Underwood, Sarah. Lies We Sing to the Sea. Harper Teen, 2023. $19.99. 420 pgs. ISBN 9780063234475. Ages 13+. P7Q7
This YA novel is loosely based on the story of Queen Penelope’s twelve maids in The Odyssey. Leto is a young orphan girl from Ithaca who, along with a group of other teenage girls, is executed and thrown into the sea, as part of a ritual sacrifice to Poseidon. Except Leto doesn’t remain dead- she washes up on an island and is revived by the mysterious creature Melantho- part beautiful, alluring woman, part sea creature, and one of the maids who had been originally sacrificed in the Odyssey. Melantho wants Leto to kill Prince Mathias to break the curse that has continued for so long. Prince Mathias, as it happens, is trying to change the path his family has taken to something more thoughtful and just. Leto is conflicted as the story goes on- she loves Melantho and wants revenge for what has happened to both of them, but she also begins to care about the prince and wonders if killing him is the right thing to do. I enjoyed this story a lot- I like the feeling of a Greek myth along with the conflict and questions brought up about ethics, feminism, and developing relationships- Leto is attracted to both Mathias and Melantho and has to navigate those feelings. VERDICT: This book is an easy introduction to the world of Greek myths, and an interesting look at some female characters whose story has been mostly ignored. The exploration of some typical teen problems will appeal too.
Review by Carol Schramm.
Oregon Coast Youth Book Preview Center 