PSYCHE AND EROS

The myth of Eros and Psyche comes to life in McNamara’s debut.

The princess Psyche was literally born to greatness. Before her birth, her father, King Alkaios of Mycenae, heard from the Oracle of Delphi that his child would grow up to “conquer a monster feared by the gods themselves.” When Psyche arrives, surprising everyone by being born a girl, Alkaios decides to train her to be a strong hero just as he would have if she’d been born a boy. As Psyche grows up and is taught by the legendary female hero Atalanta, she grows eager for the chance to fulfill that prophecy. One day, she’s summoned to the top of a mountain to finally meet the monster that will make her a hero. Ready for battle, she waits on the mountain only to be swept away by a gust of wind, landing at the magical home of a mysterious god who claims to be her husband. Psyche is frightened and confused, not least of all because her divine husband cannot show her his face, lest she be burned alive from a terrible curse. Psyche is correct that this curse of burning isn’t actually real, but little does she know that her husband told her this lie to protect her from the true curse: that the moment the two lovers set eyes on each other, they will be torn apart forever. McNamara’s creative take on Eros and Psyche is a thoughtful reflection on the meaning of love in all its forms. Her narrative foundation is set on real versions of the myth, and any changes she makes or gaps she fills in (for example, including characters like Atalanta as Psyche’s mentor) place her tale within the wider context of women’s lives and place in society during the Trojan War. Trained to be a fighter and destined to be a lover, Psyche also learns to consider whether violence is truly heroic or if there are other ways to be brave.

An effective, heartfelt novelization of a famous Greek myth.