The Persephone Problem

Having a background in History and Anthropology, I find fairy tales and myths to be especially interesting.  When I read a story from theses genres, I find myself wondering, is there a historical kernel of truth that has been embellished and evolved over time through retellings and regional variations?  If so, what really happened?  How can the modern version be reinterpreted with an understanding of the historical context in which the story actually took place?  What motivated the characters to act as they did?  What conflicts and emotions drove their actions and resulted in the outcome we see?    Is the story simply a morality tale with a lesson to convey?  Does knowing the historical context change our interpretation of the the story's intent?

I love reading both non-fiction analyses of such things (Check out The Rumplestiltskin Problem by Vivian Vande Velde - super interesting!)  as well as the modern retellings that attempt to answer those questions and give the characters a depth that we don't see in the traditional versions.

I recently read a novel that was the ancient-Greek-immortals-in-modern-times sort of thing, and it challenged the idea that Hades kidnapped Persephone and forced her into the Underworld, as the popular version of the myth claims.  A character in the novel raises the question of whether this is even possible, or if she must have chosen to go with him willingly.  Although I'm vaguely familiar with the ancient Greek myths, I've never studied them in depth or given them much thought.  So I'd never considered that question before, but found it intriguing.  About two months later I came across a book called Radiant Darkness, by Emily Whitman, that addresses that very question.

Persephone lives in the most gorgeous place in the world.  But her mother's a goddess, as overprotective as she is powerful.  Paradise has become a trap.  Just when Persephone feels there's no chance of escaping the life that's been planned for her, a mysterious stranger arrives.  A stranger who promises something more - something dangerous and exciting- something that spurs Persephone to make a daring choice.  A choice that could destroy all she's come to love, even the earth itself.     - excerpt from book jacket

The novel retells the Persephone myth as if it actually occurred in the distant past, and is not simply a tale used to explain the seasons.  It adopts the perspective that Persephone wanted to go with Hades to the Underworld. It explores the events and emotions that led up to Persephone's decision, how her choice affected both the gods and goddesses involved as well as the humans on earth, how the decision was made for her to return, and why the myth was recorded with erroneous facts.

I really enjoyed this novel.  Not only was it interesting and believable, but was surprisingly relevant as a coming-of-age story.  It would be a good read for simple enjoyment, but also for students who are studying the literary elements of imagery, symbolism, and motifs, as well as internal and external conflict as it carries the plot forward and leads to character development.  The text was written in an easy to read, simple style, helping these elements to stand out and be more easily evaluated, yet not detracting from the quality of the novel at all.


Rating: 4 Stars
Reading Level: 4.4
Age Appropriate:  Although other online sources recommend Grade 9 and above, I think this book is perfectly appropriate for Upper Middle Grades.
Page Count/Word Count:  274/ 52,003
Genre:  Mythology, Coming of Age
Keywords: Persephone myth, mothers and daughters, romance