54 pages • 1 hour read
Ariadne
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Book Brief
389
Novel • Fiction
Ancient Greece
2021
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Ariadne by Jennifer Saint is a 2021 fantasy novel that retells the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur from the perspective of Ariadne, daughter of King Minos and sister to the Minotaur. Ariadne helps Theseus defeat the Minotaur and escapes Crete with him, but after he abandons her on Naxos, she finds solace with the god Dionysus. The story explores gender roles, heroism, and the lives of women in ancient Greece. The novel features depictions or mentions of sexual assault, domestic violence, and violence against children.
Mysterious
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Fantastical
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
136,032 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Jennifer Saint's Ariadne is celebrated for its lyrical prose and fresh perspective on Greek mythology, highlighting the strength and resilience of its female characters. Critics appreciate its feminist reinterpretation, though some feel the pacing is uneven. Overall, it’s a captivating retelling that gives voice to often overshadowed mythological figures.
Who Should Read Ariadne?
A reader who enjoys Ariadne by Jennifer Saint is likely fascinated by Greek mythology, enjoys well-researched retellings of ancient stories, and appreciates strong, nuanced female protagonists. Fans of Madeline Miller's Circe or Natalie Haynes' A Thousand Ships will find this novel particularly compelling.
136,032 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
389
Novel • Fiction
Ancient Greece
2021
Adult
18+ years
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