Ariadne by Jennifer Saint

*** My Review ***

Ariadne is a novel that will transport you to ancient Greece, where the gods ruled the earth and heroes were made. In this retelling of the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur, author Jennifer Saint shines a light on the often-overlooked character of Ariadne, daughter of King Minos and sister to the monstrous creature that lives in the labyrinth beneath her father’s palace.

From the opening pages of the book, we see Ariadne as a young girl, living a life of luxury and privilege within the walls of her father’s palace. Her world is one of silk dresses and golden trinkets, of feasts and festivals, but there is a darkness lurking beneath the surface. When Theseus arrives in Crete as part of the Athenian tribute, Ariadne is immediately drawn to him, sensing a kindred spirit in the young hero who is also an outsider in her world.

As Ariadne and Theseus grow closer, she becomes increasingly conflicted about her loyalties. Should she help Theseus kill her brother, the Minotaur, and free Athens from the annual tribute of seven youths and seven maidens? Or should she remain loyal to her family, even if it means sacrificing her own happiness and the lives of others?

One of the strengths of Ariadne is the way in which Jennifer Saint brings the ancient world to life. From the descriptions of the palace and its inhabitants to the rituals and customs of the Cretans, the book is rich in detail and atmosphere. It’s clear that Saint has done her research, and her passion for the subject matter shines through on every page.

Another strength of the book is its portrayal of female relationships. Ariadne is not just a love interest for Theseus; she is a complex character in her own right, with her own desires, fears, and ambitions. Saint explores the bonds between sisters, the power dynamics between mothers and daughters, and the friendships that women forge with one another in a world dominated by men. These relationships are central to the story, and they give the book an emotional depth and resonance that sets it apart from other retellings of ancient myths.

One of the challenges of writing a book based on a well-known myth is finding a fresh perspective on the story. While Ariadne is not the first retelling of the Theseus myth to focus on the character of Ariadne, it is one of the most successful. Saint takes familiar elements of the story—the labyrinth, the Minotaur, the ball of thread—and weaves them into a narrative that feels both original and timeless. By focusing on the emotional journey of her characters, rather than just the plot, Saint makes the story feel immediate and relevant to contemporary readers.

One of the most powerful themes of Ariadne is the idea of agency and power. Throughout the book, we see how Ariadne struggles to assert her own will and desires in a world that is dominated by men. Her father, King Minos, is a tyrant who rules with an iron fist, while her brother, the Minotaur, is a creature who can only communicate through violence. In this context, Ariadne’s decision to help Theseus feels like a bold and courageous act of rebellion.

Yet, even as she helps Theseus, Ariadne is acutely aware of the limitations placed upon her. She knows that, as a woman, she will never be able to fully control her own fate. She is trapped between the demands of her family and the expectations of society, and she must navigate this difficult terrain with grace and courage.

Ultimately, Ariadne is a book about the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit. Despite the many obstacles she faces, Ariadne never gives up on her quest for happiness and freedom. She is a character who inspires admiration and empathy, and her story is one that will stay with readers long after they have finished the book.

If there is one criticism to be made of Ariadne, it’s that the pacing can be a little slow at times. The book is divided into sections that correspond to different stages of Ariadne’s life, and while this structure works well for the most part, there are moments when the narrative momentum stalls. However, these moments are relatively few and far between, and they are more than compensated for by the book’s strengths.

Another criticism is that the book’s portrayal of ancient Greece can be somewhat idealized. While Jennifer Saint does an excellent job of bringing the world of the myth to life, some aspects of the society she depicts may feel overly romanticized. For example, the book presents a somewhat simplistic view of gender roles, with women largely confined to traditional roles as wives and mothers. While this may be accurate for the time period, some readers may find it limiting or unsatisfying.

Finally, it’s worth noting that Ariadne is a retelling of a myth, and as such, it may not be entirely satisfying for readers looking for a completely original story. While Jennifer Saint does add her own twists and interpretations to the myth, the overall structure and plot will be familiar to many readers. For some, this may detract from the enjoyment of the book.

Overall, Ariadne is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant retelling of a classic myth. Jennifer Saint has taken a well-known story and made it her own, breathing new life into the characters and the world they inhabit. This is a book that will appeal to anyone who loves historical fiction, mythology, or simply a good story well told. Highly recommended.