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a_pocketful_of_literature's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The described emotions could truly be felt, which, in my opinion, belongs between the signs of great writing.
Madeline Miller also made the book accessible to all, even to people who know nothing about the greek mythology at all, which is a commandable aspect of the book as well.
The writing is certainly more lyrical and the pace might seem slower to some people, although i felt like it was pleasantly compensated by composing the narrative into nicely melted snippets of memories and events, which was also quite fitting since we follow our duo through their entire life and it could get rather lenghty if done otherwise.
Now, even though i love the book overall and i absolutely devoured the story, there have been a few points which personally didn't quite suit me, which i believe could have been handled better or differently, and which are the reason i've decided not to give it whole 5 stars in the end.
I would have appreciated either some space for thoughts, feelings and discussion afterwards, just like the first situation received, or, instead of modernization of the usual ancient greek relationship, letting this aspect be more historically accurate and not making it a big deal at all. For men in ancient Greece, it was fairly common to have multiple sexual partners even after being married, as it was not viewed as cheating; also love, marriage and sexual closeness were considered completely seperated matters. Also, women were not considered equals in that era, and therefore it would be unlikely that sex with a woman would pose a threat to the relationship of two men.
I can imagine them being open about having multiple sexual partners for pleasure purposes, having healthy discussion about it and reaching mutual agreement on the matter, without it taking any toll on the nature, deepness, stability and strenght on their romantic relationship, given the historical setting and their good communication skills.
2. Patroclus and fighting competence: Even though i believe him to be an amazing character, i would't be opposed to him being more independent and competent when it came to defending himself, as it was in the Iliad, since i feel like it would make the finale of a book even more believable and Patroclus' decision of impersonating Achilles more reasonable.
3. Thetis and Achilles: Even considering all the Thetis' flaws that were given to her in this particular retelling, i think she wouldn't push Achilles into an unconsensual intercourse, being the rape victim herself and loving her son very much.
4. Briseis: Briseis herself was just great and i very much enjoyed her character. However, i don't think her being treated "better" than the rest of the women was very realistic, espesially since other women were treated to ancient standards. The position of women in ancient Greece was, very nicely put, not great. We can very clearly see it in this story for example via multiple mentioned rapes, arranged marriages, or the treatment of Patroclus' mother. I've found this historical accuracy she decided to keep fitting, but it made Briseis' "better" treatment stand out a little bit.
It is also important to mention that the tragedy that befell Patroclus happened only because Achilles decided to be stubborn and not fight, which was caused by his "sex-slave war price", Briseis, being stolen by Agamemnon, who therefore handicaped Achilles' pride in the eyes of his soldiers.
However, Briseis as a character is awesome and i kinda like the relationship she has with Patroclus and Achilles, so i'm glad she had it better in that regard, and i can see why Madeline Miller thought it would fit better into her retelling, as her position served other opportunities and purposes.
Moderate: Misogyny, Pregnancy, Slavery, Violence, Rape, Sexual violence, Adult/minor relationship, Murder, Sexism, and War
Minor: Pregnancy, Confinement, Classism, and Adult/minor relationship
gailsage_thomps's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Abandonment, Blood, Death, Grief, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, and War
Moderate: Pregnancy, Sexual harassment, Medical content, and Infidelity
Minor: Child death, Confinement, Kidnapping, and Rape
smkelly1997's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Abandonment, Blood, Child death, Confinement, Death, Gore, Grief, and War
rekilluv's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual violence, War, Body horror, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Death, Grief, Murder, and Rape
Moderate: Misogyny, Rape, Confinement, Classism, Slavery, and Self harm
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Child abuse, Child death, Cursing, Pregnancy, Vomit, Misogyny, Abandonment, and Kidnapping
nexusatticus's review against another edition
- 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? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Blood, Body horror, Gore, Grief, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexism, Slavery, Violence, Death, War, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Misogyny, and Sexual content
Moderate: Child abuse, Classism, and Confinement
hammy_down's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Slavery, and War
seanml's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Child death, Death, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual content, Violence, and War
Moderate: Blood, Genocide, Gore, Homophobia, Medical content, Misogyny, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Confinement, Infidelity, Kidnapping, Pregnancy, and Slavery
chloevienna's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Death, War, and Violence
Moderate: Blood, Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Toxic relationship, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Slavery, Sexism, Rape, Pregnancy, Physical abuse, Misogyny, Medical content, Kidnapping, Injury/Injury detail, Homophobia, and Grief
Minor: Animal death and Self harm
gabrielleclarke05's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Misogyny, Animal cruelty, Adult/minor relationship, Confinement, Death, Gaslighting, Gore, Sexual harassment, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Grief, Murder, Abandonment, Classism, Emotional abuse, Outing, Pregnancy, Rape, Sexual content, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, War, Bullying, Dysphoria, Racism, Xenophobia, Alcohol, Blood, Homophobia, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual assault, Violence, Animal death, and Child death
dani007k's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Abandonment, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Blood, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Grief, Medical content, Misogyny, Murder, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual content, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, and War
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Alcohol, Fire/Fire injury, Infidelity, Kidnapping, Pregnancy, Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
Minor: Cursing and Incest