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A review by annettebooksofhopeanddreams
Savage Beasts by Rani Selvarajah
4.0
When I got the invitation to grab an arc for this book in my email I didn't hesitate. I saw that it was a Greek Mythology retelling and there was no way I was gonna say no. I have to admit that maybe it would have been a good idea to read the rest of the blurb too. I'm currently dealing with a lot of stuff and we're mostly working on getting my stress levels down. This book might have not really helped when it comes to that. But I'm still glad One More Chapter gave me this arc.
This is the kind of book where not being able to read it in one sitting is a compliment. The book is raw. The book is confronting. And in true Greek fashion the book does evolve into a drama in the last few chapters. And yet I also think that the book is a must read. It explains the colonial era much better than any history book can do. It's thought-provoking and it's not sugar coating what the European countries have done across the world during what the Dutch still call "the golden century".
And of course the tale of Medea, and Jason, is perfect as a backbone for this story. Medea is one of the many misunderstood and abused women you will read about in Greek Mythology. She leaves her home for a guy only to eventually be cast aside. And then the Gods orchestrate her dramatic ending. The moment the young English James falls in love with Indian Princess Meena the question is not if it will end badly. The question is how badly it will end.
Because of my knowledge of the original tale I had issues rooting for the romance. I don't think we're supposed to root for it. We mostly have to understand why Meena eventually does what she does. And I did understand. Because the author does a great job building up towards that one moment Meena decides that enough is enough. I personally think she held on for a very long time. I was fuming with rage for quite some time already before Meena snapped.
Maybe not the most fun book you'll ever read, but for sure one of the most important books you'll ever read.
This is the kind of book where not being able to read it in one sitting is a compliment. The book is raw. The book is confronting. And in true Greek fashion the book does evolve into a drama in the last few chapters. And yet I also think that the book is a must read. It explains the colonial era much better than any history book can do. It's thought-provoking and it's not sugar coating what the European countries have done across the world during what the Dutch still call "the golden century".
And of course the tale of Medea, and Jason, is perfect as a backbone for this story. Medea is one of the many misunderstood and abused women you will read about in Greek Mythology. She leaves her home for a guy only to eventually be cast aside. And then the Gods orchestrate her dramatic ending. The moment the young English James falls in love with Indian Princess Meena the question is not if it will end badly. The question is how badly it will end.
Because of my knowledge of the original tale I had issues rooting for the romance. I don't think we're supposed to root for it. We mostly have to understand why Meena eventually does what she does. And I did understand. Because the author does a great job building up towards that one moment Meena decides that enough is enough. I personally think she held on for a very long time. I was fuming with rage for quite some time already before Meena snapped.
Maybe not the most fun book you'll ever read, but for sure one of the most important books you'll ever read.