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brnineworms's review
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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
Visually, Persephone is fantastic. The Studio Ghibli influence is clear, and the cross-hatching adds a darker dimension that perfectly represents that feeling of a sunny utopia haunted by the spectre of war. I love the eclectic mix of magic, myth, and modernity in the crafting of this universe. The character designs are great for the most part, though the “catkin” Azrael looks less Puss in Boots and more Mogwai. The colours are well chosen – pastel palettes with black shadows; a mix of warm and cool hues but a distinct lack of green in the land where plants don’t grow.
I should note that I don’t mind it not being a faithful retelling of the original Persephone myth (there is no definitive version of that story anyhow). All the key elements are present: Persephone’s abduction, the pomegranate trick trapping her in Hades, the crop failure theme, and the central mother/daughter relationship. Probably the most significant difference is that in this version of the story, Persephone falls in love with Hades the place rather than Hades the person. And I think that works well, not only because this version of Persephone is a child but also it’s nice to see her fall in love with a place and the community that lives there.
The reason I’m not giving this book a rating higher than four stars is that the story (or at least its execution) is a bit lacking. Stuff just kind of happens, for example, a family friend giving Persephone Demeter’s diary because it’ll be important for exposition reasons later. The worldbuilding is super compelling but there’s not a lot of payoff to what’s set up. Atrocities seem to be hinted at but are not fully reckoned with by the characters or the narrative. I’m left second-guessing myself about what’s meant to be insidious and what’s an oversight on the author’s part (or just me overthinking things as usual). Eleusis can be interpreted as an imperial power actively working to subjugate Hades, though even a charitable reading shows it to be a wealthy region that turns a blind eye to suffering despite having the means to help. At the end of the story, when crops begin to grow again in Hades, the Eleusinian response is ghoulish – it is seen merely as an opportunity for trade and tourism. The Hadeans finally having enough to eat after years of famine? Unimportant. What matters is how Eleusis can benefit. This goes unremarked upon, which makes me wonder whether it’s intended to be uncomfortable. And where is the resolution? Persephone finds a new purpose in Hades, free from the weighty expectations Eleusinians place on her for being Demeter’s daughter. But Demeter herself? Eleusinians more broadly? They don’t learn anything or change their ways. The treacherous Mithra is defeated and Demeter indicates that she suspects a larger conspiracy, and that’s it. The ending is unsatisfyingly inconclusive, as though it’s setting up a non-existent sequel.
The more I think about Persephone, the more I’m paradoxically both delighted and disappointed. Overall, it’s a solidly good book – don’t get me wrong. Even if some political aspects feel un(der)addressed, I actually really like that there’s a lot to think about. It’s far more interesting than I thought it’d be, and it’s definitely a book I would recommend.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Violence, War, Blood, Kidnapping, and Mental illness
Minor: Self harm, Slavery, Ableism, Confinement, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
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