A review by adventures_in_bookstagram
Galatea by Madeline Miller

dark reflective tense fast-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? It's complicated

4.75

I really like 'Galatea'; it felt both modern and timeless in an interesting way. It managed to remind me of The Yellow Wallpaper, being framed around medical misogyny and institutionalisation of the troublesome heroine, while retaining the vaguely ancient Greek setting and invoking very contemporary problems. It's funny how, by sticking close to Ovid's version of the myth, Galatea comes across as a sexbot, disappointing her creator by becoming alive and therefore a sentient, real woman, as well as a sex object. It's a very modern and ancient form of misogyny and Miller makes the connection brilliantly clear without ever having to outright state it. Funnily enough, I've just finished reading Men Who Hate Women by Laura Bates (recommended!), which discusses inceldom and MRAs and other forms of extreme online misogyny, so maybe it jumped out to me because the subject was fresh in my mind, but I think it's still pretty clear, and Miller's afterword provides helpful context about the Ovidian myth and misogyny, mentioning incels by name. Which made me laugh, since every time Pygmalion appeared or spoke in the story, my brain screamed "incel!" He's creepy and disturbing and pathetic all at the same time. And Galatea is an excellent protagonist, clever and determined and biding her time. It probably helps that Ruth Wilson is a superb narrator. She has an amazing talent for sounding conciliatory and arch at the same time, the quality of her voice is perfect for the character. I had mixed feelings about the ending, but ultimately found it narratively satisfying. And Galatea gets off a great one-liner. Overall, I think I prefer Galatea to Circe, and I'd definitely recommend it. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Misogyny, Forced institutionalization, Medical trauma, Confinement, Toxic relationship, Domestic abuse, and Rape

Minor: Abortion, Incest, and Pedophilia

Pygmalion is implied to have developed a pedophilic interest in young girls and his ten year old daughter specifically, fetishising their virginity and 'purity'. He is condemned by the narrative and galvanises Galatea's escape and the story's eventual climax., including his villain's death. Galatea fakes a pregnancy and is forced to drink an abortifacient against her will, leading to her faking a painful miscarriage as part of her escape plan. It's still a depiction of a forced, painful abortion, which might upset some readers.