Book Review | Weight by Jeanette Winterson | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

The reviewer gives a glowing 5-star review for the book "Atlas and Hercules" by Jeanette Winterson, praising its modern retelling of ancient mythology and compelling character portrayals.

Key Insights

• ❓ "Atlas and Hercules" is a part of the Canongate Myth series, which features retellings of myths from various cultures.
• 📔 The book is illustrated by Marion Dukers.
• 💁‍♂️ The conversations between the mythological characters in the book are sassy and true to their original depictions.
• 🤳 The author, Jeanette Winterson, accurately portrays Hercules as a self-centered and misogynistic character.
• 📔 The book blends ancient mythology with a modern prose style.
• 🥇 "Atlas and Hercules" explores themes of burden, responsibility, and the place of individuals in the grander scheme of things.
• 📔 The book is not highly plot-driven but offers a thoughtful and contemplative reading experience.

Transcript

let's phone book review today's video is a book review of genetics wait which is from the Canongate Messi's which is a series of books can get published a while back each of which is a retelling of a myth from a different culture some Greeks and Romans and Celtic some Russia and etc etc and each is by a different author each was also illustrated by... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How does the author depict Hercules in this retelling?

The author accurately portrays Hercules as a self-centered misogynistic character, staying true to his depiction in the original myths.

Q: Is the book plot-driven or more of a character portrayal?

The book is more focused on character portrayal and thoughtful contemplation rather than being plot-driven. It explores the inner thoughts of Atlas and his place in the world.

Q: Does the book have suspense or surprises for readers unfamiliar with the myths?

While the book may hold surprises for readers unfamiliar with the myths, it is not full of suspense. It is a bare-bones short story that delves into the thoughts and contemplation of the gods and Titans.

Q: How does the book explore the theme of burden and the weight individuals carry?

"Atlas and Hercules" metaphorically explores the burdens that individuals carry and questions whether we need to be burdened by certain things in our lives. It prompts readers to reflect on their own place in the grand scheme of things.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• "Atlas and Hercules" is a retelling of the myth of Atlas, who holds up the weight of the world on his shoulders, and his interaction with Hercules.

• The conversations between Atlas and Hercules are sassy and true to the mythological characters, with a modern prose style.

• The book explores themes of burden, responsibility, and the place of individuals in the grander scheme of things.