Alcestis
312 pages | Paperback |
For fans of The Song of Achilles, a queer and fiercely feminist retelling of a little-known Greek myth: the ultimate story of sacrifice and forbidden desire—now in a deluxe reissue.
In Greek myth, Alcestis is known as the ideal wife; she loved her husband so much that she died and went to the Underworld in his place. But who was Alcestis before she was married? Other than her love for Admetus, what circumstances led her to make this ultimate sacrifice? And what happened to her in the three days she spent in the Underworld?
Katharine Beutner’s lush, emotionally devastating debut explores the magical reality of Ancient Greece, where gods attend weddings and the afterlife is just a river away, as Alcestis goes on a heroine’s journey from sheltered princess to self-actualized savior—redefining love and discovering her own power. Giving an achingly beautiful voice to the most misunderstood wives of Greek mythology, Alcestis is the Underworld as you’ve never seen it before.
This deluxe edition features discussion questions, a craft essay, and a bonus short story.
Story Locale:Ancient Greece; the UnderworldWinner of the Edmund White Debut Fiction Award
Finalist for Lambda Literary Association’s Debut Lesbian Fiction Award
Winner of Ohio Arts Council’s Individual Excellence Award
- FOR FANS OF MADELINE MILLER: Myth retellings are bigger than ever. For fans of THE SONG OF ACHILLES and CIRCE, Sarah Underwood, Greek mythology, and lesbian/queer literary fiction.
- CLASSIC OF THE GENRE: Predating THE SONG OF ACHILLES by a year, ALCESTIS was one of the first-ever mainstream myth retellings. Now that myth retellings are so popular, it's the perfect time to bring ALCESTIS back in a big way.
- BEAUTIFUL WRITING: Beutner expertly channels the poignant beauty of the myth she reimagines in her detailed, filigreed language, transporting readers to Ancient Greece.
- FASCINATING, RARE STORY: The story of Alcestis is a "deep cut" even for real connoisseurs of Greek mythology. Even if you know it, you've certainly never known it like this.
- DELUXE EDITION: Features a gorgeous new cover with foil, discussion questions, a craft essay, and a bonus short story. An ideal gift for your Greek myth-obsessed girlfriend.
- ACCOMPLISHED AUTHOR: Since the publication of ALCESTIS, her debut, Katharine Beutner has gone on to publish KILLINGLY, a historical mystery novel. ALCESTIS itself garnered significant critical praise and massive awards performance.
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