A review by paxson
The Dark Wife by Sarah Diemer

dark emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Trying to reshape Greek mythology into a queer consensual context is a difficult task, and one that this novel takes up only on the surface. I was left pleading for more detail, depth, and characterization beyond wild archetypes. While giving us a narrative about the evils of a patriarchal ruler, the critical insight into gender politics at the heart of the novel remains light especially given the omnipresent discussion of rape. With that said, I did appreciate the possibility of a lesbian Hades and a Persephone that is free to love and choose.  
Expand filter menu Content Warnings