Latest news with #Literature
Geek Girl Authority
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Girl Authority
Book Review: WEARING THE LION
Thank you to DAW Books for sending me a copy of Wearing the Lion in exchange for an honest review. Upon his birth, the future famed hero Heracles dedicates his deeds to Hera. He's unaware, however, that she is the goddess responsible for his suffering. Eventually, Hera's rage leads her to send Furies to drive Heracles mad, resulting in the accidental murder of his own children. Desperate for answers, Heracles and his wife set out for vengeance. But instead of slaying monsters on the quests Hera assigns to mislead him, Heracles begins healing by caring for them. As Heracles gathers followers, Hera must confront her own guilt, and the consequences of the path she set him on. RELATED: New Release Radar: New Books Coming Out On June 17 If you read John Wiswell's debut, Someone to Build a Nest In , you'll know exactly what vibes to expect from his follow-up. Wearing the Lion is a fun, slightly over-the-top and surprisingly tender story of monsters, revenge and found family unlike any other retelling of Greek mythology you've read before. This is a story that focuses heavily on redemption and personal growth, alongside wild antics and some hilariously ridiculous dialogue. One of Wearing the Lion 's greatest strengths is the dichotomy between the two narrators. Each chapter swaps points of view between Hera and Heracles, leading to moments both comedic and powerful. Hera is a true goddess, portrayed with fury, frustration, love and cunning. Her emotional turmoil drives her, for good or for evil. Heracles, on the other hand, starts out bright-eyed, literally worshipping Hera. He remains oblivious to her hatred for him, blinded by his love and devotion for the goddess he's named after. RELATED: Book Review: Love at Second Sight Cracks begin to surface, however, after Hera's actions result in the death of his children. He doesn't know it was her fault, and so he continues praying to her. But instead of answering Heracles' prayers, Hera sends him on '12 labors' to keep him from discovering the truth. But instead of attacking them with hatred and pain, Heracles tackles each task with love and understanding. There's an innocence to Heracles that you just don't see in other Greek mythology retellings. His main goal isn't violence. Instead, he's desperate to protect and care for those around him, even from himself. It isn't just Heracles that gains a humanizing factor in Wearing the Lion . Hera is a goddess often portrayed on the sidelines of mythology, Zeus' wife and somewhat of a nag. Here, however, she's truly complicated. After yet another betrayal by Zeus, readers can easily comprehend her misplaced anger towards Heracles. While she's the goddess of families, she's exhausted by the role and the behavior of those around her. As a result, she has so much pain and rage that she can't consider the consequences of her actions. It's a truly unique depiction of a familiar figure in mythology. RELATED: 5 Retellings of Classic Stories You Need to Read If you're looking for a version of Greek mythology that's both dark and violent and endearingly sweet, check out Wearing the Lion . Wiswell brings redemption and a humanizing touch to a familiar story, changing it in ways you won't expect. Wearing the Lion is out now and available from your local independent bookstore or TW: abandonment, alcohol, blood, child death, confinement, cursing, death, excrement, fatphobia, fire/fire injury, gaslighting, grief, infidelity, injury/injury detail, panic attacks/disorders, pregnancy, suicidal thoughts, torture, violence, vomit, war 8 LGBTQ+ Books to Keep Pride Going for the Rest of 2025
CTV News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Book explores the idea that beauty is everywhere, if we are willing to look for it
Tony Ryma speaks with Mark S.M. Scott about his book, The Beauty of Souls: Aesthetic Encounters with Marilynne Robinson.
Saudi Gazette
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi pavilion inaugurated at 2025 Beijing International Book Fair
Saudi Gazette report BEIJING — Saudi Arabia inaugurated its pavilion at the 2025 Beijing International Book Fair, which kicked off at the China National Convention and Exhibition Center on Wednesday. The pavilion is arranged by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, with the participation of several cultural and national entities. The five-day fair is part of the 2025 Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year, reflecting the strength of bilateral relations built on decades of enduring friendship and continuous cooperation and embodying both nations' aspirations to enhance cultural and intellectual exchange between their peoples. The Saudi pavilion features prominent cultural entities led by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, along with the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, King Abdulaziz Public Library, King Fahd National Library, the Prince Muhammad bin Salman Award for Cultural Cooperation between Saudi Arabia and China, the Translation Association, the Publishing Association, and the Nashir publishing and distribution company. These participants present a collaborative platform that highlights the richness of Saudi culture and boosts its global presence. During the exhibition, the pavilion presents a diverse literary and cultural program that reflects the growing momentum of the Saudi cultural scene, showcasing the country's evolving creative and intellectual landscape. It also enhances the Kingdom's presence on the global publishing map and offers visitors insight into Saudi Arabia's experience in content development and talent empowerment. The pavilion embodies the spirit of cultural dialogue and openness, making the exhibition a key international platform to showcase Saudi efforts and initiatives in the book industry and its tools while deepening literary and cultural relations with intellectual figures and global publishing houses. The cultural program will include seminars, literary gatherings, and dialogue sessions that highlight cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and China, aiming to build long-term partnerships in literature, publishing, and translation. The goal is to strengthen the global presence of Saudi literature and open pathways for Arabic content in the Chinese market.
Leaders
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia to Take Part in Beijing International Book Fair
Saudi Arabia will participate in the Beijing International Book Fair from June 18 to 22 under the leadership of the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The Kingdom's participation is part of the Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year 2025, highlighting the strong and deep relations between both countries. The fair will also provide Saudi Arabia with an unmissable opportunity to strengthen its presence in global cultural forums and build new partnerships with international literary and translation entities. Moreover, the Saudi participation perfectly aligns with the objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030 of centering culture as a pillar of development and a significant bridge for civilizational dialogue. Through several seminars, literary gatherings, and dialogue sessions, Saudi pavilion will boast an outstanding institutional presence to foster cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and China. Interestingly, the Kingdom was the guest of honor at the 2024 Beijing International Book Fair, and the commission presented a rich and diverse cultural program. The Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year 2025 marks a significant milestone in boosting the bilateral cultural ties through a vast array of interactive events. Such events will further enhance the cultural scene in both nations and deepen the historical ties between their peoples. Related Topics: Saudi Arabia Participates in Muscat International Book Fair 2025 Cairo International Book Fair 2025 Kicks Off Saudi Arabia Wraps up Participation in London Book Fair Short link : Post Views: 2 Related Stories
Saudi Gazette
4 days ago
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia to showcase cultural depth at 2025 Beijing Book Fair
Saudi Gazette report BEIJING — Saudi Arabia, led by the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission, is set to participate in the 2025 Beijing International Book Fair, scheduled for June in the Chinese capital. The event is a key component of the Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year 2025, reflecting the strategic partnership between the two countries and their shared commitment to fostering cultural and knowledge exchange. The Commission's participation underscores its ongoing efforts to represent Saudi Arabia in major international cultural forums, promote the Kingdom's literary and intellectual output, and explore new avenues for collaboration in literature, publishing, and translation. Dr. Abdullatif Al-Wasil, CEO of the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission, said the fair offers a valuable platform to deepen ties with China through events that celebrate the creative and cultural diversity of both nations. He emphasized the Commission's aim to present a contemporary image of Saudi culture, introducing Chinese audiences to Saudi literary voices and the country's growing knowledge sector. Saudi Arabia's pavilion will include a strong institutional presence featuring several government entities. The program will host seminars, literary discussions, and dialogue sessions designed to enhance cultural engagement between the two countries and promote enduring partnerships in the literary field. The participation also aims to expand the global reach of Saudi literature and create opportunities for Arabic content in the Chinese market. Saudi Arabia was the guest of honor at the 2024 edition of the fair, a role that allowed the Commission to deliver an acclaimed cultural showcase. The Kingdom's program featured artistic performances, seminars, and interactive experiences, which drew strong public interest and further solidified Saudi Arabia's literary and cultural presence in China.
