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august_slippedaway 's review for:
Atalanta
by Jennifer Saint
adventurous
reflective
fast-paced
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
I enjoyed Atalanta more than any of Saints another books. I enjoyed the passionate female perspective this story took, especially compared to previous books by Saint were I have found the feminist perspective more passive.
The retelling and reweaving of the myth is well done and I especially like the depiction of Artemis as a central character. Additionally I appreciated that Atalanta’s relationship with the goddess didnt have to be one of motherhood.
The argonauts were well written and felt ‘ accurate’ if that makes sense.
In terms of weaknesses, I felt the ending was rushed and struggled to understand parts of her motivations, considering it was rather contradictory to the ideals set out throughout the novel.
It confused me that after such a defiance toward marriage she would willingly embrace it, and for some reason express love for a friend she expressed literally zero romantic interest in prior. I feel the same ending could have been done but with a platonic notion
Regardless I enjoyed this novel and think it’s an elegant representation and modern retelling of the Atalanta story, cementing her name back into myth and female historical records!
The retelling and reweaving of the myth is well done and I especially like the depiction of Artemis as a central character. Additionally I appreciated that Atalanta’s relationship with the goddess didnt have to be one of motherhood.
The argonauts were well written and felt ‘ accurate’ if that makes sense.
In terms of weaknesses, I felt the ending was rushed and struggled to understand parts of her motivations, considering it was rather contradictory to the ideals set out throughout the novel.
Regardless I enjoyed this novel and think it’s an elegant representation and modern retelling of the Atalanta story, cementing her name back into myth and female historical records!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Misogyny, Sexism, Abandonment
Moderate: Gore, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, War
Minor: Sexual content