Book Review: Galatea, by Madeline Miller

The Greek myth retold with feminist seething.

Ecco, 2013, 64 pages

From the internationally bestselling and prize-winning author of The Song of Achilles and Circe, an enchanting short story that boldly reimagines the myth of Galatea and Pygmalion.

In Ancient Greece, a skilled marble sculptor has been blessed by a goddess who has given his masterpiece – the most beautiful woman the town has ever seen – the gift of life. Now his wife, he expects Galatea to please him, to be obedience and humility personified. But she has desires of her own, and yearns for independence.

In a desperate bid by her obsessive husband to keep her under control, she is locked away under the constant supervision of doctors and nurses. But with a daughter to rescue, she is determined to break free, whatever the cost...

( Hey, did you know the Greeks were very patriarchal? )

Also by Madeline Miller: My reviews of Circe and The Song of Achilles.

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My complete list of book reviews.