TL;DR
Ariadne by Jennifer Saint is a reimagining of the Greek myth of Ariadne, focusing on her internal struggles and the consequences of her decisions as she helps Theseus kill the Minotaur.
What is Ariadne about
Ariadne, authored by Jennifer Saint, is a feminist retelling of the Greek myth centered on Ariadne, the Princess of Crete. Raised amidst the grandeur of her golden palace, Ariadne's life is shadowed by the presence of her monstrous brother, the Minotaur. When Theseus, Prince of Athens, arrives with the intent to kill the beast, Ariadne falls in love with him and decides to aid him, which leads to a betrayal of her family and homeland. The novel explores the repercussions of her choices and the fates of those around her, particularly her younger sister, Phaedra. Saint's narrative delves into the lives of often-overlooked women in mythology, offering a poignant and captivating story.
Ariadne 7 Key Takeaways
Ariadne's early life
Ariadne grows up in the palace of Crete, enjoying its splendor but haunted by her brother, the Minotaur, who resides beneath its grounds.
Meeting Theseus
Theseus, Prince of Athens, arrives in Crete as a sacrificial offering to the Minotaur. Ariadne falls in love with Theseus and conspires to help him defeat the monster.
Betrayal and escape
Ariadne helps Theseus kill the Minotaur, betraying her family and country in the process. She dreams of a happy future with Theseus.
Abandonment
Theseus abandons Ariadne on the island of Naxos, shattering her hopes of a happy ending. She is left to fend for herself and reevaluate her decisions.
Ariadne's new life
Ariadne finds solace and a new beginning when Dionysus, the god of wine, finds her on Naxos. Her life takes a different turn under his divine care.
Phaedra's fate
The story also highlights the life of Ariadne's younger sister Phaedra, who faces her own struggles and is eventually married to Theseus, leading to further tragedy.
Final reflections
Ariadne reflects on the cost of her choices, the nature of the gods, and the resilience of women in a male-dominated mythological world.
Top Ariadne Quotes
- 'I would not let a man who knew the value of nothing make me doubt the value of myself.'
- 'In my father's palace, the truth was never allowed to mar a perfect surface.'
Who should read Ariadne?
Ariadne is an ideal read for fans of Greek mythology and feminist retellings. Those who enjoyed Madeline Miller's Circe and other reimaginings of classic myths will find this novel compelling and thought-provoking. Readers interested in stories that highlight female perspectives and inner strength will also appreciate Ariadne.
Ariadne Best Reviews
- A captivating and lyrical retelling of an ancient myth that brings the forgotten women of Greek mythology to the forefront. Jennifer Saint's prose is hypnotic and deeply affecting.
- Ariadne is a beautifully crafted novel that combines elements of romance, tragedy, and mythology, making it a compelling read for fans of Madeline Miller's Circe.
- Jennifer Saint offers a fresh perspective on an age-old story, giving voice to the silenced women of Greek myths with empathy and grace.
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Ariadne FAQs
What is the book Ariadne about?
Ariadne is a feminist retelling of the Greek myth of Ariadne, who helps Theseus kill the Minotaur, betraying her family and country, and faces the consequences of her actions.
Is Ariadne book spicy?
The book does not contain explicit sexual content, although sexual relations are inferred. It includes some gore and briefly mentions rape, but these elements are not graphically depicted.
Is Ariadne worth reading?
Ariadne is a beautifully written and poignant novel that will appeal to fans of Madeline Miller's Circe and those interested in feminist retellings of mythology.