Rachael's Reviews > Minotaur

I love Greek mythology and I came to this retelling of the Minotaur with eager expectation. I wasn't disappointed.

Using restrained 1st person narration, Asterion tells the story of his life to the poet Ovid. Simpson cleverly captures a sense of distance/detachment/perspective in Ast's voice. He's looking back 1000 years and while he suffered terribly, he has moved on. The telling is a ritual of putting the past to rest.

We are given key events that establish Asterion's true nature, the contrast in this physical size/strength set against his gentleness and shyness. We see the foundation of cruelty and injustice inflicted by Minos. Theseus introduction sets the story humming. His recklessness, boldness and wrath work as a counterpoint to Asterion's caution, reluctance and mercy.

Asterion's time in the Labyrinth was what I most looked forward to and I found this part of the story especially satisfying. The inclusion of Daedalus and Icarus's storyline had me rapt and all the clever details that went into creating the 'myth' of the fearsome Minotaur.

I looked forward to whenever I could next pick up the book. The story quickly captured my interest and never flagged. It poked at all my buttons, offending my sense of justice, making me turn pages hungry for Asterion's vindication and freedom. It was a pleasure to read.