As we read about her growing up ,we see her form adoration for her Gods, especially Astarte who she believes to have been blessed by, and watch with displeasure her own mother conforming into what a woman was ought to act like. The story begins with Jezebels childhood and more specifically with her birth. She wants to be known,seen and recognized for being a woman who has done better than a king could to provide for her nation. Unlike Circe who wanted her own independence and freedom, Jezebel wants political power. However while both books do feature women forging their own paths, breaking free or attempting to do so from the shackles of misogyny, be warned : Jezebel is a power hungry woman. If you are like me you probably decided to read this based on it being compared to Circe by Madeline Miller, another one of my favourite books. Dear God, I could of and honestly wish to write entire essays on it. A stunning revision of a notorious queen’s story, Jezebel is a thrilling lyrical debut about a fierce woman who refuses to be forgotten. Determined despite the odds to make Israel a great nation, she must decide how far she’s willing to go to protect her family, her throne-her name. And the people, revering their prophet’s message, turn on her.Īs ancient powers and faiths are pitted against each other, bloodshed descends on Israel and Jezebel faces the fall of her legacy. Bitter at having been abandoned by Jezebel, he lashes out, calling her a slut.

Then Elijah, the prophet of Yahweh and her former lover, begins to speak out against her. As her initiatives usher in an era of prosperity for Israel, her new subjects love her, and her name rings through the land.

There, she does what she must to gain power and remake the dry and distant kingdom in the image of her beloved, prosperous seaside homeland of Tyre, beginning by building temples to the gods she grew up worshipping. At fifteen she’s married off, despite her protests, to Prince Ahab of Israel. When Jezebel learns she can’t be a king like her father simply because she’s a girl, she vows never to become someone’s decorative wife, nameless and lost to history.

With a bold voice reminiscent of Madeline Miller’s Circe, a stunning reimagining of the story of a fierce princess from Tyre and her infamous legacy

Jezebel by Megan Barnard