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audreytrml's review against another edition
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Pregnancy, Misogyny, Death, Infidelity, Incest, Gaslighting, War, Sexual violence, Violence, and Rape
natashaleighton_'s review
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Another masterfully written, feminist retelling from Jennifer Saint that I felt beautifully captured the frustration, rage and emotional complexity of one of the most misunderstood Goddesses in Greek mythology.
Like Madeline Miller before her (with the incredible novel Circe), Saint gives a compelling voice to the famously maligned Hera (whose portrayal as the jealous wife of Zeus has been practically set in stone for centuries), laying bare every triumph and heartbreaking tribulation, that not only got under my skin but completely changed my perspective of her. Even in her most vengeful and petty moments I couldn’t really hate her.
I loved exploring such a poignantly vulnerable side to Hera that we don’t often get to see, and felt her story was an in depth and allegorical exploration into the patriarchal distribution of power and the slow simmering rage of women forced to watch their power (and bodily autonomy) diminish before their eyes.
Given the global targeting women’s bodily autonomy and rights, as well as the rise in misogyny and violence towards women— Hera’s experiences are the incredibly relevant.
And, alongside our supporting cast of (female) characters (both mortal and immortal) who’s backstories were just as impactful; we glimpse the most in-depth and humanised portrayal of the Gods that I’ve ever encountered. I was thoroughly engaged in their antics (and furious on behalf of Hera, the other Goddesses and all the women affected by the whims of the Gods.)
It’s painstakingly detailed and well researched without diverting too much from the original stories, which was surprisingly refreshing. And if you’re a stickler for accuracy in Greek myth retellings you should definitely consider checking this out.
I can’t really say anything else without spoiling the plot but overall, this was a powerfully poignant and feminist retelling that historical fiction lovers will want to add to their TBRs ASAP! Though I do recommend checking the TWs.
Also, a huge thank you to Headline/ Wildfire for the gorgeously shiny proof.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, and Incest
Moderate: Violence, Sexual harassment, Misogyny, and Infidelity
Minor: Sexual violence, Sexism, Ableism, and Slavery
charlottereadshistory's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved this raw retelling of Hera’s story. Queen of the gods, vengeful stepmother and spiteful wife - but also so much more. This is very much an ‘origin story’ as we learn more about Hera’s ‘childhood’ as much as any god has one, but also those defining moments in her life that seek to explain (rather than condone) her behaviour.
In Greek mythology Hera is often vilified due to her jealousy and vindictiveness towards Zeus’s mistresses/victims and their children, who bear the brunt of her anger rather than Zeus himself.
Hera’s tale seems to be a reaction to injustice after injustice piled upon her – as the daughter of Cronus and Zeus’s sister she is a hugely powerful goddess, but when the Olympian gods defeat the Titans and set up their home on Olympus, Zeus claims primacy and Hera is passed over when the other gods and goddesses are given their thrones and their realms of influence.
Note before we continue: This book and therefore the review contains trigger warnings of rape & sexism/misogyny.
On top of Hera’s ill treatment as a member of Olympus, Zeus forces Hera to become his wife and rapes her. Her inner pain at being betrayed and violated in this way is then compounded with the humiliation of being made goddess of marriage by Zeus whilst he constantly undermines her by forsaking his vows and creating a myriad of offspring (usually by force).
I thought this story was a thoughtful retelling of Hera’s life, as well as being a scathing look at the patriarchy and the different ways that anger and grief can show themselves. I must also mention the hot of side characters which could have gotten confusing, but Saint’s careful character and world building meant even myself as someone fairly new to Greek mythology was fine, and learnt so much context that will bring new insights to new stories I read in the future.
Thank you to Headline for gifting me an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Violence, and Rape
aftereliza's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Violence, and War
Minor: Sexual violence, Slavery, and Violence
emmsbookshelf's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Hera is the novelisation of the experiences of the Greek Goddess of the same name. As Queen of the Gods, popular culture has often minimised her to a nagging wife or even a villainous character that antagonises and poses a threat to the great heroes whose stories we have been told, from Hercules, to Percy Jackson. Jennifer Saint masterfully gives us access to the inside of Hera’s head and makes us privy to her motivations, strengths and fears in this novel.
Firstly, the pacing of the novel was fantastic, we travel millenniums with Hera and at no point did I feel the plot lagged or that nothing happened. Instead, I was able to really get a sense of the passage of time and how fleeting the lives, loves and wars of humanity were from the perspective of the gods. The characterisation of the Olympians was fleshed out, they truly embodied what they were the patron deity of, without being relegated to hollow stereotypes, especially Hera. Her motivations and actions are presented in a manner that makes them seem logical (even if they are less than palatable) without erasing her agency or engaging in revisionsm. Yes, Hera still does horrendous things to Zeus’ victims and his children, but when told from her perspective, her actions make sense. Hera is given agency that many other modern adaptations have stripped her of, we see her first and foremost as a warrior, before she is a wife or a mother and a very strong warrior at that.
The subtle references to the subjects of Jennifer Saints other books, both characters and events were a welcome addition to the story and helped anchor it into the chronology of Greek Mythology, showing that, no matter what is occurring, Hera is there to bear witness (even if she is completely uninterested). This is the perfect read for anybody interested in Greek Mythology, retellings and books with a strong female voice.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Australia & New Zealand for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review, these thoughts are all my own.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Alcohol, Slavery, Sexual harassment, Rape, Pregnancy, Incest, Grief, Death, War, Violence, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, and Death of parent
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