Review Detail

If you're looking for a book that heavily relies on the Greek lore - this book is not for you. If you're looking for a book that is heavily character driven and focus on sisterly bond - then pick up this book immediately.

The Farthing sisters are told repeatedly that they are descendants from the goddess Persephone. Which would make sense since the sisters all have some sort of magical ability and have a ghost that lives in their attic. When one of the Farthing sisters falls in love with Henry the ghost - the rest get concerned. Concerned that she will never leave the house. Concerned that she will never live a life of her own. Concerned that she will grow old and die alone, loving a ghost that will never age or never die. Out of love for her sister, Henry gets banished.

I really thought this book was going to be more heavy of the Greek mythology side but honestly, besides the couple of mentions of Persephone - this book could have been just another paranormal book. Instead, the heart of this book fell into the bond the sisters had with each other. The way they rely on each other and love each other. I was absolutely absorbed in their sisterly bond and their story. This wasn't about Persephone. This wasn't about magic. This was truly about the Farthing sisters.

Our main narrator, Winnie, tells the story of when Henry gets banished and the backlash that happens. But this is actually such a short part of the book. The beginning allows the reader to explore the sister's relationship up until the banishment. Throughout the whole book - it's the focus. The Farthing sisters. If you think the repetition is a lot in this review - it's just to truly drive the point of what this story is about. It's about family. It's about anger. It's about forgiveness. I honestly thought it was beautifully told.

Overall, Persephone's Curse by Katrina Leno isn't a story about Persephone at all. It's a story about Winnie, Bernadette, Clara, Evelyn, and Henry. Girl, girl, girl, girl, ghost. As it has always been. This is a story about a familial bond and the love of sisters. This is about the Farthing sisters. And it is something truly beautiful and wonderful. I found myself so emerged in their story - in their love that I forgot this was supposed to be a story woven with Persephone involved. The Farthing sister's have their own story - their own lineage.

AUDIO REVIEW
I was lucky enough to listen to this as an audiobook. Phoebe Strole is a fantastic narrator and this book was no exception. She truly captures the tone of this book and brings it to life. I loved listening to her as Winnie and I think this would be a great audiobook for anyone - beginner or advanced.