Ariadne, by Jennifer Saint: A Story of Blood and Wine (Book Review)

I didn’t know much about men; between Minos, the Minotaur and now Cinyras, I hadn’t wanted to learn. Or so I thought, until I caught the gaze of a handsome hostage and on the strength of that glance, let the fire he ignited within me burn down everything I knew.

Ariadne

Ariadne is a Princess of Crete, daughter of Minos and Pasiphae, sister of Phaedra and Asterion (which means ‘star’ but he is more commonly known as the Minotaur). As she grows up, Ariadne hears of what happens to the mortals who displease the gods and goddesses, especially women who seem to be punished for the crimes of men. But when she sees the effect of the birth of Asterion on her mother, and the creature he grows up to be, she knows she has to betray her father and help the person who has come to free the world of the Minotaur. Theseus arrives with his club and she provides him with the assistance he needs to kill it. Ariadne then leaves Crete with Theseus, believing he is taking her home to Athens to be his wife. People who know the myth will know what happens to her next: I did not know the story and so don’t wish to say anymore because it had me gasping in surprise.

Asterion. A distant light in an infinity of darkness. A raging fire if you came too close. A guide that would lead my family on the path to immortality. A divine vengeance upon us all. I did not know then what he would become. But my mother held him and nursed him and named him and he knew us both. He was not yet the Minotaur. He was just a baby. He was my brother.

Ariadne

I know very little about Classics or Greek mythology (I always say I would love to learn more about them but then never find the time), and I was worried that I would miss names or references while I was reading Ariadne, but I didn’t and not knowing how to pronounce certain names (I’m glad no one could hear me attempt some of them!) certainly didn’t hamper my enjoyment of the book.

It is described in the blurb as a “feminist literary retelling” of the myth, and when I googled Ariadne after I had finished reading I was met with paintings of her asleep while a certain God looks on at her: she does seem to be famous for her hair. So I am glad that she has had her story told, and told so well! The book had me gripped and I experienced so many emotions reading it! The book also follows Phaedra and her life following the death of the Minotaur and her storyline was just as compelling to read.

The world felt poised, suspended in a perfect balance between night and day, and I felt as though I stood on the very cusp of something momentous. The day that this sun heralded would be the end of the life I had led so far. What it would start, I couldn’t imagine. I couldn’t pin down the fluttery dreams the wreathed around me. It would be exciting, it would be different, that I knew. But that was all.

Ariadne

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read about two strong women battling against the world. I would also recommend it to anyone who wants to be transported away from this world (although so many of the themes still ring true in modern life). I would say I recommend that it be read with a large glass (goblet?) of red wine, but I’m not so sure about that….