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A review by zoekatereads
Hera by Jennifer Saint
4.0
4.5⭐️
[b:Ariadne|54860614|Ariadne|Jennifer Saint|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1601959039l/54860614._SY75_.jpg|74192106] is one of my all time favourite books, so I am always excited for a new release from Jennifer Saint.
Hera, daughter of Cronos, helped her brothers Zeus to overthrow their father. Establishing their rule on Mount Olympus, Hera dreams of ruling at Zeus' side. But as time passes she wonders if he may be just as tyrannical as their father.
Born to rule, but trapped in a cycle of violence and cruelty, Hera wonders if there is a way to forge a better world.
Please do check trigger warnings! As with many interpretations of these myths, beware of mentions of r*pe, misogyny, inc*est.
Saint’s writing is unmatched, and her interpretation of Greek myths and characters never fails to impress. The writing is beautifully lyrical, and her portrayal of the women in mythology is refreshing and I always appreciate how she brings their perspective to the forefront.
This retelling of the myths of Hera follows the gods of Mount Olympus after the age of the Titans collapsed. The pacing is incredibly interesting, time seeming to be fleeting for the gods of Olympus, when really hundreds of years are passing. Hera weaves so many of my favourite myths into the story, really adding to the sense that the gods just watch humanity and their triumphs/defeats/wars pass by, only intervening when it suits.
Hera is often portrayed as the cruel, vengeful wife, but Saint manages to capture all sides of the queen to the gods - her compassion, her loyalty. This feminist retelling is not a redemption story, but one that aims to show the complexity of a ruler who faced (and caused) atrocities and what motivated her to make such choices.
Hera demonstrates both the plight and power of women, and I think it does a wonderful job of showing how the world someone lives in, the things they go thorough, can play a large role in the choices they make. Centering Hera in her experiences allows the reader to understand that she is more than bitterness and rage, but a queen who lost so much of what she fought for and was constantly betrayed by those around her.
Hera is a must read for anyone who loves the Greek myth and want to learn more about Hera's story, but I also think this would be a great starting point (as are all Saint's books in my opinion) for anyone wanting to read more Greek mythology retellings.
also the final line of this book was *chefs kiss* (spoilery-ish?)
[b:Ariadne|54860614|Ariadne|Jennifer Saint|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1601959039l/54860614._SY75_.jpg|74192106] is one of my all time favourite books, so I am always excited for a new release from Jennifer Saint.
Hera, daughter of Cronos, helped her brothers Zeus to overthrow their father. Establishing their rule on Mount Olympus, Hera dreams of ruling at Zeus' side. But as time passes she wonders if he may be just as tyrannical as their father.
Born to rule, but trapped in a cycle of violence and cruelty, Hera wonders if there is a way to forge a better world.
"Her mother and her grandmother couldn't do it, but maybe Hera can."
Please do check trigger warnings! As with many interpretations of these myths, beware of mentions of r*pe, misogyny, inc*est.
Saint’s writing is unmatched, and her interpretation of Greek myths and characters never fails to impress. The writing is beautifully lyrical, and her portrayal of the women in mythology is refreshing and I always appreciate how she brings their perspective to the forefront.
This retelling of the myths of Hera follows the gods of Mount Olympus after the age of the Titans collapsed. The pacing is incredibly interesting, time seeming to be fleeting for the gods of Olympus, when really hundreds of years are passing. Hera weaves so many of my favourite myths into the story, really adding to the sense that the gods just watch humanity and their triumphs/defeats/wars pass by, only intervening when it suits.
Hera is often portrayed as the cruel, vengeful wife, but Saint manages to capture all sides of the queen to the gods - her compassion, her loyalty. This feminist retelling is not a redemption story, but one that aims to show the complexity of a ruler who faced (and caused) atrocities and what motivated her to make such choices.
"Hera, Goddess of marriage. Doesn’t that please you?"
"Is that what they call me?"
"It’s what you are," he says. "It’s the title I’m giving you. What else could you be?"
Once, she thinks, there were so many answers to that question.
It’s a reminder now and always that no matter who she was before, in the eyes of the world she is Zeus’s wife.
Hera demonstrates both the plight and power of women, and I think it does a wonderful job of showing how the world someone lives in, the things they go thorough, can play a large role in the choices they make. Centering Hera in her experiences allows the reader to understand that she is more than bitterness and rage, but a queen who lost so much of what she fought for and was constantly betrayed by those around her.
"Aren't you angry? The world wasn't theirs to divide between them - it was all of ours!"
Hera is a must read for anyone who loves the Greek myth and want to learn more about Hera's story, but I also think this would be a great starting point (as are all Saint's books in my opinion) for anyone wanting to read more Greek mythology retellings.
also the final line of this book was *chefs kiss* (spoilery-ish?)
Spoiler
"Immortal and ageless, reinvented a thousand times, remade for a thousand narratives, throneless and wandering, but forever the ruler of her own destiny."