Sappho's Leap: A Novel

Rating:
Summary: The Gods (and the Goddesses) Must Be Crazy
Review: The life of Sappho, a writer of erotic songs, born about 2600 years ago on the Greek island of Lesbos, re-imagined as a beautifully told myth full of gods and goddesses and magical creatures. In the style one might expect from Erica (Fear of Flying) Jong, this myth is racy, insightful and funny ? imagine ?Clash of the Titans? with blatant sensuality.

The story begins with our young heroine gaining the attention of Aphrodite and Zeus as they sit on Mount Olympus, the life of Sappho becomes a wager between the two of them, Zeus saying all her talents will be thrown away as soon as she falls in love. Fated to be favored by the gods, Sappho moves from one adventure to the next and has intense love relationships with both men and women, though Alcaeus the poet and father of her child is the main love of her life. Exiled from Lesbos for the crime of treason, she searches for love and inner fulfillment , her quest taking her to the island of the Amazons, to Egypt as companion to the Pharaoh, to the Oracle of Delphi, even a trip to Hades. Aesop the fable writer is a close companion to Sappho as they encounter centaurs, sirens, and even Pegasus the winged horse.

Lots of fun.

Rating:
Summary: The Gods (and the Goddesses) Must Be Crazy
Review: The life of Sappho, a writer of erotic songs, born about 2600 years ago on the Greek island of Lesbos, re-imagined as a beautifully told myth full of gods and goddesses and magical creatures. In the style one might expect from Erica (Fear of Flying) Jong, this myth is racy, insightful and funny - imagine "Clash of the Titans" with blatant sensuality.

The story begins with our young heroine gaining the attention of Aphrodite and Zeus as they sit on Mount Olympus, the life of Sappho becomes a wager between the two of them, Zeus saying all her talents will be thrown away as soon as she falls in love. Fated to be favored by the gods, Sappho moves from one adventure to the next and has intense love relationships with both men and women, though Alcaeus the poet and father of her child is the main love of her life. Exiled from Lesbos for the crime of treason, she searches for love and inner fulfillment , her quest taking her to the island of the Amazons, to Egypt as companion to the Pharaoh, to the Oracle of Delphi, even a trip to Hades. Aesop the fable writer is a close companion to Sappho as they encounter centaurs, sirens, and even Pegasus the winged horse.

Lots of fun.

Rating:
Summary: Very enjoyable
Review: Wow, I'm surprised some people graded the book so low. I must admit, I don't really know the history of Sappho, so I can't judge. I only know her poetry.

Regardless, I find the book quite enjoyable. I've had the book for several months now but I only take it out when I'm in the mood. I feel somehow like Sappho is a dear friend, sent back in time. LOL. I like that in this book, she goes through much of what many women go through.

I find the descriptiveness that Erica Jong puts in the book is very helpful in understanding the rich beauty of such an ancient time. However, I do agree with some that the descriptiveness can go overboard. There were a few times where a character would go into an unreasonably long lecture where I didn't think it fit in.

Anyway, it's a great book. I've recommended it to all of my friends because of the sheer joy I find in it. I really think it is a great book for any woman, straight or bi who wants someone they can relate to.