Danae

by Laura Gill

Born a princess of Argos, young Danaë’s life is turned upside down when a prophecy reveals that her father, Acrisius, is destined to perish at the hands of her future son. Exiled from court, she begins a new life among the Women of the Mountain, the self-sufficient, virgin priestesses of the Great Goddess. But when Zeus interferes, upsetting the balance of Danaë’s life, she will need everything she has learned to protect herself and her son, Perseus.

Genres: Mythology, Historical Fiction

ebook

Published March 14, 2016

Reviews

[Iset · Rating 4 out of 5]

What kept running through my mind as I read this book was how much it reminded me of Henry Treece. Treece wrote several works, but I’ve only read the three novels he penned reimagining the ancient Greek myths of Oedipus, Jason, and Elektra. But Danae isn’t just similar because it’s a reimagining of a different Greek myth which, like Treece, attempts to bring the tale closer to plausible historicity. The writing style is very reminiscent of Treece too. I should clarify: that is definitely praise. Treece had a way of capturing the harsh realities of Bronze Age life, and mixing a confusing surrealism with a poignant familiar humanity, that even though his books are not door-stopper tomes, they nevertheless feel like you’ve just read such an epic tome, the drama runs so high and plunges so low. Danae does the same thing. It captures the confusion of childhood – another thing Treece does well – the mixture of an alien yet identifiable world. It takes the time to build up its characters and plots, so the payoffs feel earned, not to mention allowing the reader to fully visualise the story, and time to invest in it. One thing I particularly love – both about Treece’s works and this book – is the vivid descriptions and imagery. I admit, when it comes to language in a novel, I switch off a bit if the wordplay is competent but of the functional, barely-above-school-level variety; it keeps me interested however if an author shows a wider knowledge, and is inventive in creating unexpected metaphors. I love the creativity of that; the flair and the flow of the words, put together in a sublimely fresh way, it delights and engages. It challenges me, keeps me awake, and provokes further thought. Best of all, such vivid scenes are the most immersive ones. I want to particularly highlight Danae’s dream of Zeus, because that was such a perfect balance of familiar and surreal, of pure fantasy and pure dread, it’s stayed with me. Pretty much the entire section of Danae’s life with the women of the mountain, to a lesser extent, also held me fascinated throughout. More of this, please.

8 out of 10