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libraryofalibrarian's review
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
betsyyreads's review against another edition
3.0
3⭐️- I received this book courtesy of Netgalley, publisher Brigids Gate Press and author Ariana Ferrante. This was a Greek myth retelling of how women are pitted against each other.
ladyramakin's review against another edition
4.0
Prior to this novella I had never heard of Limos, now I hunger for more.
Holding true to the sapphic longing prose found in Sappho's work this novella describes what happens when prosperity and starvation meet and find one another hungry for the other. While short this novella is like poetry in how lovely and impactful it's prose is, and it describes the desires of women who should not be able to want stunningly. My largest complaint with it is how short it is as it left me wanting more of the story between the two women, desiring more of a chance to see their love and wrath play out.
If you like sapphic/queer, mythology retelling with a touch of horror then this is for you. I am excited to see what else this author writes and read more of their work after this short foray into their work and the world they created for Limos.
I received and ARC of this book at no cost/for free, I am leaving this review voluntarily and all thoughts and opinions are wholly my own and unbiased.
Holding true to the sapphic longing prose found in Sappho's work this novella describes what happens when prosperity and starvation meet and find one another hungry for the other. While short this novella is like poetry in how lovely and impactful it's prose is, and it describes the desires of women who should not be able to want stunningly. My largest complaint with it is how short it is as it left me wanting more of the story between the two women, desiring more of a chance to see their love and wrath play out.
If you like sapphic/queer, mythology retelling with a touch of horror then this is for you. I am excited to see what else this author writes and read more of their work after this short foray into their work and the world they created for Limos.
I received and ARC of this book at no cost/for free, I am leaving this review voluntarily and all thoughts and opinions are wholly my own and unbiased.
jmmcarter's review against another edition
4.0
An eARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. This title will be published on November 7, 2023.
The only complaint I have about this book is that it isn't long enough! I devoured it in no time and was left hungry for more, which is very fitting for the story.
It is a great introduction to a Greek goddess I had not heard of before and I wish it gave more insights.
The story is beautifully written with descriptions that paint a very clear picture. The juxtaposition of beauty and macabre works so well alongside the story itself too.
As the novella is short, the pacing is fast, a bit too fast. I wanted to enjoy the story for a bit longer and felt it could have included a few more details - but this is because I enjoyed it so much.
A great quick read!
The only complaint I have about this book is that it isn't long enough! I devoured it in no time and was left hungry for more, which is very fitting for the story.
It is a great introduction to a Greek goddess I had not heard of before and I wish it gave more insights.
The story is beautifully written with descriptions that paint a very clear picture. The juxtaposition of beauty and macabre works so well alongside the story itself too.
As the novella is short, the pacing is fast, a bit too fast. I wanted to enjoy the story for a bit longer and felt it could have included a few more details - but this is because I enjoyed it so much.
A great quick read!
bunnibeereads's review against another edition
5.0
This short story was beautiful and the only complaint I have is that it wasn't long enough! It was so beautifully written while also being so easy to read!
alittlemixofvix's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
3.5
This was a beautiful retelling of Ovid's Metamorphoses which added more emotion and depth to the characters.
The writing paints a lovely picture, highlighting both the beauty and bleak sides of things. I enjoyed the added relationship - it was a great way to look at things.
It was very short - I knew this going in, but given there was a lot going on, I felt it needed to be longer to fully explore certain aspects.
Overall, a great re-imagining of a Greek myth with extra embellishments.
*I received a complementary copy of the e-book from Zooloo's Book Tours and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The writing paints a lovely picture, highlighting both the beauty and bleak sides of things. I enjoyed the added relationship - it was a great way to look at things.
It was very short - I knew this going in, but given there was a lot going on, I felt it needed to be longer to fully explore certain aspects.
Overall, a great re-imagining of a Greek myth with extra embellishments.
*I received a complementary copy of the e-book from Zooloo's Book Tours and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
whatyoutolkienabout's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
5.0
While Food For Thought is a short novella it is incredibly beautiful and poignant. I have no doubt it will stay with all who read it long after they finish. I know it has with me. Ferrante’s writing is full of emotion and yearning. I adored seeing how Limos and Demeter’s relationship grew and transformed. It was so refreshing to have a mythology themed novel that deals with Demeter being about her and her darker counterpart, Limos, rather than just her daughter. Now do not get me wrong I love retellings of Kore/Persephone but often times Demeter is shown to be calculating, overbearing and often the ‘villain’. Here she is rather a mother who cares and worries for her child and finds solace in the one person the fates have warned her against. Add to this Limos who was so beautifully brought to life, even in her malnourished immortal state and it was hard to not fall in love instantly with her as a character.
It is hard to comment on the novella’s tale further without spoilers but I will say that the writing is enchanting. It is both dark and beautiful at the same time. Some of the imagery is truly horrific but Ferrante’s skill means you can see the beauty in it and ultimately in Limos too. If you are looking for a short but beautifully dark read with a undertone of sapphic romance this is it. But do be sure to check the trigger warnings.
It is hard to comment on the novella’s tale further without spoilers but I will say that the writing is enchanting. It is both dark and beautiful at the same time. Some of the imagery is truly horrific but Ferrante’s skill means you can see the beauty in it and ultimately in Limos too. If you are looking for a short but beautifully dark read with a undertone of sapphic romance this is it. But do be sure to check the trigger warnings.
eggcatsreads's review against another edition
4.0
A huge thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Brigids Gate Press for providing this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a fun novella focusing on Limos - the Greek goddess of starvation, and her thoughts and relationship with Demeter - the Greek goddess of the harvest. The two are destined to never meet, as told by the Fates, but Limos has always been intrigued by her “opposite half.”
When Kore/Persephone is captured and kept in the underworld by Hades, Demeter decides to ignore the Fates’ prophecies and meets Limos directly, during her grief. Limos during this time almost becomes Demeter’s protector, as only she can understand the hunger Demeter has for her daughter to return and her refusal to allow anything to grow until she is returned to her.
I liked Limos’ personality, and how she almost stands up for Demeter and Kore/Persephone, refusing to back down on Demeter’s negotiations or caring what other gods or goddesses she annoyed. I also liked how hunger and devastation are almost shown to be things that need to exist in some capacity, and Limos’ refusal to see any condemnation for what someone does when they are starving.
This was a very quick read, and an interesting perspective on the “lives” of the gods and goddesses - and their experiences. I also really thought it was interesting to see the creation of the seasons happening through Demeter’s grief from someone not involved in the situation, allowing for other perspectives.
This is a fun novella focusing on Limos - the Greek goddess of starvation, and her thoughts and relationship with Demeter - the Greek goddess of the harvest. The two are destined to never meet, as told by the Fates, but Limos has always been intrigued by her “opposite half.”
When Kore/Persephone is captured and kept in the underworld by Hades, Demeter decides to ignore the Fates’ prophecies and meets Limos directly, during her grief. Limos during this time almost becomes Demeter’s protector, as only she can understand the hunger Demeter has for her daughter to return and her refusal to allow anything to grow until she is returned to her.
I liked Limos’ personality, and how she almost stands up for Demeter and Kore/Persephone, refusing to back down on Demeter’s negotiations or caring what other gods or goddesses she annoyed. I also liked how hunger and devastation are almost shown to be things that need to exist in some capacity, and Limos’ refusal to see any condemnation for what someone does when they are starving.
This was a very quick read, and an interesting perspective on the “lives” of the gods and goddesses - and their experiences. I also really thought it was interesting to see the creation of the seasons happening through Demeter’s grief from someone not involved in the situation, allowing for other perspectives.
kaitlinswaw's review against another edition
3.0
Thank you Netgally and the author for sending me this ARC! I really enjoyed this story. It was nice and light in terms of pages so it was very easy to get through. That being said, I wish this book had more horror tied into it. It could be really interesting to have a classic tale turned horror/gore. That part of the book is what I gravitated towards most and wanted more of, everything else was pretty simple and straightforward.