Ariadne

A Novel

By: Jennifer Saint

Narrated by: Barrie Kreinik

Length: 11 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

"An elegant performance by narrator Barrie Kreinik recounts the life of Ariadne...This production, with its outstanding narration, makes the classic story new again. Kreinik is the perfect voice for Ariadne, a noble young woman who bravely stands up for her values." (AudioFile Magazine, Earphones Award winner)

A mesmerizing debut novel for fans of Madeline Miller's Circe.

Ariadne, Princess of Crete, grows up greeting the dawn from her beautiful dancing floor and listening to her nursemaid’s stories of gods and heroes. But beneath her golden palace echo the ever-present hoofbeats of her brother, the Minotaur, a monster who demands blood sacrifice.

When Theseus, Prince of Athens, arrives to vanquish the beast, Ariadne sees in his green eyes not a threat but an escape. Defying the gods, betraying her family and country, and risking everything for love, Ariadne helps Theseus kill the Minotaur. But will Ariadne’s decision ensure her happy ending? And what of Phaedra, the beloved younger sister she leaves behind?

Hypnotic, propulsive, and utterly transporting, Jennifer Saint's Ariadne forges a new epic, one that puts the forgotten women of Greek mythology back at the heart of the story, as they strive for a better world.

A Macmillan Audio production from Flatiron Books

"Jennifer Saint's Ariadne is a shimmering tapestry of two sisters bound by deceit and the shadows of family history...With a fresh voice and keen insight, Saint adds flesh and bone to an ancient myth, drawing the reader into an uneasy world of ever-afters." (Yangsze Choo, New York Times best-selling author of The Night Tiger)

©2021 Jennifer Saint (P)2021 Macmillan Audio

Only one disappointment...

I thoroughly enjoyed this book with one exception...it ended too abruptly for me. The story held my attention very well, even difficult to stop listening to at times, in part because of the excellent reading by Barrie Kreinik. Highly recommend this book!

No Spoilers… Even if it is Actual Ancient History

I was familiar with the initial part of the story set on Crete and the initial part on Naxos, so it took me until chapter 8 to really get into the story. I was also familiar with “The Bacchae” by Euripides (405 BC), which tells of Dionysus and his maenads. But prior to book I has never known, or at least remember, the god of wine’s connection to Ariadne.

I would consider this a lovely story of female empowerment (despite the end fit for any traditional Greek Tragedy), weaving different tales of other women of Greek mythology seamlessly into Ariadne’s. Ariadne is a strong, independent thinker, who is underestimated by several characters throughout the book. But she never ceases to rise to the occasion.

Very enjoyable

I felt like the narration was a little incongruous with the descriptions that they were followed up with, but otherwise very well read. The story was not as strong at the beginning, and I thought the device of jumping back and forth between the sisters, while effective, created a sense that this book wasn't really about the titular sister. But, overall I enjoyed it.

Beautiful!

What a wonderful way to get away from your stress for a while. The book is read so beautifully, the story has so many twists and turns but flows nicely.

Triggers: death, violence towards women/animals/children

No happiness in Greece

All the greek tragedies coming out are amazing! this one has so much more spirit that others Ive read, you really feel for the characters and understand their choices! Jennifer Saint did a much better job than most authors here!

Compelling

Can't-stop story, superlative narrator, myriad twists and turns--I'd love more from this author.

Greek mythology that centers the stories of women?

yes, please. I have loved most of the stories I’ve found in this genre, including Circe, Achilles Song, Silence of the Girls, and now, Ariadne. Give me more, please!

It was fine

Interesting retelling of the myth, but depressing and I did not really like any of the characters. Performance was very good.

Great story!

This book is great for people just getting into Greek mythology! It's not as enchanting as Circe or Song of Achilles but I definitely enjoyed it. I like the narrator too!

Entertaining.

Tried to be empowering, but felt like it was just bashing men at times.