I had such a marvelous time narrating Medea in this multi-cast audiobook re-telling the Phaedra story through a modern feminist lens. Now, when I say “modern feminist lens” I don’t mean the book prostheletizes and tries to re-imagine Ancient Greece by modern standards; rather, the book delves into what life might been like for women in a the intensely patriarchal and misogynist Ancient Greece. It also offers plausible, human motivations behind the trope of “god in disguise impregnates otherwise faithful wife, spawning demigods destined to be known as heroes” so popular in Greek mythology. Spoiler alert: a creative story for women (of noble lineage of course) to retain their honor and positions in a world where sexual assault has been normalized.
Medea, too — perhaps the most infamous woman in Greek Mythology — also gets a plausible re-framing of her reputation as spiteful witch who murders her own children in revenge against her husband, Jason, for leaving her. I’ve always thought it too easy to just write her off as a sociopath with magic powers. It was refreshing to step into her sandals and witness how powerless she actually feels, despite her fearsome reputation… a reputation crafted by men, naturally.
I loved narrating the perspective of Medea — an intelligent, but hardened surivor caught up in the chaos of violence and disorder following King Aegeus’s suicide, believing that his son Theseus has been slain by the Minotaur. Medea is perpetually calcualting her next move, more or less on the run, and resentfully dependent on men whom she is smarter than. She seems critical and cold, but she’s actually critically heart-broken. In the traditional myths, she does not cross paths with Phaedra, and it was fun to experience how the two interact.
If you’re a fan of Greek Mythology, but prefer the darker verisimilitude of “Game of Thrones” to the more melodramtic flavor of “Xena: Warrior Princess,” this audiobook is for you!
🖤🤎❤🧡💛💚💙💜
Cheers,
Nicky