In Ovid, one of the strongest scenes is when Theseus abandons her - crazy how many times that scene has been copied in later works of literature, including the Italian “Orlando Furioso”. Great review!!
Yes, that cover! It's an art finding the right edition sometimes. Circe's the only one of this style I've tried, and it was excellent for me, but I've never been a fan of Odysseus, despite richly enjoying a re-read of The Odyssey last year. I might have to get around to Ariadne sometime...
Thx Alana, if you're saying that contemporary fiction is more about world-building than character development, then I agree. It's possible we've become more interested in understanding the world we live in than understanding those with which we share it. Of course, there's the risk of suggesting that within us all are innate features determining the paths we choose. Well, perhaps we are lumps of clay until that lucky day when a deity breathes life into us. I don't know but I do like a novel that contains several fully developed characters, even if to do so means building on something someone else has written.
Perhaps it depends on the genre. I read mainly character driven stories, so I can’t say what that may be for a genre okie fantasy, as I don’t read much of it. With Greek Mythology, I think it’s critical for the modern reader and teller of these myths to understand how the Greeks though and viewed the world because the ancient Greeks saw many things vastly different than we do now, and without that context, things get misinterpreted because the modern reader is projected a modern mindset in an ancient world.
In Ovid, one of the strongest scenes is when Theseus abandons her - crazy how many times that scene has been copied in later works of literature, including the Italian “Orlando Furioso”. Great review!!
I still need to read Ovid! And you’re right - it’s definitely been the inspiration for a lot of stories. Thank you!
That’s so true!! British editions’ covers are consistently better than US ones! 😅
It’s not fair 🤣
For real!
How have I missed this? This is the perfect kind of book to me. Adding it asap!
Ooooh!! I hope you get to read it soon and I look forward to your thoughts!
Yes, that cover! It's an art finding the right edition sometimes. Circe's the only one of this style I've tried, and it was excellent for me, but I've never been a fan of Odysseus, despite richly enjoying a re-read of The Odyssey last year. I might have to get around to Ariadne sometime...
Haha yes - I have to hunt down the perfect edition! I’m a big Odysseus fan 🤣
@@alanaestelle2076 I'll stick with Achilles and a few other more obscure folks... :)
Thx Alana, if you're saying that contemporary fiction is more about world-building than character development, then I agree. It's possible we've become more interested in understanding the world we live in than understanding those with which we share it. Of course, there's the risk of suggesting that within us all are innate features determining the paths we choose. Well, perhaps we are lumps of clay until that lucky day when a deity breathes life into us. I don't know but I do like a novel that contains several fully developed characters, even if to do so means building on something someone else has written.
Perhaps it depends on the genre. I read mainly character driven stories, so I can’t say what that may be for a genre okie fantasy, as I don’t read much of it. With Greek Mythology, I think it’s critical for the modern reader and teller of these myths to understand how the Greeks though and viewed the world because the ancient Greeks saw many things vastly different than we do now, and without that context, things get misinterpreted because the modern reader is projected a modern mindset in an ancient world.
Love that book so much ❤🥹🥹
It’s so good! 🙌🏼
I named one of my daughters after this princess 🤍