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A review by jessicaludden
Phaedra by Laura Shepperson
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“If they are the heroes, does that make us the heroines? We keep going, we persevere, we ask for nothing, and we get even less. Where are our stories?”
Phaedra by Laura Shepperson follows the story of Phaedra, princess of Crete, who becomes the Queen of Athens when she agrees to marry Theseus. When in Athens, Phaedra is Queen in name only and the atrocities of court life and the treatment of women are revealed to her. When Theseus’ son Hippolytus rapes Phaedra, she publicly accuses him and a trial ensues. The women of Athens know all too well what “justice” means for them, but Phaedra is only just beginning to learn these hard truths.
To preface my review, I read Ariadne by Jennifer Saint earlier this year and loved it, so I am a little familiar with this story and have some background on it. I think this story was done really well. I loved how we got Phaedra’s point of view, but also how all the other point of views focused on those characters’ thoughts about her. It really solidified the idea that Phaedra was the topic of all court gossip and the idea that there are many different sides to a story.
I loved the night chorus. It was such a chilling addition to the book that served as Phaedra’s enlightenment to the reality of being a woman at that time. It was also relevant that Phaedra’s case was the one being highlighted because she is Queen and has that status with her, meanwhile these women of the night chorus are expected to continue keeping their heads down and remaining silent.
One thing I wish this book had was more lyrical writing. Personally, I think there is a certain expectation of whimsical writing that comes with writing a Greek mythology retelling.
Overall, I really enjoyed this. I think this book has a very relevant message about how sexual assault is viewed even today. But even in the midst of all that tragedy there were still moments of strength and hope from the women in this story that I think are very well done and deserve to be told.
“If they are the heroes, does that make us the heroines? We keep going, we persevere, we ask for nothing, and we get even less. Where are our stories?”
Phaedra by Laura Shepperson follows the story of Phaedra, princess of Crete, who becomes the Queen of Athens when she agrees to marry Theseus. When in Athens, Phaedra is Queen in name only and the atrocities of court life and the treatment of women are revealed to her. When Theseus’ son Hippolytus rapes Phaedra, she publicly accuses him and a trial ensues. The women of Athens know all too well what “justice” means for them, but Phaedra is only just beginning to learn these hard truths.
To preface my review, I read Ariadne by Jennifer Saint earlier this year and loved it, so I am a little familiar with this story and have some background on it. I think this story was done really well. I loved how we got Phaedra’s point of view, but also how all the other point of views focused on those characters’ thoughts about her. It really solidified the idea that Phaedra was the topic of all court gossip and the idea that there are many different sides to a story.
I loved the night chorus. It was such a chilling addition to the book that served as Phaedra’s enlightenment to the reality of being a woman at that time. It was also relevant that Phaedra’s case was the one being highlighted because she is Queen and has that status with her, meanwhile these women of the night chorus are expected to continue keeping their heads down and remaining silent.
One thing I wish this book had was more lyrical writing. Personally, I think there is a certain expectation of whimsical writing that comes with writing a Greek mythology retelling.
Overall, I really enjoyed this. I think this book has a very relevant message about how sexual assault is viewed even today. But even in the midst of all that tragedy there were still moments of strength and hope from the women in this story that I think are very well done and deserve to be told.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicide, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Child death, Death, Gore, Infidelity, Blood, Abortion, Death of parent, Murder, and Alcohol