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A review by mysticbanana
Call Me Athena: Girl from Detroit by Colby Cedar Smith
3.0
3.5 stars
Effective, beautiful verse and an interesting narrative. The historical setting is unique and the characters occupy a distinct position in society (Greek-Americans in Depression Era Detroit).
My one gripe with this book is the romance subplot. The main character, Mary, is Greek-American but longs for social acceptance by being more “American” (e.g. blue eyes, American name). Part of the appeal of her romance is that her boyfriend can give her these things. Specifically, she dreams of taking his name. Instead of exploring the reasons the protagonist feels she must assimilate to American culture, the author takes them at face value and treats them as valid, even including them in the romance. I would have loved to see Mary embracing her Greek heritage in some way instead of treating it as universally oppressive and alienating.
Effective, beautiful verse and an interesting narrative. The historical setting is unique and the characters occupy a distinct position in society (Greek-Americans in Depression Era Detroit).
My one gripe with this book is the romance subplot. The main character, Mary, is Greek-American but longs for social acceptance by being more “American” (e.g. blue eyes, American name). Part of the appeal of her romance is that her boyfriend can give her these things. Specifically, she dreams of taking his name. Instead of exploring the reasons the protagonist feels she must assimilate to American culture, the author takes them at face value and treats them as valid, even including them in the romance. I would have loved to see Mary embracing her Greek heritage in some way instead of treating it as universally oppressive and alienating.