Goodreads Synopsis

In ancient Greece, a skilled marble sculptor has been blessed by a goddess who has given his masterpiece — the most beautiful woman the town has ever seen — the gift of life. Now his wife, he expects Galatea to please him, to be obedience and humility personified. But she has desires of her own and yearns for independence.

In a desperate bid by her obsessive husband to keep her under control, Galatea is locked away under the constant supervision of doctors and nurses. But with a daughter to rescue, she is determined to break free, whatever the cost…

My Review

Lately, I’ve been engrossed in Madeline Miller’s books. I just finished ‘Song Of Achilles’ and I’m currently halfway through ‘Circe’. Intrigued by her writing style, I decided to delve into Galatea: A Short Story, a modern retelling of the Greek myth of Galatea and Pygmalion.

Miller observes the misogynistic aspect of Pygmalion and depicts how he mistreats Galatea. The story highlights its feminist undertones. The narrative challenges societal norms and expectation. The Galatea and Pygmalion myth has been portrayed as a romantic tale in various earlier published books by different authors. Miller’s fresh perspective breathed life into this short story, offering a new take on it.

It’s a brief, but impactful exploration of feminism within Greek myths, reminding us of the need to reassess their significance in today’s society. When I listen to this story, my heart resonates with the courageous woman writers who fearlessly crafted feminist stories during the Victorian era, defying the prevailing male-dominated society.

If you’re looking to dive into Miller’s work, this book is a great place to start.