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A review by readclever
Ariadne by Jennifer Saint
5.0
I received an advanced reader copy from Flatiron Books and NetGalley for an honest review.
Of all the books I've read so far this year, Ariadne hits the top. Strong writing, consistent characterization, effective plot devices, and a clear knowledge of the Greek mythology.
Jennifer Saint takes time to develop the strong bonds of women in a family full of scandal and scorn. And family can be found and created, as gods and their heroes are want to do. There's a feminist thread, of women pushing against their expectations after reaching that breaking point, that runs throughout. Yet there's a clear stopping line that fits the society that Ariadne and Phaedra are forced to participate in.
The last twenty percent took my breath away, so engaged, that I couldn't stop reading. It's not a happy tale because women in mythology among the Greek gods weren't afforded such options. But the book does a great job of showing how self-autonomy can be freeing yet binding at the same time. That rights were often at the decision of the men around the women.
Trauma binds so many people. Even years apart. When those bonds are shattered, needing to be rebuilt, it's not always easy. Saint does a terrific job of unraveling and rethreading both women's stories into a solid book. There were some slow passages that were forgiven as the story resumed between. Dual point of view definitely helped.
There are trigger warnings for child abuse/murder, violence against women, rape/sexual assault, and animal torture. The book does start with the Minotaur tale, after all. Mythology is filled with such topics and this book spans over three decades, so please be advised before reading.
Of all the books I've read so far this year, Ariadne hits the top. Strong writing, consistent characterization, effective plot devices, and a clear knowledge of the Greek mythology.
Jennifer Saint takes time to develop the strong bonds of women in a family full of scandal and scorn. And family can be found and created, as gods and their heroes are want to do. There's a feminist thread, of women pushing against their expectations after reaching that breaking point, that runs throughout. Yet there's a clear stopping line that fits the society that Ariadne and Phaedra are forced to participate in.
The last twenty percent took my breath away, so engaged, that I couldn't stop reading. It's not a happy tale because women in mythology among the Greek gods weren't afforded such options. But the book does a great job of showing how self-autonomy can be freeing yet binding at the same time. That rights were often at the decision of the men around the women.
Trauma binds so many people. Even years apart. When those bonds are shattered, needing to be rebuilt, it's not always easy. Saint does a terrific job of unraveling and rethreading both women's stories into a solid book. There were some slow passages that were forgiven as the story resumed between. Dual point of view definitely helped.
There are trigger warnings for child abuse/murder, violence against women, rape/sexual assault, and animal torture. The book does start with the Minotaur tale, after all. Mythology is filled with such topics and this book spans over three decades, so please be advised before reading.