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A review by teatimewithliam
Hera by Jennifer Saint
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Definitely my favourite of Jennifer Saints's retellings to date.
Hera has long deserved a novel to herself and Saint more than does her justice. The voice she creates for Hera is perfect: imperious, cunning and intimidating. Forever condemned as the archetype of the scorned wife, this retelling doesn't shy away from the increasingly cruel punishments that Hera metes out to Zeus' many (innocent) consorts. However, the novel also addresses it - Hephaestus becomes Hera's conscience and forces her to reflect upon her misplaced anger. She feels increasingly powerless to hurt the true focus of her ire- Zeus. It's a resentment that forms the undercurrent of the entire novel.
The world building is glorious, Olympus comes to life and the various Titans, creatures and Hera's fellow Olympians are all well painted and distinct in their own mannerisms.
My favourite part of the novel are the closing chapters - the conversation between Hera and Hestia regarding how much the gods have come to rely on mortals for their own longevity is fascinating. It begs the question, are gods worshipped because they're powerful or are they only powerful when they're worshipped? Even immortals have to adapt to shifting beliefs and changing times.
Hera has long deserved a novel to herself and Saint more than does her justice. The voice she creates for Hera is perfect: imperious, cunning and intimidating. Forever condemned as the archetype of the scorned wife, this retelling doesn't shy away from the increasingly cruel punishments that Hera metes out to Zeus' many (innocent) consorts. However, the novel also addresses it - Hephaestus becomes Hera's conscience and forces her to reflect upon her misplaced anger. She feels increasingly powerless to hurt the true focus of her ire- Zeus. It's a resentment that forms the undercurrent of the entire novel.
The world building is glorious, Olympus comes to life and the various Titans, creatures and Hera's fellow Olympians are all well painted and distinct in their own mannerisms.
My favourite part of the novel are the closing chapters - the conversation between Hera and Hestia regarding how much the gods have come to rely on mortals for their own longevity is fascinating. It begs the question, are gods worshipped because they're powerful or are they only powerful when they're worshipped? Even immortals have to adapt to shifting beliefs and changing times.