Herc

Rather than retelling the familiar story of Hercules, his twelve labours and his famous exploits, this novel assembles the myth from the viewpoints of the people orbiting the hero. Friends, enemies, wives, children, lovers, rivals, gods and those he harmed all get a turn to speak.

Among the narrators are Alcmene, Herc's mother, who keeps knives within easy reach around her home; Hylas, his first friend, whose bond with Herc went well beyond friendship; Megara, his wife, who has her own account of their marriage; and Eurystheus, the king who set the labours, who insists he never once hid in a jar.

Written with humour and heart, the book gives voice to characters the traditional myth has left out. It takes a feminist and queer approach and is sometimes shocking. Readers who enjoy the work of Madeline Miller and Joanne M. Harris are the intended audience.