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spenkevich's review against another edition
5.0
The earthquake of emotions from first loves often rocks our worlds with such ineffable power it seems only an epic tale can capture the narrative. I suspect this is part of the lasting power of myths as we can find in them a metaphor for our own perilous, emotional quests. In her stunning debut novel, the middle grade The Song of Us, Kate Fussner harnesses the tale of Orpheus and Eurydice into a sapphic, tragic love story between poet Olivia and the musically inclined Eden. Rotating between their perspectives and written in verse, this is a gorgeously told and emotionally charged loose retelling that will charm fans of the myth (it is a perfect time for this retelling with the popularity of Hadestown) yet still stands strong on its own for readers unfamiliar with the tale. Gracefully dealing with themes of families in crisis, struggles with love, despair, identity—such as feeling one must hide their true selves or disappear within a group—and societal pressures, Fussner delivers an exquisite and emotionally intense debut that will certainly reach deep into the hearts of readers of any age.
The Song of Us is a love song, its a sad song, it’s an old song, and we’re going to sing it again because the tale of feeling one walking down a path doomed towards failure and choosing to try anyways is something that anyone can empathize with. A former English teacher at a Boston Middle School, Fussner sets this modern Orpheus and Eurydice in a Boston middle school and truly excels at elucidating emotional turmoil the way one fumbles to process it at that age. Our story brings us into the poetic minds of Olivia and Eden, who meet in the poetry club Olivia began with her trans best friend Lexi, and have a brief relationship that will linger in their hearts long after their abrupt break-up. Olivia, who usually prides herself on words, misfires during a moment of jealousy and creates a rift of hurt she will spend the novel trying to overcome. Now she must use words ‘fighting for Eden instead of fighting with Eden.’ While a loose retelling of the myth, the key elements are there and Fussner manages to make them feel fresh, surprising, and comfortably at home and authentic in her modern teenage drama.
‘I have learned more without you
than I thought was possible,
learned my heart is bigger
my words weaker
if they aren’t going
straight from my heart
to you’
Even as an adult I was hooked, devouring every page with a hope as if it might turn out this time and riding the intense emotional maelstrom of this sapphic tale of yearning, sorrow and regret. Being a novel in verse really fits the story and allows the characters to express themselves in abstract or otherwise artistic fashion (Fussner even plays with form a few times, which is always exciting and demonstrates the character’s trying to understand themselves from new angles) and also serves as the poems they write over the course of the story. I also appreciate that the fatalistic story touches on how, inevitably, all middle school relationships are likely going to come to an end but at the same time Fussner gives space to respect the fact that these feelings are real and often deeply felt. Having space for oneself is key to this story in many ways, particularly for Eden who doesn’t feel she has space to be herself. Particularly to come out, fearing rejection from peers or from her homophobic father. She fears she is living a false self as she falls in with a popular group of girls—self-dubbed the Crash—and feels peer pressure to kiss boys, experiment with marijuana and alcohol, and participate in their generally Mean Girls behavoirs at school. Through Eden we see the reasons why we build the walls we think will keep us free but end up pushing others away, including the one she truly loved. It also triggers the one request that could bring everything to ruin, where instead of Orpheus not being allowed to look back, Olivia is told she can text but never call or let anyone know they were ever together.
It is difficult to process all these conflicting emotions at that age, times being what they are, hard and getting harder all the time as both girls face difficult home life situations as well. Eden’s father is a shell of himself since her mother left and his parenting style is more about being punitive than productive, while Olivia’s mom is suffering from a debilitating depression Olivia dubs the fog. Fussner delicately examines the struggles of dealing with a parent’s mental health while having one's own array of problems in ways that readers will find authentic but also deeply moving. And it also shows how even with all the monsters of society gnashing their teeth, the voice you really have to focus on is the one that howls inside your head, self-gaslighting oneself into feelings of inadequacy. Fussner’s poetic style, which comes at the narrative in exciting ways that dive directly into the emotional core of matters, also plucks each of our heart strings like Orpheus’ lyre reminding us all how bittersweet it is to love and to suffer in love, not just romantically but within families and friend groups as well.
‘Because all of this
is for you.
All of me
has always been
for you.’
The Song of Us is not just a fantastic debut but just an overall wonderful novel. The retelling feels fresh and fun, wondering if we can beat the myths or if we will see ‘her pulled / like a ghost to a world / unknown.’ As a huge fan of poetry, I loved how central the art was to this book from raising money selling poems to help others fall in love to trying to win back love through a poem that could make you see how the world could be in spite of what it is. If its true what they say, time can mend a broken heart but the roller coaster of emotions on that return journey of healing is a long and lonely path. Art, like poetry and music, can be a great companion during this time and I enjoy the way Fussner demonstrates this in a way that will inspire readers to create their own, all while being a perfect book for someone experiencing the stings of first love. This would be an excellent addition to any classroom library—I recently fulfilled a request at the bookstore for 20 recent novels for a middle school english teacher’s classroom were they took most of my recommendations and this was one of them—and is a beautiful book. Plus, who doesn’t want a queer Greek myth retelling? So we raise our cups to Kate Fussner: a lovely story that handles difficult themes in empowering ways, The Song of Us is a delight. And shoutout to anyone who caught all the Hadestown references in this review, I recently went to see it and couldn’t resist.
5/5
‘There will be other loves
Other mistakes.
Both can be true.’
The Song of Us is a love song, its a sad song, it’s an old song, and we’re going to sing it again because the tale of feeling one walking down a path doomed towards failure and choosing to try anyways is something that anyone can empathize with. A former English teacher at a Boston Middle School, Fussner sets this modern Orpheus and Eurydice in a Boston middle school and truly excels at elucidating emotional turmoil the way one fumbles to process it at that age. Our story brings us into the poetic minds of Olivia and Eden, who meet in the poetry club Olivia began with her trans best friend Lexi, and have a brief relationship that will linger in their hearts long after their abrupt break-up. Olivia, who usually prides herself on words, misfires during a moment of jealousy and creates a rift of hurt she will spend the novel trying to overcome. Now she must use words ‘fighting for Eden instead of fighting with Eden.’ While a loose retelling of the myth, the key elements are there and Fussner manages to make them feel fresh, surprising, and comfortably at home and authentic in her modern teenage drama.
‘I have learned more without you
than I thought was possible,
learned my heart is bigger
my words weaker
if they aren’t going
straight from my heart
to you’
Even as an adult I was hooked, devouring every page with a hope as if it might turn out this time and riding the intense emotional maelstrom of this sapphic tale of yearning, sorrow and regret. Being a novel in verse really fits the story and allows the characters to express themselves in abstract or otherwise artistic fashion (Fussner even plays with form a few times, which is always exciting and demonstrates the character’s trying to understand themselves from new angles) and also serves as the poems they write over the course of the story. I also appreciate that the fatalistic story touches on how, inevitably, all middle school relationships are likely going to come to an end but at the same time Fussner gives space to respect the fact that these feelings are real and often deeply felt. Having space for oneself is key to this story in many ways, particularly for Eden who doesn’t feel she has space to be herself. Particularly to come out, fearing rejection from peers or from her homophobic father. She fears she is living a false self as she falls in with a popular group of girls—self-dubbed the Crash—and feels peer pressure to kiss boys, experiment with marijuana and alcohol, and participate in their generally Mean Girls behavoirs at school. Through Eden we see the reasons why we build the walls we think will keep us free but end up pushing others away, including the one she truly loved. It also triggers the one request that could bring everything to ruin, where instead of Orpheus not being allowed to look back, Olivia is told she can text but never call or let anyone know they were ever together.
It is difficult to process all these conflicting emotions at that age, times being what they are, hard and getting harder all the time as both girls face difficult home life situations as well. Eden’s father is a shell of himself since her mother left and his parenting style is more about being punitive than productive, while Olivia’s mom is suffering from a debilitating depression Olivia dubs the fog. Fussner delicately examines the struggles of dealing with a parent’s mental health while having one's own array of problems in ways that readers will find authentic but also deeply moving. And it also shows how even with all the monsters of society gnashing their teeth, the voice you really have to focus on is the one that howls inside your head, self-gaslighting oneself into feelings of inadequacy. Fussner’s poetic style, which comes at the narrative in exciting ways that dive directly into the emotional core of matters, also plucks each of our heart strings like Orpheus’ lyre reminding us all how bittersweet it is to love and to suffer in love, not just romantically but within families and friend groups as well.
‘Because all of this
is for you.
All of me
has always been
for you.’
The Song of Us is not just a fantastic debut but just an overall wonderful novel. The retelling feels fresh and fun, wondering if we can beat the myths or if we will see ‘her pulled / like a ghost to a world / unknown.’ As a huge fan of poetry, I loved how central the art was to this book from raising money selling poems to help others fall in love to trying to win back love through a poem that could make you see how the world could be in spite of what it is. If its true what they say, time can mend a broken heart but the roller coaster of emotions on that return journey of healing is a long and lonely path. Art, like poetry and music, can be a great companion during this time and I enjoy the way Fussner demonstrates this in a way that will inspire readers to create their own, all while being a perfect book for someone experiencing the stings of first love. This would be an excellent addition to any classroom library—I recently fulfilled a request at the bookstore for 20 recent novels for a middle school english teacher’s classroom were they took most of my recommendations and this was one of them—and is a beautiful book. Plus, who doesn’t want a queer Greek myth retelling? So we raise our cups to Kate Fussner: a lovely story that handles difficult themes in empowering ways, The Song of Us is a delight. And shoutout to anyone who caught all the Hadestown references in this review, I recently went to see it and couldn’t resist.
5/5
‘There will be other loves
Other mistakes.
Both can be true.’
acolemanlibrarian's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
madivord's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
I'm not the target audience for this book and thus I am curious what the target audience thinks.
I just wanted an Orpheus & Eurydice retelling after seeing Hadestown and this is... marketed as that. I'll go on the record as saying that's one myth that does not need to be retold through a queer middle schoolers prospective.
Did give me some very visceral flashbacks to middle school & how we used to pay my friend to draw pictures or write cute things to be our binder covers.
Thanking the Greek gods & goddesses that I'm not in middle school.
I just wanted an Orpheus & Eurydice retelling after seeing Hadestown and this is... marketed as that. I'll go on the record as saying that's one myth that does not need to be retold through a queer middle schoolers prospective.
Did give me some very visceral flashbacks to middle school & how we used to pay my friend to draw pictures or write cute things to be our binder covers.
Thanking the Greek gods & goddesses that I'm not in middle school.
lindsaystenico8821's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
fl0_0's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
wisteriamoon's review against another edition
4.0
Oh, this was such a beautiful and sweet little story, a lovely take on my favorite Greek myth, and so beautifully written. It was tragic and broke my heart but also imbued with such tenderness and hope. What a gorgeous story. I wish there was more but I'm also so glad to have read this because it did not disappoint!
mirandaburel's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
monarchsandmyths's review against another edition
thank you to Katherine Tegen Books and Netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
What a treat this was! I’m not a huge reader of books-in-verse, but I never regret picking them up and this book was just further proof of that! I feel like Kate Fussner created a very solid world and characters within it, weaving in elements of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth throughout (though I wouldn’t say that this is a 100% retelling, more so inspired). At times, I had a hard time believing that I was reading about 7th graders and I’m not sure if this would have been better as younger YA, although that could just be my own personal experiences. Overall, I would definitely recommend picking this book up!
As an Orpheus and Eurydice inspired story, I fully expected this book to hurt me, and I think it delivered on that element. Fussner truly creates her own unique story with the feel of the original myth and all the best retellings that have come since (I listened to a lot of Hadestown while reading this). And though I definitely don’t want to spoil the ending, I think that the mixture of tragedy and a slight sense of hope truly created the best possible ending I could’ve hoped for.
For the characters themselves, I truly wanted the best for Olivia and Eden throughout, although they aren’t necessarily developed as much because they’re in a middle grade novel, there’s so much done with what was there. One of the most interesting elements for me was the way in which both had elements of Orpheus and Eurydice throughout, instead of being strict recreations. And although this is a story about romance, there are so many good elements of coming-of-age, of being a young teen and trying to figure out how to navigate life and be a good person despite how easy it can be to mess up. For me, the best thing about these characters is that they’re very human.
This was a pretty quick read, but worth savouring still. I look forward to seeing what else Kate Fussner writes in the future!
What a treat this was! I’m not a huge reader of books-in-verse, but I never regret picking them up and this book was just further proof of that! I feel like Kate Fussner created a very solid world and characters within it, weaving in elements of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth throughout (though I wouldn’t say that this is a 100% retelling, more so inspired). At times, I had a hard time believing that I was reading about 7th graders and I’m not sure if this would have been better as younger YA, although that could just be my own personal experiences. Overall, I would definitely recommend picking this book up!
As an Orpheus and Eurydice inspired story, I fully expected this book to hurt me, and I think it delivered on that element. Fussner truly creates her own unique story with the feel of the original myth and all the best retellings that have come since (I listened to a lot of Hadestown while reading this). And though I definitely don’t want to spoil the ending, I think that the mixture of tragedy and a slight sense of hope truly created the best possible ending I could’ve hoped for.
For the characters themselves, I truly wanted the best for Olivia and Eden throughout, although they aren’t necessarily developed as much because they’re in a middle grade novel, there’s so much done with what was there. One of the most interesting elements for me was the way in which both had elements of Orpheus and Eurydice throughout, instead of being strict recreations. And although this is a story about romance, there are so many good elements of coming-of-age, of being a young teen and trying to figure out how to navigate life and be a good person despite how easy it can be to mess up. For me, the best thing about these characters is that they’re very human.
This was a pretty quick read, but worth savouring still. I look forward to seeing what else Kate Fussner writes in the future!
jvanfosson's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
wonderology's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75