A review by thereadingmum
The Heroines by Laura Shepperson
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Mythological retellings are one of my favourite genres and this one did not disappoint.
This is the story of Phaedra, daughter of King Minos, sister of Ariadne and the Minotaur, wife of Theseus.
I didn't know the traditional story, and I didn't look it up while reading the book. I feel this helped me to enjoy the book more. However, it is important to know that this story does not end well. The atmosphere of impending tragedy is there right from the start and not everyone likes that. I personally don't, but with myths, there is a lot of it so it's to be expected. I mean humans are always either being abused and killed by gods. It seems to be our way to lay blame on most of our tragedies.
Anyhoo, here's what I liked about this version of the story. I liked the multiple view points of mostly all women, and one old man. It definitely sets the stage for how the women are treated in ancient Greece, which is similar to most of ancient history up to about 100 years ago or less, depending on where you live. I liked that while Phaedra seems very naive, she does have a depth of strength. I liked how Medea's story bolsters the ending. I also liked Theseus devotion to his son, which is not in the original myth.
What I didn't like: in The Heroines as well as Stone Blind, which I read recently, there is an extreme vilification of men. Yes, I get that women had a hard time and mostly because of men, but for every single male in this story, apart from one guard, to be a complete a-hole, is a bit much.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it if you enjoy tragic Greek myths.
This is the story of Phaedra, daughter of King Minos, sister of Ariadne and the Minotaur, wife of Theseus.
I didn't know the traditional story, and I didn't look it up while reading the book. I feel this helped me to enjoy the book more. However, it is important to know that this story does not end well. The atmosphere of impending tragedy is there right from the start and not everyone likes that. I personally don't, but with myths, there is a lot of it so it's to be expected. I mean humans are always either being abused and killed by gods. It seems to be our way to lay blame on most of our tragedies.
Anyhoo, here's what I liked about this version of the story. I liked the multiple view points of mostly all women, and one old man. It definitely sets the stage for how the women are treated in ancient Greece, which is similar to most of ancient history up to about 100 years ago or less, depending on where you live. I liked that while Phaedra seems very naive, she does have a depth of strength. I liked how Medea's story bolsters the ending. I also liked Theseus devotion to his son, which is not in the original myth.
What I didn't like: in The Heroines as well as Stone Blind, which I read recently, there is an extreme vilification of men. Yes, I get that women had a hard time and mostly because of men, but for every single male in this story, apart from one guard, to be a complete a-hole, is a bit much.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it if you enjoy tragic Greek myths.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence, Rape, Violence, and Suicide