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A review by flowerranger
Winter Harvest by Ioanna Papadopoulou
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
It is no secret that Greek Gods and Goddesses are a petty and chaotic bunch who don't shy away from acts of destruction and who act upon impulse, especially when angered. Apparently it is no different with Demeter, whom I've grown up to know as the goddess of fertility and harvest from Greek Mythology as told by men.
Winter Harvest by Ioanna Papadopoulou portrays the story of Demeter, of how she was born into life, to be devoured by Kronos, saved by her youngest brother Zeus and the abduction of her daughter, known as Persephone. These myths are commonly known but I have never before come across them as told from Demeters point of view.
The narration style felt a little distant, although we are getting a deep insight into Demeter's head. And while it was interesting to follow Demeter, who has been surpressed by men since birth, to struggle against the Greek Divine's patriarchy, I did not feel connected to her, though I have experienced many similar sentiments as a woman.
The writing style impressed me, though and I hope that Ioanna Papadopoulou will publish more novels and further develop this almost poetic style.
The plot follows the chronology of Demeter's life from birth to being reunited with her daughter. There were lots of myths along the way that I hadn't heard of before and I liked that a lot.
Demeter expressed a lot of rage towards the Olympians, especially the men (because FFS Zeus!)
What I did not like was how lightly the theme of rape was handled in this novel. While Demeter is a powerful goddess, she obviously still had to fear sexual assault by her male peers, and while it was expressed how it enraged her, it did not show just how devastating such an experience can be. Demeter's reaction to the assault (the rage, the revenge, the hatred) were believable (and all very valid!), but something about the execution felt off.
Overall this was an interesting story to read and seeing Greek Mythology through the eyes of Demeter was a good experience. I am looking forward to reading more books by Ioanna Papadopoulou in the future. Also look at that amazing cover, the contrast between the divine and nourishing side and then Demeter choosing darkness. So good!
I received an advance readers copy via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Winter Harvest by Ioanna Papadopoulou portrays the story of Demeter, of how she was born into life, to be devoured by Kronos, saved by her youngest brother Zeus and the abduction of her daughter, known as Persephone. These myths are commonly known but I have never before come across them as told from Demeters point of view.
The narration style felt a little distant, although we are getting a deep insight into Demeter's head. And while it was interesting to follow Demeter, who has been surpressed by men since birth, to struggle against the Greek Divine's patriarchy, I did not feel connected to her, though I have experienced many similar sentiments as a woman.
The writing style impressed me, though and I hope that Ioanna Papadopoulou will publish more novels and further develop this almost poetic style.
The plot follows the chronology of Demeter's life from birth to being reunited with her daughter. There were lots of myths along the way that I hadn't heard of before and I liked that a lot.
Demeter expressed a lot of rage towards the Olympians, especially the men (because FFS Zeus!)
What I did not like was how lightly the theme of rape was handled in this novel. While Demeter is a powerful goddess, she obviously still had to fear sexual assault by her male peers, and while it was expressed how it enraged her, it did not show just how devastating such an experience can be. Demeter's reaction to the assault (the rage, the revenge, the hatred) were believable (and all very valid!), but something about the execution felt off.
Overall this was an interesting story to read and seeing Greek Mythology through the eyes of Demeter was a good experience. I am looking forward to reading more books by Ioanna Papadopoulou in the future. Also look at that amazing cover, the contrast between the divine and nourishing side and then Demeter choosing darkness. So good!
I received an advance readers copy via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Incest, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, Grief, Stalking, Pregnancy, Sexual harassment, Dysphoria
Moderate: Body horror