Hera by Jennifer Saint

The Goddess Unbound

In the realm of Greek mythology retellings, Jennifer Saint has carved out a niche for herself, breathing new life into the stories of women often sidelined or villainized in ancient tales. With “Hera,” Jennifer Saint turns her keen eye to perhaps the most complex and misunderstood goddess of the Olympian pantheon. The result is a mesmerizing journey through the rise and fall of divine power, a poignant exploration of marriage and motherhood, and a thought-provoking meditation on the nature of change and identity.

From Titan’s Daughter to Olympian Queen: Hera’s Ascent

Jennifer Saint’s narrative begins with Hera as a young goddess, daughter of the Titan Cronus, hidden away from her father’s murderous intentions. From these early pages, we’re plunged into a world of primal forces and cosmic struggles. The author’s prose shimmers with an otherworldly quality, perfectly capturing the larger-than-life nature of these divine beings:

“Gods grow quickly, their infancy short-lived. It isn’t long before a god becomes what they will be forever: strong, powerful and fully grown. Hera came into her true self in the caverns that yawn beneath Oceanus, a place where daylight could never reach her.”

As Hera joins forces with her brother Zeus to overthrow their tyrannical father, we see the seeds of her ambition and her fierce desire for power. Saint skillfully weaves together the familiar mythological events with her own interpretations, creating a Hera who is far more than the jealous, shrewish wife often depicted in popular culture.

A Marriage of Inconvenience: The Uneasy Alliance of Zeus and Hera

The heart of the novel lies in the tumultuous relationship between Hera and Zeus. Saint doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of their union, including Zeus’s infidelities and Hera’s vengeful reactions. However, she adds layers of complexity to their dynamic, showing how Hera’s anger stems not just from jealousy, but from a deep-seated sense of betrayal and a thwarted desire for equality.

One of the most powerful scenes in the book comes early on, when Zeus forces himself upon Hera:

“She is paralysed by the knowledge that Gaia must have felt this too, spread under the wide heavens, with nowhere to escape. She thinks of Metis, once loved and trusted and revered by them both, then consumed by his greed, lost to his terrible desire. She doesn’t want to disappear into that same abyss.”

This moment becomes a turning point for Hera, setting her on a path of resistance and rebellion against her husband’s rule. Saint’s portrayal of Hera’s inner turmoil and her struggle to maintain her sense of self in the face of Zeus’s domineering presence is both heart-wrenching and empowering.

Mother of Monsters: Hera’s Unconventional Family

One of the most intriguing aspects of Jennifer Saint’s retelling is her exploration of Hera’s role as a mother. While the traditional myths often portray Hera as a cruel stepmother to Zeus’s many offspring, Saint gives us a Hera who is fiercely protective of her own children – even when those children are monstrous beings like Typhon.

The scenes where Hera interacts with her monster brood are some of the most touching in the book. Saint writes with unexpected tenderness:

“This is the last piece of Typhon: the gift he leaves her…

She pictures those twelve golden thrones again. She has lost two of her sons; the Olympians have turned against her. She can’t risk returning to her beloved monsters in Ekhidna’s caverns while Zeus remains suspicious of her; she might lead him right to them.”

These moments humanize Hera in a way that traditional mythology rarely does, showing her capacity for love and nurturing even in the face of societal rejection.

The Price of Power: Hera’s Struggles and Triumphs

As the novel progresses, we see Hera grappling with the consequences of her actions and the limitations of her power. Saint doesn’t shy away from showing Hera’s flaws – her pride, her tendency towards cruelty, her sometimes misguided attempts at revenge. Yet even in her darkest moments, Hera remains a compelling and sympathetic character.

One of the most poignant threads running through the novel is Hera’s growing realization that the power she’s fought so hard for may not bring her the satisfaction she seeks. Saint writes:

“Hera won’t resent them any longer. She’ll forgive them for not filling the void that aches inside her; she’ll find a little comfort in their happiness. The weight of her own history drags in her wake, anchoring her where she is, the pain she’s carried in her soul almost since the world began, fastening her in place so she can’t follow them into their calm, contented waters.”

This internal conflict adds depth to Hera’s character arc, making her journey one of self-discovery as much as it is about external power struggles.

A Changing Pantheon: The Decline of Olympus

In the latter part of the novel, Saint takes a bold step by exploring the twilight of the gods’ reign. As human civilization evolves and belief in the Olympians wanes, we see Hera and the other gods struggling to adapt to a changing world. This section of the book is particularly thought-provoking, raising questions about the nature of divinity and the relationship between gods and mortals.

Saint’s depiction of a crumbling Olympus is hauntingly beautiful:

“The palace erupts into chaos; the immortals arm themselves and run to see where the assault is coming from. The giants have risen from the earth. From Sicily, Thrace, Campania and Arcadia, the terrible children of Gaia have emerged from their caves to wage war on Mount Olympus.”

These scenes of cosmic upheaval are balanced by quieter, more introspective moments as Hera begins to question her place in this new world order.

A New Kind of Immortality: Hera’s Transformation

The novel’s conclusion offers a surprising and deeply satisfying resolution to Hera’s story. Without spoiling the ending, it’s safe to say that Saint presents a vision of immortality that goes beyond mere eternal life, touching on themes of legacy, adaptation, and the power of stories.

In her final transformation, Hera becomes a symbol of resilience and reinvention:

“Immortal and ageless, reinvented a thousand times, remade for a thousand narratives, throneless and wandering, but forever the ruler of her own destiny.”

This ending feels both true to the spirit of Greek mythology and refreshingly modern, offering a new perspective on what it means to be a goddess in a world that no longer believes in gods.

Verdict: A Triumphant Reimagining of a Misunderstood Goddess

Jennifer Saint has once again proven herself a master of mythological retellings with “Hera.” This novel is a worthy addition to her previous works, “Ariadne” and “Elektra,” further cementing her place as one of the foremost voices in the genre of feminist mythology.

“Hera” stands out for its nuanced portrayal of its titular character, its lush, evocative prose, and its thoughtful exploration of timeless themes. Saint’s writing style is immersive and lyrical, drawing readers into the world of gods and monsters with vivid descriptions and powerful emotional resonance.

While fans of Greek mythology will undoubtedly appreciate the depth of research and the clever twists on familiar tales, “Hera” is accessible enough for newcomers to the genre. Saint provides enough context for readers to understand the mythological background without getting bogged down in exposition.

For readers who enjoyed Madeline Miller’s “Circe” or Pat Barker’s “The Silence of the Girls,” “Hera” offers a similar blend of mythological retelling and feminist reinterpretation. However, Saint’s unique voice and her focus on the queen of the gods set this novel apart from its contemporaries.

In Conclusion: A Divine Read

“Hera” is more than just a retelling of Greek myths – it’s a profound meditation on power, love, and the ways we define ourselves. Jennifer Saint has given us a Hera who is complex, flawed, and utterly human in her desires and struggles. This is a novel that will linger in your mind long after you’ve turned the final page, inviting you to reconsider everything you thought you knew about this most misunderstood of goddesses.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Greek mythology or simply looking for a compelling, character-driven story, “Hera” is a must-read. Saint’s latest offering is a triumph of storytelling, a powerful reminder of the enduring relevance of these ancient tales, and a testament to the strength and resilience of women throughout history – mortal and divine alike.