Sara Machado's Reviews > Ariadne

This book is a retelling of some greek myths (Minotaur labyrinth, Phaedra and Dionysos) from Ariadne perspective.

I know it is unfair to make comparisons as Madeline Miller has set an impossibly high standard when it comes to Greek retellings. However, I can’t ignore it and, although Jennifer Saint’s writing is beautiful and lyrical, I must say she’s no Madeline Miller and Ariadne is no Circe.

My main issue with the book it’s not the writing though, it’s the content. Everyone who knows me knows I love to see the women perspective of events and read a feminist view of those. However, instead of empowering females, the feminist view of the book can be summarized with “men are bad and take advantage of women”.
Additionally, both Ariadne and Phaedra are quite unremarkable, and their lives were not that interesting, which made me feel bored for most of the book.

I believe this story would have worked much better as a novella rather than a full length novel.

The reviews show this is a well beloved book so maybe just ignore my opinion. I recommend it for everyone who loves mythology and retellings.