Dead Beautiful by Melanie DuganModern retelling seem to be all the rage lately, so when I heard that Dead Beautiful was a modern YA retelling of the Greek myth of Persephone, I jumped at the chance to read it.
Except I wouldn't really classify this as a modern retelling. The story didn't feel like it took place in modern society ,and there were comments made, such as when the Gods refer to this new guy Jesus, that made you wonder when it was actually supposed to take place. Really the only thing that made it feel modern were the comments about Uggs or Hallmark. But instead of placing it in modern day it felt more like an infomercial.
The story was told by changing the narrator every page or two. This way we knew exactly Zeus, or Hades, or Demeter, or Persephone or several other smaller characters were thinking at any point or time. This isn't the way I would have imagined the story would have been told, but it was definitely an interesting and unexpected idea.
I do think this story had a lot of potential, and if you aren't familiar with Persephone's story you may enjoy this a lot more than I did. But I do think if the author fully embraced modern times (maybe sent Persephone to high school, or gave her a cell phone, or even acknowledged technology), this could have had the makings of an unforgettable book.
2.5/5
Disclosure: I was provided this book through TLC Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.
What a bummer. I loved the story of Persephone.
ReplyDeleteHmm, sounds like this one wasn't quite the right fit for you. Hope your next read turns out to be more up your alley!
ReplyDeleteThanks for being on the tour.