Euryale by Kara Dalkey
Sep. 18th, 2007 09:22 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
pjthompsonThis is one of Juno's line. I loved this book.
Set in the Ancient Roman Republic, it also harkens back to Ancient Greek myth, bringing a human story to a legendary cursed woman—Euryale, who through no fault of her own, ran afoul of the goddess Athena many centuries earlier. As a consequence, she has to go through life veiled against the eyes of mortals, employing only blind and short-sighted servants. She has offered a handsome reward to any who can answer her question, "What can change stone into living flesh?" Many seek the reward through trickery, but one Chaldean philosopher approaches the question with seriousness.
This is also the story of Hispallus, a feckless Roman of prominent family who longs to make a great name for himself but lacks the character for true greatness. He has run afoul of an ex-slave named Daedalus, also through no fault of his own. Daedalus doesn't much care who has truly wronged him. He just wants someone to pay—ostensibly for a elaborate bridge. He's not above blackmail to get what he wants, but Hispallus lacks funds as well as the skills to succeed. In desperation, Hispallus seeks out Euryale, bringing the possibility of exposure and Roman law to her and those who serve her.
The story is as much about love and the search for acceptance as it is about revenge and vengeance. Which is the stronger passion? The gods may be implacable in their own search for vengeance, and the hearts of some mortals may be just as implacable, but love and compassion can be found in the most unexpected places. Sometimes love is as implacable as gods, alighting when we don't expect or want it; hanging on past the point of letting go. In a story that seems simple and simply told, but rides on complex currents, Ms. Dalkey explores all these things in a satisfying and character-rich way.
Set in the Ancient Roman Republic, it also harkens back to Ancient Greek myth, bringing a human story to a legendary cursed woman—Euryale, who through no fault of her own, ran afoul of the goddess Athena many centuries earlier. As a consequence, she has to go through life veiled against the eyes of mortals, employing only blind and short-sighted servants. She has offered a handsome reward to any who can answer her question, "What can change stone into living flesh?" Many seek the reward through trickery, but one Chaldean philosopher approaches the question with seriousness.
This is also the story of Hispallus, a feckless Roman of prominent family who longs to make a great name for himself but lacks the character for true greatness. He has run afoul of an ex-slave named Daedalus, also through no fault of his own. Daedalus doesn't much care who has truly wronged him. He just wants someone to pay—ostensibly for a elaborate bridge. He's not above blackmail to get what he wants, but Hispallus lacks funds as well as the skills to succeed. In desperation, Hispallus seeks out Euryale, bringing the possibility of exposure and Roman law to her and those who serve her.
The story is as much about love and the search for acceptance as it is about revenge and vengeance. Which is the stronger passion? The gods may be implacable in their own search for vengeance, and the hearts of some mortals may be just as implacable, but love and compassion can be found in the most unexpected places. Sometimes love is as implacable as gods, alighting when we don't expect or want it; hanging on past the point of letting go. In a story that seems simple and simply told, but rides on complex currents, Ms. Dalkey explores all these things in a satisfying and character-rich way.