Ariadne by Jennifer Saint

Hellows book readers,

Hope you’re having a joyful day today.

Let us start with this book review on Ariadne by Jennifer Saint which follows the stories of some Greek Mythology characters.

Review:

The story of this book is very controversial, yet it enlightens us about the greed of men and the power of the gods in Greek mythology. The storyline follows Ariadne, daughter of King Minos and Queen Pasiphaë. Minos is a son of Zeus, and Pasiphaë is the daughter of the sun god Helios. They have three children: Deucalion, Ariadne, and Phaedra.

Ariadne is joyful in her early years. King Minos rules Crete and commands a powerful naval army. He also has the genius of Daedalus, known in Greek mythology for his incredible talents. Daedalus created wings for his son Icarus and constructed the labyrinth. The story follows Ariadne as she helps Theseus, the prince of Athens, navigate the labyrinth and slay the Minotaur, a sacrifice demanded by Minos as retribution for Athens' rebellion against Crete.

After helping Theseus, Ariadne is abandoned on Naxos, where she encounters Dionysus and marries him. The book explores her journey through motherhood and her interactions with the gods. The main theme highlights the treatment of women in Greek mythology. Women like Medusa, Ariadne, Phaedra, and Pasiphaë often suffer due to the actions of men.

Medusa, a devoted priestess of Athena, is transformed into a gorgon by Athena as punishment for Poseidon's assault. Perseus, a son of Zeus, also faces Hera's wrath due to Zeus's infidelity. Similarly, Pasiphaë is cursed because Minos refused to sacrifice a bull to Poseidon, resulting in the birth of the Minotaur.

The book reveals a pattern of women being condemned to suffer for men's mistakes. This theme resonates even today, reflecting how women still often pay the price for men's actions. The book is insightful and well-written, offering a new perspective on familiar myths.

In addition to Ariadne’s story, the book provides a dual point of view from her sister Phaedra, who also suffers due to the actions of men. The narrative is easy to follow and divided into different parts, highlighting shifts in the story.

I look forward to reading more from this author, especially her book about Hera, who is often seen as inflicting suffering on women who attract Zeus's attention. Understanding Hera's perspective promises to be fascinating.

Below, I will provide a summary of this book for those interested in reading it. Afterward, I'll continue with "War," the second book in Laura Thalassa's The Four Horsemen series. I previously enjoyed "Pestilence" and appreciate the incorporation of mythology into literature. "War" explores Biblical mythology, adding another layer of depth to these narratives. I'll review that book soon.

Plot:

Jennifer Saint's Ariadne is a mesmerizing debut novel for fans of Madeline Miller's Circe.

Ariadne, Princess of Crete, grows up greeting the dawn from her beautiful dancing floor and listening to her nursemaid’s stories of gods and heroes. But beneath her golden palace echo the ever-present hoofbeats of her brother, the Minotaur, a monster who demands blood sacrifice.

When Theseus, Prince of Athens, arrives to vanquish the beast, Ariadne sees in his green eyes not a threat but an escape. Defying the gods, betraying her family and country, and risking everything for love, Ariadne helps Theseus kill the Minotaur. But will Ariadne’s decision ensure her happy ending? And what of Phaedra, the beloved younger sister she leaves behind?

Hypnotic, propulsive, and utterly transporting, Jennifer Saint's Ariadne forges a new epic, one that puts the forgotten women of Greek mythology back at the heart of the story, as they strive for a better world.

I hope you enjoyed my review, and I'll see you next time.