired up, this is it.
While most of the book leans towards anecdotal thoughts rather than heavy research, Morales's inclusion of personal stories, including her own and those of her daughter, adds an intimate touch to the book. It makes the whole experience feel both personal and relevant. Which I enjoyed.
Of course let’s not forget about the mythology references. I very much enjoyed the comparisons of modern-day justice to ancient myth. It gave each chapter weight and a new perspective that personally worked well for me.
For more reviews and book recommendations, check out my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/ginaluciayt