A Bead of Amber on Her Tongue

by Jennifer Pullen

Helen of Troy and two classical paragons of beauty and love. These two figures have served as the inspiration for innumerable works of art in the Western cannon. In the twenty-first century, however, what do their stories provide but a reminder of the predictable roles which sexism has assigned women throughout history and literature?
In this fresh new take on the two women’s stories, Jennifer Pullen takes us away from the familiar and deeper into their experiences. Rewriting Homer, Pullen revitalizes these two figures for the contemporary era. In A Bead of Amber on Her Tongue , Aphrodite maintains autonomy through her experience of her own body, even when forced into marriage. Helen of Troy, meanwhile, harbors a love for her maid, Esme, that no conquering hero can vanquish. Revisiting these classic stories with an inventive twist, Pullen shows that, with a little imagination, the classics may yet bear new insights.

Genres: Fantasy

48 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2019

About the author

Jennifer Pullen grew up in Washington State. She got her BA from Whitworth University, her MFA from Eastern Washington University, and her PhD from Ohio University. She is an Associate Professor of Creative Writing at Ohio Northern University.

Her fiction and poetry have been published in various journals and anthologies including: Going Down Swinging (AU), Cleaver, Phantom Drift Limited, Clockhouse, Prick of the Spindle, Defenestration, Blink Ink, Gravel, Off the Coast, Corvid Queen, F(r)iction, Psychopomp, Assay, and Behind the Mask (Meerkat Press), among others.

Reviews

[Shin Gaku · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are two great fantasies in this book. They are based on Greek myth. One is the story of Aphrodite and the other is Helen. In epic stories heroes often come first and women are kind of wall flowers. But in these stories women have their own will and points of views. Sometimes they are cynical to men's reckless behaviors. This is very realistic and plausible. After all, women are not the puppets of men. Jennifer Pullen's style is gorgeous and poetic. I also love beautiful cover art. I want to read this author's novel more.

[Kelly Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful booklet consisting of two smartly reimagined myths. If you loved Greek mythology as a kid, you will double love these stories that deepen our perceptions of Aphrodite and Helen of Troy, while remaining true to tradition. The production of the book is nice as well. It's nice to hold, and I love the greens.

[Alyse Bensel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This chapbook is comprised of two short stories that retell two famous Greek myths. The language is lush, gorgeous, and the narrators compelling. This is a quick but poignant read.

[Beccy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would love to read a full greek mythology retelling novel from this author as I really enjoyed the writing style and how she wrote Helen and Aphrodite.

[Morgs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved her writing style. I would be so happy to read anymore short stories she may publish in the future.