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In an Instagram post, Miller wrote, "Some news about my current novel-in-progress. I know I said I was working on the Tempest. Turns out the Tempest is going to have to wait. She grabbed me with both hands. #persephone."
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About the author
Madeline Miller
13 books83.7k followersMadeline Miller was born in Boston and grew up in New York City and Philadelphia. She attended Brown University, where she earned her BA and MA in Classics. For the last ten years she has been teaching and tutoring Latin, Greek and Shakespeare to high school students. She has also studied at the University of Chicago’s Committee on Social Thought, and in the Dramaturgy department at Yale School of Drama, where she focused on the adaptation of classical texts to modern forms. She currently lives in Cambridge, MA, where she teaches and writes. The Song of Achilles is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
Want to read
December 22, 2021I just know this novel will finally do Persephone justice
Want to read
October 5, 2025Be to her, Persephone,
All the things I might not be:
Take her head upon your knee.
She that was so proud and wild,
Flippant, arrogant and free,
She that had no need of me,
Is a little lonely child
Lost in Hell,—Persephone,
Take her head upon your knee:
Say to her, "My dear, my dear,
It is not so dreadful here."
Casually dropping Prayer To Persephone by Edna St. Vincent Millay
I've never been simultaneously more excited and terrified about a book in my life. I learned about this from my fellow Gilmore Girl, Marquise, and now it’s all I can think about. A Hades and Persephone book written by Madeline Miller?? *throws roses at Madeline's feet*
It’s been a long time since I read a Greek mythology retelling, but I'm ready to come out of hibernation for Madeline Miller.
The only thing I ask of the Muses is to inspire Madeline to create an interesting portrayal of Persephone. The main reason I stopped reading Greek mythology retellings, even though I will always be a Greek mythology girlie at heart, is that they often deviate too much from the original myths, feeling too modern and preachy. I also stopped reading Hades and Persephone retellings because most of them have poorly characterized Persephone. She’s frequently depicted as dimwitted, inexperienced, naive, weak, and boring—the “sunshine” to Hades' “grumpy” persona. It's time to retire the sunny, naive Persephone.
Even before Persephone became the dreaded Queen of the Underworld, she was already a goddess. I doubt she was ever as naive and inexperienced as many retellings suggest. I don't mind if Hades and Persephone aren't portrayed as being in love, or if their relationship doesn't end happily. All I ask for is a strong and capable Persephone who is not bullied by Hades, Demeter, Zeus, or any other deities. I want her to flourish.
I copied this paragraph from Madeline Miller's blog. You can read the full post on her official website. The post is called Myth of the Week: Persephone.
In modern retellings of Greek myths, it’s become common to portray Hades as evil, or demonic (see Disney’s Hercules). This is absolutely not present in the ancient myths. Though he was a gloomy and frightening god, the ancients never saw Hades as evil. He wasn’t responsible for human death or suffering, merely charged with shepherding the souls once they had left their bodies—a necessary, if melancholy, job. Out of respect and awe for his position, he was rarely depicted in ancient art. (Post-Classical artists had no such restrictions, where his abduction of Persephone is a favorite subject.)
So, in snatching Persephone Hades was no more villainous than any of those other ancient abductors (Zeus, Poseidon, Apollo, etc). In fact, some might argue he was less so.
She expresses her desire to create a version of Persephone that has personality and agency. Although this blog post was written a long time ago, in 2011, if her views on this famous couple haven't changed, it means I will get my favorite adaptation of the Hades and Persephone myth.
My favorites that I hope make an appearance in this book:
1. Psyche and Eros/Cupid. I don't want to spoil anything for you, but if you're familiar with the myth of Psyche and Eros, you know that Psyche and Persephone have a very interesting meeting in the Underworld.
2. Orpheus and Eurydice. This is a well-known myth that most people recognize, but in case you're not familiar, I won't spoil it for you. I'm almost certain Orpheus and Eurydice will make an appearance in this book because the Underworld is the most significant part of their story.
3. Nyx. A primordial goddess and the personification of the night, whom even Zeus feared. I hope she appears in the book, as she is, after all, an Underworld deity.
4. Hecate. Another Underworld deity, Hecate is the ancient goddess of magic and witchcraft. I’m predicting that Hecate and Persephone will become best friends in this book.
5. Ariadne and Dionysus. Dionysus has ties to the Underworld in several myths. He not only traveled there to save Semele, but in some versions of the myth, he is the son of Persephone. I doubt Madeline Miller will go that route, but I'm just putting that out there. There is an interesting connection between Ariadne and Persephone that many who only have a superficial knowledge of Greek mythology might not know. That connection is Theseus—my most hated figure in all mythology. He is celebrated as a hero, but this asshole used Ariadne to defeat the Minotaur and then abandoned her on an island to fend for herself, sailing away like a thief in the night. He also abducted Helen when she was a child and even traveled to the Underworld to abduct Persephone. I hope Madeline Miller stays true to the myth and includes a scene with Theseus coming to the Underworld. However, instead of being caught by Hades, I want Persephone to discover him, and I want her to DRAG HIM.
Anyway, these are my predictions/wishlist.
I'd be the voice that urged Orpheus
When her body was found
I'd be the choiceless hope in grief
That drove him underground
I'd be the dreadful need in the devotee
That made him turn around
And I'd be the immediate forgiveness
In Eurydice
Imagine being loved by me
Casually dropping Talk by Hozier.
P.S. I hope this book includes orcas. These aquatic assassins, scientifically known as Orcinus orca, derive their name from the Latin word 'Orcinus,' which means 'kingdom of the dead.' Orcus was the Roman god of the underworld. Orcas live in matriarchal societies where females make all the decisions. We all know that Madeline Miller writes books with strong feminist undertones. They are literally named after the Roman god of the underworld because they enjoy killing things, and they live in a feminist society. Make it happen, Madeline.
All the things I might not be:
Take her head upon your knee.
She that was so proud and wild,
Flippant, arrogant and free,
She that had no need of me,
Is a little lonely child
Lost in Hell,—Persephone,
Take her head upon your knee:
Say to her, "My dear, my dear,
It is not so dreadful here."
Casually dropping Prayer To Persephone by Edna St. Vincent Millay
I've never been simultaneously more excited and terrified about a book in my life. I learned about this from my fellow Gilmore Girl, Marquise, and now it’s all I can think about. A Hades and Persephone book written by Madeline Miller?? *throws roses at Madeline's feet*
It’s been a long time since I read a Greek mythology retelling, but I'm ready to come out of hibernation for Madeline Miller.
The only thing I ask of the Muses is to inspire Madeline to create an interesting portrayal of Persephone. The main reason I stopped reading Greek mythology retellings, even though I will always be a Greek mythology girlie at heart, is that they often deviate too much from the original myths, feeling too modern and preachy. I also stopped reading Hades and Persephone retellings because most of them have poorly characterized Persephone. She’s frequently depicted as dimwitted, inexperienced, naive, weak, and boring—the “sunshine” to Hades' “grumpy” persona. It's time to retire the sunny, naive Persephone.
Even before Persephone became the dreaded Queen of the Underworld, she was already a goddess. I doubt she was ever as naive and inexperienced as many retellings suggest. I don't mind if Hades and Persephone aren't portrayed as being in love, or if their relationship doesn't end happily. All I ask for is a strong and capable Persephone who is not bullied by Hades, Demeter, Zeus, or any other deities. I want her to flourish.
I copied this paragraph from Madeline Miller's blog. You can read the full post on her official website. The post is called Myth of the Week: Persephone.
In modern retellings of Greek myths, it’s become common to portray Hades as evil, or demonic (see Disney’s Hercules). This is absolutely not present in the ancient myths. Though he was a gloomy and frightening god, the ancients never saw Hades as evil. He wasn’t responsible for human death or suffering, merely charged with shepherding the souls once they had left their bodies—a necessary, if melancholy, job. Out of respect and awe for his position, he was rarely depicted in ancient art. (Post-Classical artists had no such restrictions, where his abduction of Persephone is a favorite subject.)
So, in snatching Persephone Hades was no more villainous than any of those other ancient abductors (Zeus, Poseidon, Apollo, etc). In fact, some might argue he was less so.
She expresses her desire to create a version of Persephone that has personality and agency. Although this blog post was written a long time ago, in 2011, if her views on this famous couple haven't changed, it means I will get my favorite adaptation of the Hades and Persephone myth.
My favorites that I hope make an appearance in this book:
1. Psyche and Eros/Cupid. I don't want to spoil anything for you, but if you're familiar with the myth of Psyche and Eros, you know that Psyche and Persephone have a very interesting meeting in the Underworld.
2. Orpheus and Eurydice. This is a well-known myth that most people recognize, but in case you're not familiar, I won't spoil it for you. I'm almost certain Orpheus and Eurydice will make an appearance in this book because the Underworld is the most significant part of their story.
3. Nyx. A primordial goddess and the personification of the night, whom even Zeus feared. I hope she appears in the book, as she is, after all, an Underworld deity.
4. Hecate. Another Underworld deity, Hecate is the ancient goddess of magic and witchcraft. I’m predicting that Hecate and Persephone will become best friends in this book.
5. Ariadne and Dionysus. Dionysus has ties to the Underworld in several myths. He not only traveled there to save Semele, but in some versions of the myth, he is the son of Persephone. I doubt Madeline Miller will go that route, but I'm just putting that out there. There is an interesting connection between Ariadne and Persephone that many who only have a superficial knowledge of Greek mythology might not know. That connection is Theseus—my most hated figure in all mythology. He is celebrated as a hero, but this asshole used Ariadne to defeat the Minotaur and then abandoned her on an island to fend for herself, sailing away like a thief in the night. He also abducted Helen when she was a child and even traveled to the Underworld to abduct Persephone. I hope Madeline Miller stays true to the myth and includes a scene with Theseus coming to the Underworld. However, instead of being caught by Hades, I want Persephone to discover him, and I want her to DRAG HIM.
Anyway, these are my predictions/wishlist.
I'd be the voice that urged Orpheus
When her body was found
I'd be the choiceless hope in grief
That drove him underground
I'd be the dreadful need in the devotee
That made him turn around
And I'd be the immediate forgiveness
In Eurydice
Imagine being loved by me
Casually dropping Talk by Hozier.
P.S. I hope this book includes orcas. These aquatic assassins, scientifically known as Orcinus orca, derive their name from the Latin word 'Orcinus,' which means 'kingdom of the dead.' Orcus was the Roman god of the underworld. Orcas live in matriarchal societies where females make all the decisions. We all know that Madeline Miller writes books with strong feminist undertones. They are literally named after the Roman god of the underworld because they enjoy killing things, and they live in a feminist society. Make it happen, Madeline.
need-this-rn
June 10, 2022never read a madeline miller book before, but if i see persephone i smash that green button like there's no tomorrow
(i have now read a madeline miller book and i need to know what twist she'll put in the story like immediately)
(i have now read a madeline miller book and i need to know what twist she'll put in the story like immediately)
Want to read
October 11, 2025Parking my pink truck here because rumours say this is going to have to do with a certain Springtime flower-and-bees lass and a certain reclusive proto-Hobbitish (Hey! Hades dwelled in a hole on the ground, all right?) deity, and there's some kidnapping and a terrifying mother-in-law and pomegranates involved.
It's official, folks! I'm going to buddy read this with Persy-chan.
I didn't think it at the time, but now I think it's funny that I'm returning to Greek mythology retellings (that I abandoned a couple of years ago for self-preservation reasons) is going to be with a friend that goes with the username Persephone's Pomegranate. It's either a sign from the Olympians, or my Lucy Ricardo fate.
Anyway, Persy has a laundry list of wishes for this book (go see her pre-review, quite informative!), chief amongst them Orcinus Maximus Meridius (Hades' orca guardian of the Underworld, don't believe dog propaganda that claims the entrance is guarded by Cerberus). And me? Well, I wish to not hate this.
Yeah, my expectations are that "high."
In all seriousness, I am intrigued by how Madeline Miller will deal with the controversial aspect of the myth that most retellings tend to either gloss over or 'sanitise' into consent/implied consent. I am, of course, referring to the kidnapping and rape of Persephone by Hades. Why? Because a) Miller is an expert in the lore, and b) she has shown in her prior retelling with a female protagonist that she doesn't shy away or gloss over the ugly and non-con aspects of Greek mythology. The single most important reason I tend to avoid H&P retellings in spite of its Beauty & Beast undertones is precisely how disastrously most authors approach this point or redo it to suit modern audiences. I don't blame them in part, because it's a minefield of a topic, but on the other hand the cowardice that shows in preferring romanticising it to depicting it as was is something that I find troubling.
Miller has made some tough decisions in her Greek mythology retellings I didn't agree with before, but they've not been because she doesn't know the context, historically and folklorically speaking. She does, I think she taught it too. So I'm going to cautiously trust her with Persephone's kidnapping. I'm also very curious about which of the versions of the myth she will use as a template (because there's not just one version that reached our time). And fourthly, I'm also intrigued about who the POV will be.
Anyway, a bit of a personal anecdote: I don't like pomegranate. My grandmother's house had a pomegranate tree, and she liked the fruit, so I always harvested it whenever I went to spend my days there. I developed my own method for enjoying the juice without eating the seeds, I would suck the juicy pulp and spit the seeds, which Granny hated seeing me do and scolded me for. I suppose that means I'd make a piss poor Persephone, because I'd not eat the seeds but just suck the juice and spit the pips in Hades' face?
Heh, probably.
It's official, folks! I'm going to buddy read this with Persy-chan.
I didn't think it at the time, but now I think it's funny that I'm returning to Greek mythology retellings (that I abandoned a couple of years ago for self-preservation reasons) is going to be with a friend that goes with the username Persephone's Pomegranate. It's either a sign from the Olympians, or my Lucy Ricardo fate.
Anyway, Persy has a laundry list of wishes for this book (go see her pre-review, quite informative!), chief amongst them Orcinus Maximus Meridius (Hades' orca guardian of the Underworld, don't believe dog propaganda that claims the entrance is guarded by Cerberus). And me? Well, I wish to not hate this.
Yeah, my expectations are that "high."
In all seriousness, I am intrigued by how Madeline Miller will deal with the controversial aspect of the myth that most retellings tend to either gloss over or 'sanitise' into consent/implied consent. I am, of course, referring to the kidnapping and rape of Persephone by Hades. Why? Because a) Miller is an expert in the lore, and b) she has shown in her prior retelling with a female protagonist that she doesn't shy away or gloss over the ugly and non-con aspects of Greek mythology. The single most important reason I tend to avoid H&P retellings in spite of its Beauty & Beast undertones is precisely how disastrously most authors approach this point or redo it to suit modern audiences. I don't blame them in part, because it's a minefield of a topic, but on the other hand the cowardice that shows in preferring romanticising it to depicting it as was is something that I find troubling.
Miller has made some tough decisions in her Greek mythology retellings I didn't agree with before, but they've not been because she doesn't know the context, historically and folklorically speaking. She does, I think she taught it too. So I'm going to cautiously trust her with Persephone's kidnapping. I'm also very curious about which of the versions of the myth she will use as a template (because there's not just one version that reached our time). And fourthly, I'm also intrigued about who the POV will be.
Anyway, a bit of a personal anecdote: I don't like pomegranate. My grandmother's house had a pomegranate tree, and she liked the fruit, so I always harvested it whenever I went to spend my days there. I developed my own method for enjoying the juice without eating the seeds, I would suck the juicy pulp and spit the seeds, which Granny hated seeing me do and scolded me for. I suppose that means I'd make a piss poor Persephone, because I'd not eat the seeds but just suck the juice and spit the pips in Hades' face?
Heh, probably.
Want to read
January 31, 2022To all the girlies thinking this will be a Hades/Persephone love story: uh, you might want to buckle up
Want to read
December 22, 2021Twitter really came through with this meme to express my feelings about this announcement
meme credit to @pheebsrowan
meme credit to @pheebsrowan
Want to read
December 23, 2021I might have pull a Dorian Gray and accidentally sell my soul to the devil or some kind of demon because I said too many time “I would sell my soul for a Madeline Miller’s Hades and Persephone” for this being a coincidence…
… Well if he will have my soul for eternity at least I hope he’s hot 🤷🏻♀️
… Well if he will have my soul for eternity at least I hope he’s hot 🤷🏻♀️
Want to read
March 17, 2022SHAKESPEARE? PERSEPHONE? MADELINE MILLER? WAS THERE EVER A BOOK MORE PERFECTLY SUITED FOR ME?
waiting-on-release
December 22, 2021RISE UP PERSEPHONE NATION, OUR TIME IS NOW
Want to read
November 5, 2022
which speculate my speed counts as soon as I found out that Madeline Miller is writing about Persephone.
GIMMIE GIMMIE The date......
Read
May 25, 2023Madeline Miller's opinion on Persephone: “There is a division at the heart of Persephone, who is at once the bringer of spring and the grim and terrifying Queen of the dead. Her story is rich with symbolic and allegorical resonance about death and rebirth. She is the incarnation of that ancient saying (supposed to make a sad man happy, and a happy man sad): This too shall pass.”
THIS IS GOING TO BE MY JOKER MOMENT. i will not apologize for the person i'll become when this releases in the (hopefully not-so-distant) future
THIS IS GOING TO BE MY JOKER MOMENT. i will not apologize for the person i'll become when this releases in the (hopefully not-so-distant) future
Want to read
December 23, 2021never been so fast to hit that ‘want to read’ button, will be dropping all my books for this
Want to read
December 23, 2021Our Lady of the Underground has heard our prayers
Want to read
December 22, 2021shitting my pants rn. i’m a hoe for persephone. AND MADELINE MILLER IS GOING TO WRITE IT??? please. bury me now
Want to read
December 22, 2021Persephone. Persephone? PERSEPHONE???
Want to read
January 20, 2022i see madeline miller book, i put on tbr
Want to read
December 24, 2021a madeline miller novel??
about persephone??
take my money and my soul!!
about persephone??
take my money and my soul!!
Want to read
January 15, 2022i feel like i need to apologize in advance for who i will be when this gets released
Want to read
October 5, 2022Miller announced she's writing a Persephone retelling and i am feral
Want to read
January 2, 2023if it's a retelling of persephone AND it's written by madeline miller, it's the best novel of the decade. i don't make the rules
Read
December 31, 2021You know what I am going to love about this book?
That is NOT going to be a bad porn book about Persephone with a horrible writing.
That is NOT going to be a bad porn book about Persephone with a horrible writing.
Want to read
July 22, 2022If anyone is gonna do Persephone justice it’s Madeline Miller
Want to read
June 11, 2022Madeline Miller's take on another Greek Mythology retelling and Persephone's at that? Give meee!!!
Yeah, I haven't read anything original but this woman's retellings are the reason I'm going to one day pick the Iliad or Odyssey 🙈
Yeah, I haven't read anything original but this woman's retellings are the reason I'm going to one day pick the Iliad or Odyssey 🙈
Want to read
December 24, 2021a persephone retelling.........madeline miller is gonna ruin my life with this one i just feel it
December 25, 2021
I will never know peace til I have a copy of this book on my hand.
Want to read
December 28, 2021At least I know that Persephone's ending is a happy one
December 31, 2021
this is my joker
Read
September 24, 2023i will sell my soul in a heartbeat for anything remotely related to madeline miller
Want to read
June 25, 2024sign me tf up girly
December 11, 2024
it’s been so long since i have read madeline miller😛
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews