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Ariadne summary
Brief summary
Ariadne by Jennifer Saint is a captivating retelling of the ancient Greek myth. It delves into the untold story of Ariadne, offering a powerful and feminist perspective on her journey through love, betrayal, and self-discovery.
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Ariadne
Summary of key ideas
Reimagining Greek Mythology
In Ariadne by Jennifer Saint, we are transported to ancient Crete, where we meet the titular character, Ariadne, and her sister Phaedra. The story begins with the arrival of Theseus, the Athenian prince, who has come to Crete as part of the annual tribute of young men and women to be sacrificed to the Minotaur, a monstrous creature that resides in the labyrinth.
Ariadne, who is repulsed by the cruel tradition, is drawn to Theseus and decides to help him defeat the Minotaur. She provides him with a sword and a ball of thread to help him find his way out of the labyrinth. Theseus succeeds in killing the Minotaur and, with Ariadne's help, escapes the labyrinth, taking her and her sister with him.
The Betrayal and the Abandonment
However, Theseus's intentions are far from noble. He abandons Ariadne on the island of Naxos while she sleeps, taking Phaedra with him. Heartbroken and betrayed, Ariadne is left to fend for herself. Meanwhile, Phaedra, who is also in love with Theseus, is devastated by her sister's abandonment and the realization of Theseus's true nature.
As the story progresses, we witness the stark contrast in the sisters' experiences. Ariadne, once a princess, is now a castaway, while Phaedra, who was once overshadowed by her sister, is now Theseus's wife. Despite her new status, Phaedra is consumed by guilt and remorse, unable to forget her sister's sacrifice.
The Power of Sisterhood
Throughout Ariadne, the bond between the two sisters remains a central theme. Despite the betrayal and the distance, their love for each other endures. Ariadne, who initially feels responsible for her sister's fate, eventually comes to terms with her abandonment and finds solace in her solitude. Phaedra, on the other hand, struggles with her guilt and the realization that her marriage to Theseus is far from the fairy tale she had envisioned.
As the story unfolds, we see the sisters' paths diverge even further. Ariadne finds love and happiness with Dionysus, the god of wine and revelry, while Phaedra's life takes a tragic turn, leading to her eventual demise. Despite their different fates, the sisters' bond remains unbroken, a testament to the enduring power of sisterhood.
Reclaiming Their Stories
In Ariadne, Jennifer Saint skillfully reimagines the well-known Greek myth, offering a fresh perspective on the women who have often been relegated to the sidelines. Through Ariadne and Phaedra's stories, she explores themes of love, betrayal, resilience, and the enduring power of sisterhood.
As the novel draws to a close, we witness Ariadne's transformation from a betrayed princess to a powerful goddess, reclaiming her narrative and embracing her newfound freedom. Meanwhile, Phaedra's tragic end serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of societal expectations and the limitations placed on women in ancient Greece.
In conclusion, Ariadne is a captivating retelling of a classic myth, shedding light on the often-overlooked female characters. Through her lyrical prose and rich storytelling, Jennifer Saint breathes new life into these ancient tales, giving voice to the women who have long been silenced by history.
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What is Ariadne about?
Ariadne by Jennifer Saint is a captivating retelling of the ancient Greek myth. It delves into the untold story of Ariadne, the daughter of King Minos, and her journey to help Theseus defeat the Minotaur. Filled with betrayal, love, and resilience, this book offers a fresh perspective on a classic tale.
Ariadne Review
Ariadne (2021) by Jennifer Saint is a captivating retelling of the Greek myth of Ariadne and Theseus. Here's what makes this book worth reading:
- With exquisite attention to detail, it brings the ancient myth to life, transporting readers to the world of gods and heroes.
- Through complex and compelling characters, the book explores themes of betrayal, loyalty, and sacrifice, adding depth and nuance to the original story.
- With its fresh perspective and thought-provoking insights, Ariadne reimagines a familiar tale, injecting it with new meaning and relevance.
Who should read Ariadne?
- Readers who enjoy exploring the untold stories of women in mythology
- Those with an interest in ancient Greek myths and legends
- Individuals who appreciate richly developed characters and immersive storytelling
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Ariadne FAQs
What is the main message of Ariadne?
The main message of Ariadne is the power of perseverance and the strength of women's voices.
How long does it take to read Ariadne?
The reading time for Ariadne varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Ariadne a good book? Is it worth reading?
Ariadne is a captivating book that brings Greek mythology to life. It's definitely worth reading for those interested in strong female characters and ancient tales.
Who is the author of Ariadne?
Jennifer Saint is the author of Ariadne.
What to read after Ariadne?
If you're wondering what to read next after Ariadne, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
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- Theory U by C. Otto Scharmer
- The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman
- The Innovator ’s Dilemma# by Clayton M. Christensen
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
- Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
- Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
- The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda