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A review by fembloggingcat
Daphnis and Chloe by Longus
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A new favorite!
I read this story for St. Valentine’s Day, and I’m so glad that I did. The charming, pastoral setting, filled with sheep, and greenery, and faeries, described in pleasant prose is enough in itself to set up for a delightful read. The plot even more so. So much whimsy and so many shenanigans! I couldn’t help but smile as I read this. I found the descriptions of love by Daphnis, Chloe, and Philetas so enchanting, especially the lattermost.
The only facet of this book that may cause offence is the casual nature with which rape and sexual assault are treated, but I think that may be simply attributed to the simple prose, and the uninvolved narrator. However, each of the violators receives their own comeuppance, so it is not extremely troubling (save for Lycaenion, but I suppose Daphnis was not troubled, but was actually in some way benefited by the event? ).
But the effect of this story was especially effective on me, someone who is quite naïve, and has yet to have their first serious romance. As Longus says himself in the introduction: “…a delightful possession for everyone, that will heal the sick and cheer the responding, bring back memories to those who have loved and give needful instruction to those who have not.”
I read this story for St. Valentine’s Day, and I’m so glad that I did. The charming, pastoral setting, filled with sheep, and greenery, and faeries, described in pleasant prose is enough in itself to set up for a delightful read. The plot even more so. So much whimsy and so many shenanigans! I couldn’t help but smile as I read this. I found the descriptions of love by Daphnis, Chloe, and Philetas so enchanting, especially the lattermost.
The only facet of this book that may cause offence is the casual nature with which rape and sexual assault are treated, but I think that may be simply attributed to the simple prose, and the uninvolved narrator. However, each of the violators receives their own comeuppance, so it is not extremely troubling (
But the effect of this story was especially effective on me, someone who is quite naïve, and has yet to have their first serious romance. As Longus says himself in the introduction: “…a delightful possession for everyone, that will heal the sick and cheer the responding, bring back memories to those who have loved and give needful instruction to those who have not.”