A review by sofipitch
Metamorphoses by Ovid

adventurous slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.25

So the version I read was actually translated by Rolfe Humphries but I couldn't find the edition I have on Storygraph. I got it from a used book story and the publisher is Indiana University Press so I don't think it's very common. I mostly chose it for the cover, I love John William Waterhouse paintings. 

I was surprised how much easier it was to read this than The Illiad. I kind of group mythological texts together as having "old-fashioned" language but you sure can tell the difference between -750 b.c.e and 8 c.e. way of speaking. 

Certain myths get a lot of time and detail and other ones you can certainly tell Ovid was phoning it in for that story. For example Theseus slaying the Minotaur he gives like no details for, basically glossing over it. 

Some sections still carry a great emotional weight. Orpheus and Eurdice's retelling still brought tears to my eyes.

Surprisingly graphic gore and violence at certain points.

I think from the way Ovid tells the story of Acaeon he would get MeTooed if alive today.
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