Aphrodite's Curse: A Short Story

by Luciana Cavallaro

Aphrodite’s Curse is about a dynasty’s fall from grace, unrequited love and retribution.

A powerful family is brought to ruin, the consequences unforeseen and irreparable. The trouble begins with King Minos who asks the gods for a bull to be sacrificed so that he may become ruler of Kretos and surrounding lands. Poseidon sends him a gift of a white bull and instead of sacrificing it, King Minos keeps it. Poseidon is angry by his supplicant’s actions and as punishment glamour’s the king’s wife, Pasiphae to lust after the bull.

The story is told by Phaedra, Theseus’ wife, who witnesses first-hand, the rise and fall of her family. She grows up in a privileged environment, a princess and daughter of King Minos. From a very early age she knows the power her father wields, but is also aware his actions may have precipitated the misfortunes that followed.

She reflects on the different and disturbing events from a detached perspective. Her tone can sometimes be one of a spoilt child, then at other times resigned and on occasion shows an uncanny insight. This retrospective musing comes from her sighting of Hippolytos, her husband’s son from a previous marriage. She falls in love with him and finds it difficult to contain this secret and eventually tells her nurse.

Phaedra asks for Aphrodite’s help, even builds a temple, however Hippolytos spurns her advances. Shamed by her actions and by his revulsion, she poisons herself, leaving a letter to her husband writing that Hippolytos had raped her.

The story ends with her death.

Genres: Mythology, Short Stories, Historical Fiction, Historical, Fantasy

43 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 25, 2012

About the author

Luciana Cavallaro is a multi award-winning author of historical adventure fiction with a mythological twist. Her stories blend ancient history, legendary heroes, and gripping quests, drawing readers into immersive, cinematic worlds. Her books—The Labyrinthine Journey, Minotaur’s Lair, and The Guardian’s Legacy—have been recognised internationally, including as a Finalist in the New Media Film Festival and Quarterfinalist in the ScreenCraft Cinematic Book Competition.

Luciana grew up in Western Australia, where her passion for myths and storytelling began early—so early, in fact, she once tried to drive the family car at age three. That early spark of curiosity and mischief now fuels the imaginative adventures she writes today.

She loves connecting with readers, so feel free to follow her here on Goodreads or visit her website.

Reviews

[Bren fall in love with the sea. · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Unrequited love is a harsh companion."
- Luciana Cavallaro , Aphrodite's Curse: A Short Story




I think I would have liked this better if it had not gone into so much detail about all the mythological stories, and just concentrated on the subject at hand.

I had looked forward to reading this. But I found myself a little, bored frankly. I think that’s because all of the stories – I already knew about them. I’ve been reading Greek mythology, since I was a child.

I really don’t want to give too much away on this one, but the narrator harkens back in time and educates the reader, which is good in a way, but I’ve read so many books on so many of the stories. She goes over so much I found myself a bit impatient. I wanted to get back to what happened to her.

SPOILERS:

We don’t really get the gist of it until the stories about 80% done. We go back in time and we learn about this god and that god and Icarus and just so much that I already knew.

I understand there has to be a lead up but I wish then that the book
had been a little bit longer because it seems like just when we got to the really good stuff it was over.

I would have liked more dialogue as well. We were told a lot, but not shown, and I wanted to see the protagonist and the object of her affection who had little interest in her, actually have a conversation. I think that would’ve been very intriguing and interesting.

I would not call this bad by any means, and I absolutely adore the descriptions of the island. They are breathtaking descriptions, and I really got into that aspect of it.

But at the end of the day, there was too much telling, not enough showing and too much detail on other stories I’ve read about dozens of times. Three stars from me.

[Julie Duthie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the authenticity of the voice of Phaedra, the way her story is told as she is reflecting on events in her life as they come to mind rather than the more conventional linear reminiscing used by some authors but which often feels unnatural to the reader. We get to know Phaedra as an indulged princess, neglected wife and pawn in the political machinations of her countrymen and as her story unveils feel in turn disquiet at her narcissistic view on life and then empathy as she begins to have an insight into how her life had led to this final tragic event.

Well worth a second and third reading to get a feel of the many facets of Phaedra's character and how, in the end, she realises the only thing she can control in her life is her own actions.

[Mary Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Greek mythology but let's be honest, it can be difficult to understand and hard to keep all of the gods and goddesses straight. Not so with this entertaining short story of cursed, doomed love. Easy to read and just confirmed my love for Greek myths. I enjoyed this book so much that I'm off to read another story by Luciana Cavallaro entitled The Curse of Troy: Helen's Story. I may be hooked.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick pleasant read. Written like a teenage girl's diary, Phaedra gives an easy to follow summation of many Greek myths and tells a story of unrequited love. It's not great, but I enjoyed it because I'm a fan of all mythology.

[Goth Gone Grey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read, it tells the tale in a mix of modern & old fashioned language. The style is reminiscent of a teenage diary entry: rambling, gossipy & breathless. If you're not used to the mythology, the flood of unfamiliar names may be a lot to process at once.

[tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aphrodite,

Was a decent short story . Greek myths etc interest one of my favorite subjects. Worth the time to read.

[melissad butler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

Good. Wish it were longer. I'm in love with Greek mythology. This was a good sidebar insight to a fable.

[Janice Spina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aphrodite’s Curse told through the voice of Phaedra, a minor character in Greek Mythology. The author has written in first person in a creative and fascinating way through Phaedra’s letter to her husband. Phaedra has poisoned herself with hemlock due to her embarrassment of loving her husband’s son - unrequited love. She feels she cannot live with this fact and pours her heart out in a letter.

The author displays her love and knowledge of Greek Mythology enabling the reader to feel the angst of the characters, the injustice of being a woman, and loving another without abandon as Phaedra rambles on through writing as the poison slowly works through her body to weaken her. I highly recommend to anyone who loves Greek or Roman Mythology.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book, it was an interesting read and has rekindled an old love affair with this genre. My only complaint here is that it is too brief and could have been improved by being more in-depth in both the storyline and the characters within it, we rather skipped through the story instead. However it was not badly written and I think I will download the others in this short series.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phaedra has just poisoned herself with hemlock and with her last few breaths, she struggles to tell the world her family’s tale. Her family has seen many ups and downs, after all her father was King Minos and she is married to King Theseus. However her half-brother is what is known as the Minotaur and she has fallen for her husband’s son, Hippolytos. She pleads to the goddess, Aphrodite, in hopes that Hippolytos will return her advances. Unfortunately for her, he has pledged himself to the goddess, Artemis, and thus, poisoning is her only option.

Luciana Cavallaro demonstrates a powerful gift, when it comes to telling the lesser known tales of Greek Mythology. The narrator, Phaedra, comes from a powerful family and plays a small role in several ancient stories, yet in this book Cavallaro shares her side. Cavallaro provides a poetic balance between all of the various stories and characters, while giving just enough of an explanation so the readers understand. Fans of Greek Mythology must take notice Luciana Cavallaro, as they will quickly become life-long fans. Aphrodite’s Curse contains a few minor grammar errors, but the storyline flows with ease. This is definitely a must-read for everyone, even those that just want to get a taste of Greek Mythology.

I thoroughly enjoy how Luciana Cavallaro tells the same myths, but from new perspectives. Both of her short stories has a unique vibe, that will leave readers wanting to read more of her work.


Notes:

The author provided a copy of this book for me to review. To learn more about this author and her work, please visit her website at http://www.luccav.com

This review was originally posted on my website, Ariesgrl Book Reviews. To see this and other reviews, please visit my website at http://ariesgrlreview.com

[Susan Waterwyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

APHRODITE'S CURSE is a short story by Luciana Cavalero. It is written in first person from Phaedra's point of view. As a daughter of King Minos of Kretos and Queen Pasiphae, Phaedra had first-hand knowledge of legendary stories of the people and their gods. Her narration touches on the stories of Daedalos making wings and Ikaros flying too close to the sun, and the story of Persphone and Hades, and one of my all-time favorites involving Ariadne, Theseus, the Labyrinth, and the Minotaur (Asterion). Here are several story quotes from Phaedra:

"When Ariadne saw Theseus step off the ship, she became a victim of Aphrodite’s curse. It was love at first sight. Theseus was a virile man, handsome, brave and strong...
Ariadne was so smitten with Theseus that she made a decision that would affect our lives and the future of Knossos...
My sister went to Daedalos before he was imprisoned and asked him to help her. He gave her a ball of thread and a magical sword."

This is the second story by Luciana Cavalero that I've read. Once again, I will say that she brings mythology to life! These heroic and often tragic stories seem so much more believable when told by a character who lived at that time. Phaedra ends up married to Theseus, and later she also receives a tragic Aphrodite curse.

Cavalero's writing often takes on a poetic quality that tributes the ancient people who were the first to make poetry popular. Here is an example:

"...the perfume of blossoming almond and apple trees beguiled and tantalised the air; the sea of poppies: purple, white and red carpeted the plains."

APHRODITE's CURSE is an enjoyable story that I strongly recommend to lovers of ancient Greece. I felt like I was in the room with Phaedra as she told her story.

[Carrie Slager · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Full disclosure: I was never asked to review Aphrodite's Curse like I was Luciana Cavallaro's other books, but instead received it for free when I signed up for her newsletter. As always, this review is honest.]

Out of all the women Luciana Cavallaro has written about, I liked Phaedra the least. This is more of a matter of personal preference because I didn’t find her the least bit sympathetic. But could I understand her motives and did I care about what she had to say? Absolutely!

The fact that I didn’t like Phaedra but actually really enjoyed this story is a testament to Luciana Cavallaro’s skill as a writer. Phaedra had believable motivations for what she did because of her personality, which we glimpse both through her reflective flashbacks as well as her present day commentary as she is dying.

I’m not exactly familiar with the myth of Phaedra because it was relatively minor in the scheme of things, but after a bit of research I find that I appreciate Aphrodite’s Curse even more. It was well researched and the level of detail was enough to make me feel like I was there in Phaedra’s world. I could see the handsome Hippolytos, the temples, Phaedra’s deathbed, etc. The description wasn’t on par with the beautiful descriptions in The Curse of Troy, but it was certainly up there.

Really, Aphrodite’s Curse is what a short story should be: short and sweet but powerful. The descriptions are great but they’re not overdone, the characters come to life and I felt like I was back in the time period the story took place in.

I give this short story 5/5 stars.

[Deborah Bowman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Creative Mix of Old and New

Ms Cavallaro has told the ancient myths of Greece through the strong philosophical eyes of a princess of Kossos, who becomes Queen of Athens. She speaks and writes to us, her human sisters, an open letter of the occurrences of her and her family's life. Her father, King Minos, defies the gods by not sacrificing the sacred white bull. This rains down upon all members of her family punishment, devastation and death. The letter is written, however, as his daughter is dying from poison by her own hand. The exceptional uniqueness of this ancient story is in the main character's words. She speaks to us on many levels, most importantly with the wisdom and maturity of our modern times. Psychological advice and current parodies reach out to each of us from every page, from every utterance. As we all suffer and die inside from unrequited love ... so does this woman of fortitude react as a modern heroine.

I highly recommend this series of books on Cursed Women of ancient history. We will learn much about ourselves in the process. My only critique would be to extend these short masterpieces into Anthologies or chapters/sections in a broader scope. Delightful, down to earth, and entertaining.

[Kasper · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a very interesting short story, jam-packed with fascinating tales.

The story follows the tragic life of Phaedra via a long-lost letter she wrote on her deathbed, under the influence of a fatal poison taken after unrequited love. The letter includes many of the dramatic Greek fables such as Poseidon and the Minotaur cleverly wrapped into the background of her life.

I found the story started a little slow, with much description and little action, but picked up as the story went along. Perhaps it would have been more engaging as a longer text or diary, as I would engage with a new character, but then the story veered away from them.

I would like to hear more of Phaedra’s thoughts and emotions as her fascinating life unfolded.

The descriptions of ancient Greek life and artistry were well done, and I’d love to hear more from the author.

I’d recommend this story for anyone with an interest in history.

[Thorwald Franke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Farewell letter concentrating the myths of Minos and Theseus in a nutshell -

In a farewell letter princess Phaedra, daughter of king Minos and wife of Theseus, tells the story how it came that she had to poison herself and thus dying away while writing this letter. Along the way of her account all the known and lesser known myths around Minos and Theseus are told and combined to a greater story culminating in Phaedra's end. The enrichment and refinement of the myths into living stories is done well. The language is pleasent and the story unfolds (mostly) dramatically reasonable. It is an easy read providing an agreeable access to the classical traditions.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aphrodite's Curse is part of a series of short stories about renowned women from Ancient Greek History. It's told in the first person from the point of view of Phaedra who is on her deathbed.
Phaedra describes and explains her own life and digresses into several other stories too.
The book is a well written, readable and very engaging re-telling of the story. I liked the friendly, down to earth voice of the narrator who makes no attempt to disguise the harsh realities of Greek life in that era.
I enjoyed reading Aphrodite's Curse so much I downloaded the whole series of "Accursed Women" which I'm looking forward to reading.

[Melpomene · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Aphrodite's Curse' beautifully narrated by Phaedra via deathbed letter as the poison slowly drains her of life, takes us through the tales of the rise and fall of the Palace of Knossos, King Minos and Theseus along with all the ensuing tragedies orchestrated by Aphrodite's Curse which affects many and sets the unstoppable wheels of tragedy in motion.
Compelling reading for an understanding of Ancient Greek myths and the motivations of the women and another startlingly satisfying ending from Luciana Cavallaro. Thoroughly enjoyable. Read it if you enjoy classic myths and great storytelling.

[M.C. Dulac · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning story. Told from the perspective of Phaedra, a minor character in the myths of Minos and Theseus, this narrative is compelling and full of dread. Phaedra emerges as a very real woman at the mercy of the gods, her family and fate. The story is crafted with a sensitivity and sympathy which makes the reader forgive her even for her final terrible act. Beautifully written in a mesmerising style that kept me hooked until the end.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was guided towards Aphrodite's Curse as I have written about 'my' own Goddess.

Aphrodite's Curse is very skilfully written in that it has all the elements of the ancient deities and ancient Greece yet is written in a modern jaunty style with a sense of 'tongue in cheek' at all times....or maybe that's just me!

If you're a fan of myths and legends and Gods and Goddesses you will love Aphrodite's Curse.

[Chris Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great. Loved the way you used Pheadra to bring together so many areas of myth and legend. Will be recommending it to classics teacher as I think its well worth reading.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A novella that expands the story of Theseus and the Minotaur to show what happened before, during, and after to those two most dysfunctional royal families of Athens and Crete.

[Brenna Jarrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this! The way it was written was very enjoyable and the story was good.

[Shavelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ehh

Interesting story though extremely bland. I wouldn't recommend it although I wouldn't begrudge someone reading it. Good luck future reader

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting but poorly told

It's an interesting concept but I feel like it could have been much better if it stuck to the telling of one myth verses rambling through so many. She wasn't really the main character of her own story. I think it would have worked better had it been the story of the distraught older sister obsessing over Thesius and her misery at being cast aside.