Phillip W Simpson

The story of the Minotaur is well-known from classical mythology: a creature half-bull and half-man was thrown into the center of a labyrinth beneath the palace of Knossos, and for years devoured young Athenian men and women sent as tributes until the hero Theseus arrived and vanquished the Minotaur for good. But what if the Minotaur were able to tell his side of the story, and what if chroniclers and storytellers had gotten it all wrong?

I quite enjoyed this retelling, and it was fun to "follow along," referencing using online mapping software the places mentioned, though there were a few I was unable to locate. At times the narrator appears to forget he's relating the story to Ovid and provides unnecessary explanations (for example, I'm certain Ovid need not be told who Poseidon is), and the writing is occasionally lacking in polish — I steeled myself to look past punctuation errors and typos. Overall, the concept and plot are well done, and I would recommend it to fans of classic retellings.… (más)

Greek myths aren’t just for scholars, and Phillip Simpson’s Minotaur isn’t just for kids. But this is a cool reimagining and vivid retelling of a young man’s coming of age in the time of legend. Heroes are human (but strong), and monsters… well, this monster at least is mostly human as well. Gods might make better fathers than some men. And relationships, like friendship, carry the bad as well as the good, because they’re real.

Most readers will know the legend where Greeks youths are given in tribute each year, to be devoured in the labyrinth where the Minotaur lives. Perhaps they’ll recognize other names too in this novel. But readers who’ve never heard the myths will pick up the story quickly as elderly poet Ovid listens and interjects what he thinks he knows into the tale. (Ah, how nicely plotted—the old man who doesn’t know it all!) But Ast has a story to tell that’s not quite the same as the one we’ve heard, and the reader is gripped from beginning to end, eager to know more and totally absorbed in fascinating detail and delight.

In our modern world, where “Truth often suffers for the sake of entertainment,” this truly entertaining novel might be wisely thought-provoking too. It’s highly recommended.

Disclosure: I was given a copy and I offer my honest review.… (más)