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Book: "Ariadne"

Author.

Genre: novel

Score (1 to 6): 6

"Jennifer Saint's Ariadne is a book about women, about Greek mythology as we don't know it. A story about women who fight for a better world, thanks to whom history is what it is and they remain in the shadows. The book is magical, unleashing the imagination. But before I tell you that story, I'd like to share some facts about Ariadne:

Ariadne in Greek mythology is the daughter of the Cretan king Minos and Pasiphae. Her fate is linked both to the battle between Theseus and the Minotaur and to the god Dionysus. Yes, I'm sure you've heard of these names and their history, but do you know anything about Ariadne? According to legend, Minos attacked Athens after his son was killed there. The Athenians ask him for his terms to spare the city, and Minos demands that they sacrifice seven young men and seven maidens to the Minotaur once a year, for nine years. During one of the years, young Theseus volunteers to join the group of youths prepared for the sacrifice in order to kill the Minotaur. Ariadne falls in love with him at first sight and gives him a magic sword and an orb of red woolen thread, which she spins. Entering the labyrinth, he unwound the orb, and after killing the Minotaur, returned to the exit, following the thread left behind. Upon his return, Ariadne escaped with him to Athens. But, according to Homer, Theseus and Ariadne did not stay together long, as she was killed by Artemis on the island of Dia at the accusation of Dionysus. Homer does not explain what Dionysus' accusations were, but according to the Oxford Classical Dictionary, Ariadne was already married to Dionysus when she eloped with Theseus. Legends also state that the first king of the island of Lemnos was Thios, son of Dionysus and Ariadne.

The book is extremely compelling. I've loved reading about Greek mythology since I was a little girl, and now I've been exposed to things I didn't even know. Extremely great details that explain events I've already heard about. A different take on things that support Napoleon's theory that "Behind every successful man, there is a strong woman". A new epic that puts the woman and her hidden strength, the thirst for good, at the center. These are the women featured in the book. Ariadne, princess of Crete, who from childhood listened to stories of gods and heroes. Behind the walls of these stories, in reality, is heard the clatter of her brother Minotaur. An enormous, fearsome monster that claims countless victims. When Theseus comes to destroy the Minotaur, the lovely Ariadne sees in him an opportunity for escape, for a better life. And so it comes to pass that she stands behind him, to help him kill the monster and forget about his family. Her sister Phaedra, however, who remains in Crete, is also a very strong female character. The novel is full of twists, adventures and interesting characters for whom the world is a different place and they are only just rediscovering it. Enjoy a Greek mythology like you have never come across before.