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annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review
4.0
When I got the invitation to grab an arc for this book in my email I didn't hesitate. I saw that it was a Greek Mythology retelling and there was no way I was gonna say no. I have to admit that maybe it would have been a good idea to read the rest of the blurb too. I'm currently dealing with a lot of stuff and we're mostly working on getting my stress levels down. This book might have not really helped when it comes to that. But I'm still glad One More Chapter gave me this arc.
This is the kind of book where not being able to read it in one sitting is a compliment. The book is raw. The book is confronting. And in true Greek fashion the book does evolve into a drama in the last few chapters. And yet I also think that the book is a must read. It explains the colonial era much better than any history book can do. It's thought-provoking and it's not sugar coating what the European countries have done across the world during what the Dutch still call "the golden century".
And of course the tale of Medea, and Jason, is perfect as a backbone for this story. Medea is one of the many misunderstood and abused women you will read about in Greek Mythology. She leaves her home for a guy only to eventually be cast aside. And then the Gods orchestrate her dramatic ending. The moment the young English James falls in love with Indian Princess Meena the question is not if it will end badly. The question is how badly it will end.
Because of my knowledge of the original tale I had issues rooting for the romance. I don't think we're supposed to root for it. We mostly have to understand why Meena eventually does what she does. And I did understand. Because the author does a great job building up towards that one moment Meena decides that enough is enough. I personally think she held on for a very long time. I was fuming with rage for quite some time already before Meena snapped.
Maybe not the most fun book you'll ever read, but for sure one of the most important books you'll ever read.
This is the kind of book where not being able to read it in one sitting is a compliment. The book is raw. The book is confronting. And in true Greek fashion the book does evolve into a drama in the last few chapters. And yet I also think that the book is a must read. It explains the colonial era much better than any history book can do. It's thought-provoking and it's not sugar coating what the European countries have done across the world during what the Dutch still call "the golden century".
And of course the tale of Medea, and Jason, is perfect as a backbone for this story. Medea is one of the many misunderstood and abused women you will read about in Greek Mythology. She leaves her home for a guy only to eventually be cast aside. And then the Gods orchestrate her dramatic ending. The moment the young English James falls in love with Indian Princess Meena the question is not if it will end badly. The question is how badly it will end.
Because of my knowledge of the original tale I had issues rooting for the romance. I don't think we're supposed to root for it. We mostly have to understand why Meena eventually does what she does. And I did understand. Because the author does a great job building up towards that one moment Meena decides that enough is enough. I personally think she held on for a very long time. I was fuming with rage for quite some time already before Meena snapped.
Maybe not the most fun book you'll ever read, but for sure one of the most important books you'll ever read.
teatimewithliam's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This retelling of Medea's story begins in 1757 Calcutta - the point at which British colonisation of India became endemic. Rani Selvarajah expertly retells the story of Medea through an anti-colonial lens.
Meena (the Medea of the story) and James (Jason) meet because he wants to take her father's gold in exchange for information. This is a man who cannot build anything for himself and knows only how to take from others. Initially, Meena is swayed by his charms and her own desire to escape her abusive family situation. Throughout the book, however, it becomes increasingly clear to her that James' true nature is composed of selfish and xenophobic ideals. Colonial theft is embedded in the story as he uses not just the Indian gold Meena steals for him but her own knowledge and expertise - without which he would be dead ten times over.
This is a story of a foreign woman whose position is always precarious at best and regrettably tied to the position (and Caucasian complexion) of the man she increasingly despises. Without this marriage, she would be no more than an exile, a refugee with no hope of returning to her homeland.
This is of course complicated by the child she has with him - Alexander (no accident James wanted to name him after the conqueror who also invaded India).
However, I was somewhat disappointed with this retelling's account of the act that defines Medea's (and now Meena's) story - the apparent murder of her own child. Selvarajah deftly frames the deed as an act of anti-colonialism. Alexander's existence ties her to James and no Eastern asylum she finds will be safe from the man constantly searching for her son. There is also the understandable feeling that she wants to punish him for years of having to swallow her pride and anger because her security is tied to him. Now that he has cast her aside and left her disenfranchised, she needs him to suffer. You truly come away feeling her actions are justified (maybe I shouldn't be a parent). Meena has been demonized as a foreign woman and driven to extreme acts by her oppressors.
What disappointed me, however, was that the closing pages imply that Meena did not in fact kill her son - only gave him the appearance of death. For me, this undercuts what makes Medea infamous and sends the message that the only way the reader can truly sympathise with her is if she didn't in fact go through with it.
Regardless, this was a fascinating take on the story and it seemed unnervingly easy to insert the theme of colonial theft into the story of Medea and Jason.
Meena (the Medea of the story) and James (Jason) meet because he wants to take her father's gold in exchange for information. This is a man who cannot build anything for himself and knows only how to take from others. Initially, Meena is swayed by his charms and her own desire to escape her abusive family situation. Throughout the book, however, it becomes increasingly clear to her that James' true nature is composed of selfish and xenophobic ideals. Colonial theft is embedded in the story as he uses not just the Indian gold Meena steals for him but her own knowledge and expertise - without which he would be dead ten times over.
This is a story of a foreign woman whose position is always precarious at best and regrettably tied to the position (and Caucasian complexion) of the man she increasingly despises. Without this marriage, she would be no more than an exile, a refugee with no hope of returning to her homeland.
This is of course complicated by the child she has with him - Alexander (no accident James wanted to name him after the conqueror who also invaded India).
However, I was somewhat disappointed with this retelling's account of the act that defines Medea's (and now Meena's) story - the apparent murder of her own child. Selvarajah deftly frames the deed as an act of anti-colonialism. Alexander's existence ties her to James and no Eastern asylum she finds will be safe from the man constantly searching for her son. There is also the understandable feeling that she wants to punish him for years of having to swallow her pride and anger because her security is tied to him. Now that he has cast her aside and left her disenfranchised, she needs him to suffer. You truly come away feeling her actions are justified (maybe I shouldn't be a parent). Meena has been demonized as a foreign woman and driven to extreme acts by her oppressors.
What disappointed me, however, was that the closing pages imply that Meena did not in fact kill her son - only gave him the appearance of death. For me, this undercuts what makes Medea infamous and sends the message that the only way the reader can truly sympathise with her is if she didn't in fact go through with it.
Regardless, this was a fascinating take on the story and it seemed unnervingly easy to insert the theme of colonial theft into the story of Medea and Jason.
nickymaund's review
4.0
I’m not going to lie, I did struggle with getting into this one, as I found it hard to relate to Meena’s (what felt like) instant love for James at the start. And given the subject matter and time period of the story, this was hard to read in parts - there’s colonisation, murder, mysogyny and abuse of wives.
I really enjoyed with the alternative version of characters in this one - I’m mostly looking at you aunt Kiran (Circe) - particularly her revenge of those sailors. But in some parts I was thoroughly frustrated with Meena staying with James after all they’d gone through - honestly he made my blood boil in parts. But then had to realign my thoughts given the time and setting - divorce was not a done thing.
This was such a good read as it combines myth and history - closely examining the horrors of colonialism. A great debut!
I really enjoyed with the alternative version of characters in this one - I’m mostly looking at you aunt Kiran (Circe) - particularly her revenge of those sailors. But in some parts I was thoroughly frustrated with Meena staying with James after all they’d gone through - honestly he made my blood boil in parts. But then had to realign my thoughts given the time and setting - divorce was not a done thing.
This was such a good read as it combines myth and history - closely examining the horrors of colonialism. A great debut!
shirin_mandi's review
3.0
6.5/10
First of all, It is important to mention that Savage Beasts is the first book by Rani Selvarajah, and I am happy to see it and wish her success...
but
there are butS...
Unfortunately, without the audio version, I would have dropped this one. While I won't offer criticism, the retelling of Medea set in 18th-century India during England's attacks didn't quite capture my interest.
I have said before for a few other books, I don't enjoy a feminist retelling that the magic and gods are removed from it, it is not a myth anymore. I want magic elements and mythical characters!
As someone with this point of view, I found the plot's aspects unbelievable. It's hard for me to follow and sympathize with Meena, an abused daughter who seeks happiness from James, an Englishman stranger, and turns back to her family, flees Calcutta and... well, we know the tale of an unfaithful husband, unhappy life and madness.
The characters were unlikable, and the conversations were odd. Although there are some strong points, but were not bold enough. The only notable aspect is Aunt's big cat and the knowledge of poisons that weren't exceeded.
I may recommend this one to general fiction readers, historical fiction or multicultural readers, wasn't much mythological!
Thanks to HarperCollins UK Audio via NetGalley for giving me a chance to listen to Savage Beasts by Rani Selvarajah and Narrated by Shazia Nicholls. I have given my honest review.
First of all, It is important to mention that Savage Beasts is the first book by Rani Selvarajah, and I am happy to see it and wish her success...
but
there are butS...
Unfortunately, without the audio version, I would have dropped this one. While I won't offer criticism, the retelling of Medea set in 18th-century India during England's attacks didn't quite capture my interest.
I have said before for a few other books, I don't enjoy a feminist retelling that the magic and gods are removed from it, it is not a myth anymore. I want magic elements and mythical characters!
As someone with this point of view, I found the plot's aspects unbelievable. It's hard for me to follow and sympathize with Meena, an abused daughter who seeks happiness from James, an Englishman stranger, and turns back to her family, flees Calcutta and... well, we know the tale of an unfaithful husband, unhappy life and madness.
The characters were unlikable, and the conversations were odd. Although there are some strong points, but were not bold enough. The only notable aspect is Aunt's big cat and the knowledge of poisons that weren't exceeded.
I may recommend this one to general fiction readers, historical fiction or multicultural readers, wasn't much mythological!
Thanks to HarperCollins UK Audio via NetGalley for giving me a chance to listen to Savage Beasts by Rani Selvarajah and Narrated by Shazia Nicholls. I have given my honest review.
novelestic's review against another edition
4.0
"While men had their swords, a woman's weapon was her words. A woman needed to know how to speak and put her point across, even when they refused to listen."
As the tagline says, A woman wronged will shake an empire.
WHAT. A. BOOK. Simply a masterpiece. I support women's right, but I also support women's wrongs. This was an inspiring and provocative read. Loved every part of it.
"All she saw was weak mean desperate for
the flimsiest scrap of power over others."
Women. I have so much respect for women. And most of all, this book is so much more because this book is about a woman fighting her ways through oppression and injustice back in 1750s.
I think everybody should read this book. Go grab your copy!
As the tagline says, A woman wronged will shake an empire.
WHAT. A. BOOK. Simply a masterpiece. I support women's right, but I also support women's wrongs. This was an inspiring and provocative read. Loved every part of it.
"All she saw was weak mean desperate for
the flimsiest scrap of power over others."
Women. I have so much respect for women. And most of all, this book is so much more because this book is about a woman fighting her ways through oppression and injustice back in 1750s.
I think everybody should read this book. Go grab your copy!
wherethewildreadsare's review
I just couldn’t find myself getting engaged in the story. I think if I had known the original story that it was a retelling of, maybe that would’ve helped? The writing seemed totally fine and I think a person would likely enjoy it. It just felt like one of those wrong place, wrong time ones for me
piperkitty's review against another edition
4.0
This is a Medea retelling of a Greek myth
Brilliant writing style, very engaging.A lovely quick read. I enjoyed how this was re-told I India, and I liked the charters.
Brilliant writing style, very engaging.A lovely quick read. I enjoyed how this was re-told I India, and I liked the charters.
eni_iilorak's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Death, Death of parent, Rape, Classism, Racism, Colonisation, Child abuse, and Murder
Moderate: Gore, War, Blood, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Pregnancy, Grief, and Sexual content
angelamarie's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75