Angie Paxton's debut novel, Seeds, reimagines the Persephone myth through a compelling mother-daughter lens. Kore, living under the resentful shadow of her powerful mother Demeter, discovers a hidden truth about her lineage and her mother's godly nature. This revelation precedes a dramatic abduction by Hades, the god of the Underworld, who desires her as queen. Isolated and yearning for love, Persephone (as she prefers to be called) must navigate her new reality while Demeter's rage at her daughter's capture threatens the balance of the world. Seeds explores themes of familial abuse, forgiveness, and the enduring power of resentment, offering a fresh perspective on a classic tale for fans of Madeline Miller and Pat Barker. Be warned: this retelling contains references to child abuse, animal death, starvation, and forcible confinement.
Review Seeds
Oh my goodness, Seeds by Angie Paxton completely captivated me! From the very first page, I was drawn into this fresh and heartbreaking reimagining of the Persephone myth. What initially hooked me was the focus on the complex mother-daughter relationship between Demeter and Persephone. Paxton doesn't shy away from portraying Demeter's flaws – her bitterness, her possessiveness, even her harmful resentment towards Kore (Persephone). It's a raw and unflinching portrayal of a mother who, despite her flaws, deeply loves her daughter in her own, often destructive, way. It felt incredibly realistic and relatable, even within the fantastical setting of Mycenaean Greece. Seeing Persephone navigate this toxic relationship, while simultaneously grappling with her own identity and yearning for love and acceptance, was both poignant and empowering.
I also appreciated the author's unique take on Hades. He's not the stereotypical brooding villain we often see in other retellings. Instead, Paxton portrays him as a lonely, misunderstood figure, trapped by his own circumstances and burdened by a role he didn't choose. His relationship with Persephone unfolds slowly and organically, a truly captivating slow-burn romance that never overshadows the complexities of the mother-daughter dynamic. Their connection felt genuine and earned, built on mutual understanding and a shared sense of isolation. The way Paxton explores their feelings and the gradual trust that develops between them felt incredibly authentic and made their connection all the more compelling.
Beyond the central relationships, the writing itself is simply beautiful. Paxton's prose is lyrical and evocative, painting vivid pictures of the Mycenaean landscape and the Underworld. The descriptions are rich and immersive, drawing the reader into the story and making it easy to visualize the scenes and characters. I also loved the subtle way other Greek myths, like that of Orpheus and Eurydice, are woven into the narrative, adding another layer of depth and intrigue without ever feeling forced or out of place.
The pacing was excellent, too. The story never felt rushed, allowing the characters to develop organically and their relationships to deepen naturally. The emotional weight of the narrative is palpable, and the content warnings are definitely worth heeding, as the book delves into some difficult themes. But it's precisely these challenging themes – abuse, isolation, the struggle for self-discovery – that make Seeds so resonant and ultimately so rewarding. It's a book that stays with you long after you've finished reading, prompting reflection on the complexities of family, love, and the enduring power of forgiveness. If you enjoy Greek mythology retellings that offer a fresh perspective and explore challenging themes with nuance and sensitivity, then Seeds is a must-read. It's everything I love in a book: coming-of-age, romance, compelling drama, and truly beautiful writing. I wholeheartedly recommend it!
Information
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 1.2 x 8.5 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 400
- Publication date: 2025
- Publisher: Rising Action