Herc

A Queer Greek Mythology Retelling

by Phoenicia Rogerson

On Sale: 09/05/2023

Herc

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Herc

A Queer Greek Mythology Retelling

by Phoenicia Rogerson

On Sale: 09/05/2023

Format:

About the Book

A queer, revisionist retelling of the story of Hercules, for fans of The Song of Achilles, A Thousand Ships and Ariadne.

This should be the story of Hercules: his twelve labors, his endless adventures… Everyone's favorite hero, right?

Well, it's not.

This is the story of everyone else:
  • Alcmene: Herc's mother (she has knives everywhere)
  • Hylas: Herc's first friend (they were more than friends)
  • Megara: Princess of Thebes (she'll tell you about the marriage)
  • Eurystheus: Oversaw Herc's labors (definitely did not hide in a jar)
  • His friends, his enemies, his wives, his children, his lovers, his rivals, his gods and his victim


It's time to hear their stories.

Told with humor and heart, Phoenicia Rogerson's transporting debut gives a voice to silenced characters in this intoxicating retelling of the classic Hercules myth.

Critical Praise

"Alternately hilarious and shocking, this is an astonishingly vivid retelling of the story of Hercules, and these are not the Greek myths I learned in school."–Jodi Taylor, author of Just One Damned Thing After Another
 
"Funny, action-packed, violent, tragic... this is the story of Hercules as you’ve never experienced it before! An eye-opening treat."–A.J. Elwood, author of The Cottingley Cuckoo
 
"Hercules had his story, now it's time for everyone else to get their say. Wickedly fun and devilishly dark – the tell-all for our times."–Cari Thomas, author of Threadneedle
 
"A captivating retelling with a very definite, personal voice, and a sharp, fresh perspective on the lives surrounding the hero rather than from the perspective of the hero himself."–Genevieve Cogman, Sunday Times bestselling author of Scarlet
 
"A brilliant debut! Rogerson has produced a fresh and totally original retelling of the Hercules myth. For the first time, long-silent characters from the hero’s story are given a voice. They provide a sparkling new perspective on the club-wielding, all-daring son of Zeus. A Herculean triumph of creative writing, and a joy to read. Finally, a Hercules for the twenty-first century!"—Alex Rowson, author of The Young Alexander
 
"A brilliant, witty and unique retelling of the myths that at times had me laughing out loud. Rogerson's impressive talent leaps from the pages."—Carly Reagon, author of The Toll House
 
“A rollicking ride through Greek mythology, Herc tells the story of the famous hero through his impact on the people around him. By turns quippy, hilarious, and shocking, Herc will make you want to hide in a jar like King Eurystheus, dodging all your responsibilities to read it from cover to cover.”—Luna McNamara, author of Psyche and Eros
 
"Phoenicia Rogerson's Herc approaches the myth of Hercules from the people who had the fortune (or misfortune) to know him best. With each perspective the reader gets closer the elusive hero. The result is a wonderfully layered piece of storytelling which manages to be earthy, haunting and beautiful all at once. Herc is such a unique take on the Greek retellings, and days later I'm still haunted by Megara and the fifty daughters' perspective which was portrayed with such sensitivity and power."Stacey Thomas, author of The Revels


“Rogerson offers a witty, queer, and heartfelt revisionist retelling worthy of the gods.” –Entertainment Weekly
 
"[Q]uick-paced and quick-witted… A refreshing take on an ancient tale and one that reminds us that heroes are rarely as heroic as we remember them being, Herc is an astute examination of mythology and the centuries-long game of telephone we call storytelling."—Booklist -

Product Details

  • ISBN: 9781335016775
  • ISBN 10: 1335016775
  • Imprint: Hanover Square Press
  • On Sale: 09/05/2023
  • Pages: 384
  • List Price:37.00 CAD
  • BISAC1 : FICTION / Classics
  • BISAC2 : FICTION / Literary
  • BISAC3 : FICTION / Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, Legends & Mythology
  • BISAC4 : FICTION / LGBT / General

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