For thousands of years, humans have been telling stories. Mythology and folklore is a rich tradition in the cultural tapestry. Whether it’s trite moral fables like The Tortoise & the Hare or epic legends like the trials of Hercules, these stories and their tropes pop up in literature over and over again. When an author can find a new take on these old tales, that’s when something really magical happens. This week, we’re looking at three authors and their books that manage to make the familiar exciting again.
HOT PICK
Goddess of the River by Vaishnavi Patel
SYNOPSIS:
In Goddess of the River, author and civil rights lawyer Vaishnavi Patel retells the story of the Hindu goddess Ganga. When the troublesome godlings of her river banks anger a vengeful sage, Ganga is cursed to live as a mortal human. She marries King Shantanu and gives birth to a son: Prince Devavrata. But just as her curse is lifted, Ganga is shattered to discover that she must leave her mortal son behind. Unable to escape their fates, Ganga and Devavrata are bound to one another as they spiral closer and closer to a tragic war.
WHY:
Goddess of the River is Vaishnavi Patel’s much-anticipated second novel. Its blend of mythology and feminist themes will leave you feeling empowered and introspective. The exploration of Ganga’s character is particularly poignant considering that, for thousands of years, stories have cast the goddess in a negative light. By centering the humanity in this ancient tale, Patel encourages readers to challenge everything we think we know about the world.
COFFEE SHOP READ
In the Garden of Monsters by Crystal King
SYNOPSIS:
Crystal King’s In the Garden of Monsters places the Hades and Persephone myth in a gorgeous Italian background with a surprisingly familiar face. In Rome in 1948, art student Julia Lombardi is invited by acclaimed artist Salvador Dalí to model for his portrait of Persephone. Though haunted by bouts of amnesia and a fragmented memory, Julia accepts the offer. When she arrives at the Sacro Basco — or Garden of Monsters — she is greeted by the dark and mysterious host, Ignazio. Though she can’t explain it, Julia feels drawn to Ignazio, almost as if she already knows him. The more time Julia spends posing as Persephone, the more the lines between fact and fiction start to blur. Eventually, Julia must ask herself: Could she really be the Queen of the Underworld?
WHY:
If you love the dark romance of Hades and Persephone, you’ll be enthralled by its sexy spin within In the Garden of Monsters. Crystal King’s choice to include the surrealist painter Salvador Dalí only heightens the mysterious tension running through the novel. Transport yourself to 1940s Italy and see if you can untangle King’s carefully crafted labyrinthine plot.
DARK HORSE
The Girl in the Bog by Keith Donohue
SYNOPSIS:
In The Girl in the Bog, author Keith Donohue reimagines an epic Irish folktale. When a farmer accidentally digs up the 2,000-year-old body of a girl preserved in a peat bog, he hardly expects her to wake up. But awaken she does, fracturing time and space and bringing wrathful ancient magic with her. Seeking the aid of some modern teenage witches, the girl flees in terror. She is chased by an American archaeologist bent on achieving fame and fortune, a pair of confused farmers, and droves of mischievous fairies whose motives are unclear. Past and present intersect in this heart-racing thriller as the coming sunrise promises a battle unlike any other.
WHY:
In true Irish fashion, The Girl in the Bog combines humor and horror to create a spell-binding adventure. Keith Donohue also uses the story’s setting to inform readers of the history of bog mummies — a real-life saga that is truly captivating all on its own. If you’re looking for a gripping and magical read, Donohue’s book is the perfect one for you.
Thank you for joining us for this week’s Three to Read! Don’t forget to tune in next week for even more curated reading lists.
For more recommendations of reimagined folktales, click here.
Find more books specially selected by the Bookstr team on our Three to Read bookshelf on Bookshop.org.
