Were you familiar with any of the myths the author includes in the narrative? Which ones? How did the author’s versions compare to those you recall?
I’m familiar with most of them. I did have to do some research on the Three Graces. It was after reading the novel also that I did some internet research on Aphrodite. She has been supplanted by Venus. And that, of course, is the statue that I saw when reading the final pages.
I think that Bear and authors who write similarly bring these myths alive for how we experience life today. To read the myths as they have been communicated through time makes them seem distant, Bear brings Aphrodite into the present,
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Karen, I agree. I’ve really enjoyed the retellings out - Miller’s Circe and Son of Achilles helped those myths and the Trojan War come alive for me. I loved getting the opportunity to read and review Son of Nobody by Yann Martell recently. And I was surprised by how enjoyable the Broadway play (seen touring in Chicago) Hadestown was. I had difficulty when I was younger keeping everybody and all their names straight!
I had read Joseph Campbell years ago and discovered Nathalie Haynes recently. I can’t recall anything specific in the book that aligns with either author but in general, the narrative follows what I remember reading about the gods and goddesses. A Thousand Ships, Haynes’ book, matches up with the Trojan War elements in this book.
I took a few classics courses in college and used to know most of the Greek myths pretty well. However that was decades ago and I had forgotten so many of them. This was a true joy to read because it brought back memories of the stories I used to know and love.
Well said Karen. You said what I have been trying to figure out how to say
Like most of us, basic Greek mythology was required reading in school,but it only covered the basic well known stories. I’ve read about the Trojan War and the play Agamemnon. What I loved about this Aphrodite in Pieces, Clytemnestra, Babylonia, and Ariadne (Circe is on my list) was how real and immediate the culture was presented. Like Aphrodite in Pieces, this cultural context enhanced our understanding of the choices that were made.
Like most of us, I have familiarity with the myths but it has been along time since I used that knowledge, so I certainly can use a refresher. I am thoroughly enjoying the retellings that have appeared from various authors. I also appreciate that so many of the retellings give a female perspective. When I learned about the myths they were viewed from a male perspective, and if any reason was given for a female gods action it was limited at best and often negative.
Bring on more retellings!
I mostly know the myths as a myth lover having always been fascinated by all types of mythology. I also have been working on my own myth retelling and reimagining ideas and have used Lauren J.A. Bear’s versions for a lot of references and enjoyed her versions quite a lot. I think Lauren J.A. bear’s retellings are some of the best ones and I always love her perspective and take on these stories and how she creates and portrays the characters like Aphrodite making her a strong woman but also having very human qualities. I love what I learn and get out of her myth retellings.