Member Review

Each passing day brings forth the realisation that when it comes to Greek mythology I have only scratched the surface. New characters (particularly women) that are often overlooked in the past come up as central characters making their voices heard. This time it is Psyche's turn.

"No temples were ever built in my honour, and no colleges of priestesses ever sung hymns in my names"

She is the Goddess of soul and the beloved of Eros, the God of love. If you want to find a romantic comedy in Greek mythology, then that is theirs. At least that is what McNamara has created through her stunning work. While some may criticise McNamara's handling of the original myth, I beg to defer. Should we really be faithful to the original when it comes to retelling? Wouldn't that fail its purpose? I, for one, loved how the author made Psyche into an archer. Sure, feminist retellings don't have to make the woman a warrior. Still, I can't help but notice that this puts Psyche on equal footing with her archer husband.
The depiction of Eros as a primordial god ushered in a new perspective on the so-called main storyline. Zeus, as usual, doesn't gain any favourable points but Prometheus, on the other hand, shines through his lighthearted humour. Seeing him was like revisiting many of my childhood memories. Psyche's POV introduces a horde of other characters: Iphigenia, Clytmenestra, Atlanta . . . the list goes on. Women whose blood drenched the legends.
Psyche and Eros' love story may not be as famous as Helen's and that could be a good thing. It does have a happy ending. As Psyche says, "Truly great lovers rarely make their way into the public eye. They are too busy with one another". Thank you McNamara for bringing them to the public eye and for creating an unforgettable tale.