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readerette's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
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
4.5
I found some of the literary devices confusing, like mixing in the maids singing and performing. However, the whole concept is quite creative and compelling, and I love stories that take the viewpoints of supporting characters. It reminds me of Madeline Miller's works (Circe, Song of Achilles), but more abstract, and perhaps darker. It also leaves holes, still, in the story of Penelope and Odysseus--this is not a book of answers, but one of questioning what is "known", of offering another way of thinking about Odysseus and Penelope and her maids, or maybe even more than one way. I was never quite certain I was getting the whole truth from Penelope, or if she as a character knew the whole truth, herself. It made it difficult to put the book down!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Death, Sexism, Slavery, Violence, Blood, and Abandonment
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Body shaming, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Rape, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Grief, Cannibalism, Death of parent, Murder, and Pregnancy
emmawoodhouse's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Body horror, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, and Blood
Minor: Cannibalism