E.K. Sathue answers “Did everyone involved with this book just...”

Andrea asked this question about Youthjuice:

Did everyone involved with this book just not realize they named the company a Jewish slur? I couldn't find this discussed in any of the reviews, so I can't tell whether they're all just oblivious or if there's something redemptive about that naming in the book itself.

E.K. Sathue This is Erin Mayer, aka E.K. Sathue, author of youthjuice. I appreciate your sensitivity to this topic, and as a Jewish person, this misinterpretation…moreThis is Erin Mayer, aka E.K. Sathue, author of youthjuice. I appreciate your sensitivity to this topic, and as a Jewish person, this misinterpretation is particularly upsetting to me.

The name of the beauty and wellness company in my novel was taken directly from Greek mythology, specifically the daughter of Zeus and Hera and goddess of youth, Hebe—bearer of the cup of ambrosia, or the liquid of eternal youth to the gods, and (some believe) the beneficiary of her own cult of devotees. As someone who worked within the beauty industry, I found this ancient goddess and her cult to be the perfect backdrop for a satirical horror novel. My book also features a frontispiece on the first page featuring an image of the goddess Hebe, along with a correct, phonetic pronunciation of her name "hee-bee."

I want to make very clear that the name of this fictional company is not to be confused with the Jewish slur. youthjuice is about the worship of beauty and youth at terrible costs, and in no way speaks to the Jewish experience in any capacity. Without spoiling the novel, much is also owed to the story of the Hungarian Countess Elizabeth Bathory, whose own quest for eternal youth allegedly led her down a horrible, gory path.

For more on the goddess, check out https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebe_(m.... These are stories that have meant a lot to me, and I want readers to be absolutely clear about how they have inspired what I hope is the first of many more horror novels!(less)

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Andrea Thank you for clarifying and providing this additional context.
May 03, 2024 06:15PM · flag

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