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A review by that_reader_naomi
Ariadne by Jennifer Saint
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
4.25
They weren't kidding when they advertised this as perfect for fans of Circe!
This is a beautiful retelling, and although I cannot claim any knowledge on the details of the original myth, this book hit all the points I believe it should have. Greek myths are interwoven and encompass lots of time and distance, and Jennifer Saint did an amazing job at telling one story while letting the other myths come through. Though the pacing was off at times, it's forgivable for the literary storytelling of this book. I found the beginning to be a little slow. Most of it was in a storytelling format in dialogue that I struggled a bit to get through. However, once the pace picked up, I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, themes, and writing style the rest of the way through.
I have to highlight one of my favorite parts of the book: when Ariadne became a mother. The prose was beautifully written and although I don't know if being a mother is an experience I'll have, it was amazing to read about the connection between all women on earth, going through the same process. This chapter was amazing on it's own, but it really stands out in contrast to Pheadra's chapter: her agony in motherhood. Though it was heartbreaking to read about a mother's lack of love for her children, I still felt sympathy rather than pity for Pheadra's depressed state.
Another thing I like was the central themes. Story's about women suffering consequences for the actions of men is not a unique concept, but tied into the contrast of divinity and mortality, love and trust, it was very well executed.
Overall, this book isn't quite on my favorites list, but I recommend it strongly and I may reread it in the future.
They weren't kidding when they advertised this as perfect for fans of Circe!
This is a beautiful retelling, and although I cannot claim any knowledge on the details of the original myth, this book hit all the points I believe it should have. Greek myths are interwoven and encompass lots of time and distance, and Jennifer Saint did an amazing job at telling one story while letting the other myths come through. Though the pacing was off at times, it's forgivable for the literary storytelling of this book. I found the beginning to be a little slow. Most of it was in a storytelling format in dialogue that I struggled a bit to get through. However, once the pace picked up, I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, themes, and writing style the rest of the way through.
I have to highlight one of my favorite parts of the book: when Ariadne became a mother. The prose was beautifully written and although I don't know if being a mother is an experience I'll have, it was amazing to read about the connection between all women on earth, going through the same process. This chapter was amazing on it's own, but it really stands out in contrast to Pheadra's chapter: her agony in motherhood. Though it was heartbreaking to read about a mother's lack of love for her children, I still felt sympathy rather than pity for Pheadra's depressed state.
Another thing I like was the central themes. Story's about women suffering consequences for the actions of men is not a unique concept, but tied into the contrast of divinity and mortality, love and trust, it was very well executed.
Overall, this book isn't quite on my favorites list, but I recommend it strongly and I may reread it in the future.