Story of Persephone

by Penelope Farmer, Graham McCallum

A retelling of the Greek myth in which Persephone returns from the underworld each year to bring spring to the earth.

Genres: Greek Mythology

48 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1972

About the author

Penelope Jane Farmer is an English fiction writer well known for children's fantasy novels. Her best-known novel is Charlotte Sometimes (1969), a boarding-school story that features a multiple time slip.

Reviews

[Stephen R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful trip down memory lane for me. This book was in our primary school library when I was a youngster back in the 70s and I remember reading it many times as I was fascinated by Greek mythology and astronomy. The myth explains the cycle of the seasons in a delightful way and is illustrated with funky 70s psychedelic artwork. It tells the story of Persephone who is stolen from her mother, the Earth goddess Demeter (aka Ceres), by the ruthless dark lord Hades (aka Pluto) and taken to his subterranean realm as his queen. Unfortunately, Persephone eats of a pomegranate offered to her while in the chthonic realm and is obliged to spend part of every year underground. During this season, the earth shrivels and wilts until her return. An interesting and ornate book to have ready for the younger reader curious to learn more about Ancient Greek mythology.