Aphrodite in Pieces

“Aphrodite in Pieces had me hooked from page one. Bear’s voice is heartbreaking in its lyricism, painting a picture of the goddess of love that feels both painfully human and impossibly divine. An utter triumph, a masterpiece!”—Emily Rath, New York Times bestselling author of North is the Night

“Writing in eloquent and elegant prose that Sappho herself would prize, Bear deftly illuminates the endlessly compelling story of one of mythology’s most famous figures. Not only are readers treated to an Aphrodite who is flirtatious, funny, and fierce in equal measures, Bear also thoughtfully explores age-old topics such as the meaning and power of beauty, love, and art.”—Booklist

“The love story! Bear’s Aphrodite in Pieces is a work of art that will leave you contemplating the meanings of love and beauty long after you put it down. A must read for every Greek mythology lover!”—Jo Segura, USA Today bestselling author of The Lust Crusade

“Bear’s writing sparkles with wit while striking at deep truths—about love, art, beauty, identity. Aphrodite in Pieces navigates a tangled web of myth with stylish ease, examining the immortal and sometimes scandalous life of a goddess who wants us to see her for all that she is. A real treat for mythology lovers.”—Claire Heywood, national bestselling author of The Wandering Queen

“[Lauren J. A.] Bear tackles Aphrodite in all her complexities. . . . Perspective can change everything, and Bear is always interested in giving victimized women of mythology a voice, even extremely powerful figures like Aphrodite. . . . With beautiful, reflective prose, this retelling will appeal to fans of Bear’s previous work or Greek mythology retellings in general.”—Library Journal (starred review)

“A fiercely ambitious novel, which tells the tale of one of history’s most compelling yet unknowable figures. Bear has created something remarkable with this book, a portrait of a goddess that feels both heart-wrenchingly relatable, and mythic in its scope and language. Bear’s prose is lyrical and witty and utterly unique, and she skillfully weaves her words to bring Aphrodite to life with all of the depth and desire that she deserves. The full spectrum of human emotion lies within these pages, and I only wish I could go back and experience it for the first time again.”—Kaarina Parker, author of Fulvia

“Aphrodite in Pieces is a work of art. Bear’s writing has never been more majestic; Aphrodite has never felt more human. Told in her own words, Aprhodites’s tale speaks to every woman who has chiseled through layers of labels and expectations to get to the truth of herself. Heartbreaking and hopeful. Timeless and poignant. A love story worthy of the goddess of love.”—A.D. Rhine, author of Horses of Fire and Daughters of Bronze