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elementarymydear's review
4.0
Having read an enjoyed Queer Villains of Myth and Legend earlier this year, I was excited to read Jones’ earlier book about the corresponding heroes.
We’re taken on a whistle-stop tour from antiquity through to Buffy, featuring mythological figures from different cultures around the world, and looking at how their queerness has been depicted and received over the years. There are some that most of us have heard of, some you probably haven’t, and overall a really great and varied selection.
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The tone is very light-hearted and sometime tongue-in-cheek, making it very accessible and the ideal book to dip in and out of. There are also a few illustrations which really enhance the book as a whole.
My biggest criticism is that there was no mention of asexuality, despite there being many opportunities too. There were multiple people – mostly women – where Jones concluded that their lack of desire was indicative that they were secretly gay, without even mentioning or considering asexuality. It would have been a great addition, not just because the asexual community are often passed over in any discussion of the LGBTQ+ community, but also that some of the characters were actually ones that many ace people identify with.
Jones is unable to resist the temptation to use modern terminology when looking at mythological figures (and some real people) from centuries ago, but given the light-hearted style of the whole book, if you can take this with a grain of salt it will be a very enjoyable and interesting read!
I received a free copy for an honest review.
We’re taken on a whistle-stop tour from antiquity through to Buffy, featuring mythological figures from different cultures around the world, and looking at how their queerness has been depicted and received over the years. There are some that most of us have heard of, some you probably haven’t, and overall a really great and varied selection.
📚Blog📖YouTube📖Instagram📚
The tone is very light-hearted and sometime tongue-in-cheek, making it very accessible and the ideal book to dip in and out of. There are also a few illustrations which really enhance the book as a whole.
My biggest criticism is that there was no mention of asexuality, despite there being many opportunities too. There were multiple people – mostly women – where Jones concluded that their lack of desire was indicative that they were secretly gay, without even mentioning or considering asexuality. It would have been a great addition, not just because the asexual community are often passed over in any discussion of the LGBTQ+ community, but also that some of the characters were actually ones that many ace people identify with.
Jones is unable to resist the temptation to use modern terminology when looking at mythological figures (and some real people) from centuries ago, but given the light-hearted style of the whole book, if you can take this with a grain of salt it will be a very enjoyable and interesting read!
I received a free copy for an honest review.
kaylo88's review
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
3.25
I found numerous aspects of this book thoroughly enjoyable. It was a delight to read, sprinkled with humour throughout.
The author delves into not only the traditional myths and legends but also explores more contemporary cult classics, including 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' and 'Doctor Who'.
While many of the examples were familiar to me, there were a few I had not previously encountered, particularly regarding their Queer histories – which is precisely the reason you'd be compelled to read this book.
The book's structure, with its concise and impactful chapters, makes it an easy read. However, it must be noted that some sections are quite brief and occasionally lack substantial evidence. This may be because there is a lack of historical records, but it frequently left me wanting more details.
I would have appreciated a more comprehensive bibliography or a section dedicated to further reading at the book, as it would have reinforced its credibility as a piece of factual work. Nevertheless, the author does provide references throughout, which, albeit not exhaustive, is commendable.
In summary, the book is a worthwhile read.
The author delves into not only the traditional myths and legends but also explores more contemporary cult classics, including 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' and 'Doctor Who'.
While many of the examples were familiar to me, there were a few I had not previously encountered, particularly regarding their Queer histories – which is precisely the reason you'd be compelled to read this book.
The book's structure, with its concise and impactful chapters, makes it an easy read. However, it must be noted that some sections are quite brief and occasionally lack substantial evidence. This may be because there is a lack of historical records, but it frequently left me wanting more details.
I would have appreciated a more comprehensive bibliography or a section dedicated to further reading at the book, as it would have reinforced its credibility as a piece of factual work. Nevertheless, the author does provide references throughout, which, albeit not exhaustive, is commendable.
In summary, the book is a worthwhile read.
monarchgirl's review
challenging
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
This was good. Learnt a lot.
barefootmegz's review
5.0
Ugh, I LOVE THIS BOOK! With the renewed popularity of Greek mythology and related spinoffs, this compendium is exactly what I needed. Dan Jones covers heroes and gods across the globe and its history - from the better-known Greek and Egyptian characters, to the more obscure (and absolutely fabulous) Taoist “queer rabbit god” (Tu’er Shen).
Jones is both academic and entertaining. His sense of humour sparkles on the page, and he imbibes a feeling of recognition and representation within the queer reader.
I thought that sometimes, the author was being a little liberal with his definition of “myth and legend”, but that was easy to overlook. At times, a reader might feel that queer spaces are created where they never were - but isn’t that the whole point of queering history and literature?
Jones has a knack for social commentary within his text, pointing out inconsistencies and historical fallacies without appearing didactic.
This is the kind of book I want to own in hardback. I want to fill it with sticky notes; I want to peruse it again and again, making lists of the texts mentioned, the shrines and temples I want to visit, and the TV and film highlighted.
This is a book for reading, and cherishing, and sharing, and I can’t recommend it enough.
Thank you to Netgalley and Octopus Publishing for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Jones is both academic and entertaining. His sense of humour sparkles on the page, and he imbibes a feeling of recognition and representation within the queer reader.
I thought that sometimes, the author was being a little liberal with his definition of “myth and legend”, but that was easy to overlook. At times, a reader might feel that queer spaces are created where they never were - but isn’t that the whole point of queering history and literature?
Jones has a knack for social commentary within his text, pointing out inconsistencies and historical fallacies without appearing didactic.
This is the kind of book I want to own in hardback. I want to fill it with sticky notes; I want to peruse it again and again, making lists of the texts mentioned, the shrines and temples I want to visit, and the TV and film highlighted.
This is a book for reading, and cherishing, and sharing, and I can’t recommend it enough.
Thank you to Netgalley and Octopus Publishing for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
notebooksandlaptops's review
2.0
Guys I was real excited about this one, and it did spark some interesting research rabbit holes, but I don't think I'll ever be able to forgive Dan Jones for calling Sappho a 'Lesbian Lin-Manuel Miranda' I'm SORRY daniel you've gone TOO far