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A review by anabel_unker
Seeds by Angie Paxton
4.0
*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*
In this retelling of the classic myth of Hades and Persephone, PAXTON explores the complicated and fraught relations between mother and daughter and the tender bonds that can form between two abused individuals.
To start, the romance between Persephone and Hades was dutifully complex. How can a hurt and broken individual learn to love another? How does the idolized, imagined version of someone compare to the real person? Can real love form between a kidnapper and his victim (in this story, yes, in real life-- not so much)? Tackling the complex web of Hades' and Persephone's perceptions and feelings revolving the kidnapping, as well as the convoluted motivations behind Hades' actions, adding depth to their love story and some amount of credibility.
Paxton stuck closely to the 'traditional' mythical Underworld, rather than some of the more modern interpretations, which added another, somewhat unexpected, layer to the story. In a similar thread, Paxton captured what life might had been like in Ancient Greek mythology-- not necessarily through historical accuracy, but the turbulence of the god's whims and humanity's fragility in the face of the unstoppable forces.
Demeter's story was also richly layered. She abused Persephone throughout her life (because of her inability to empathize with her daughter and her daughter's humanity? Because she herself had been hurt and scorned and 'hurt people, hurt people'? Because her daughter represented everything Demeter now hated about her life and was the only thing truly in her control?), and only realized she needed her daughter to know she loved her once the kidnapping had occurred.
My personal interpretation of Demeter's character was that her actions were not that of a loving mother as she continued to proclaim throughout the entire book. But the desperation of someone losing power, and an abuser unwilling to let their victim go. While some of her actions could have been truly for the sake of her daughter (), the eventual path of causing the first winter and forcing humans to worship her for more power did not feel... maternal.
But it made for an interesting interpretation.
SEEDS would be an excellent choice for fans of greek mythology retellings, who are looking for a more character-driven and emotional version. I'll warn you though, this version does not have a Hollywood Happy ending-- choices are made and it's Persephone who ends up suffering.
In this retelling of the classic myth of Hades and Persephone, PAXTON explores the complicated and fraught relations between mother and daughter and the tender bonds that can form between two abused individuals.
To start, the romance between Persephone and Hades was dutifully complex. How can a hurt and broken individual learn to love another? How does the idolized, imagined version of someone compare to the real person? Can real love form between a kidnapper and his victim (in this story, yes, in real life-- not so much)? Tackling the complex web of Hades' and Persephone's perceptions and feelings revolving the kidnapping, as well as the convoluted motivations behind Hades' actions, adding depth to their love story and some amount of credibility.
Paxton stuck closely to the 'traditional' mythical Underworld, rather than some of the more modern interpretations, which added another, somewhat unexpected, layer to the story. In a similar thread, Paxton captured what life might had been like in Ancient Greek mythology-- not necessarily through historical accuracy, but the turbulence of the god's whims and humanity's fragility in the face of the unstoppable forces.
Demeter's story was also richly layered. She abused Persephone throughout her life (because of her inability to empathize with her daughter and her daughter's humanity? Because she herself had been hurt and scorned and 'hurt people, hurt people'? Because her daughter represented everything Demeter now hated about her life and was the only thing truly in her control?), and only realized she needed her daughter to know she loved her once the kidnapping had occurred.
My personal interpretation of Demeter's character was that her actions were not that of a loving mother as she continued to proclaim throughout the entire book. But the desperation of someone losing power, and an abuser unwilling to let their victim go. While some of her actions could have been truly for the sake of her daughter (
Spoiler
such as petitioning Zeus for her return and physically looking for her for nine daysBut it made for an interesting interpretation.
SEEDS would be an excellent choice for fans of greek mythology retellings, who are looking for a more character-driven and emotional version. I'll warn you though, this version does not have a Hollywood Happy ending-- choices are made and it's Persephone who ends up suffering.