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Phaethon   By: (1819-1875)

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Phaethon by Charles Kingsley is a captivating novel that takes the reader on a mesmerizing journey through Greek mythology. The author skillfully weaves together elements of adventure, love, and self-discovery, creating a timeless tale that transports the reader to ancient times.

The story follows the life of Phaethon, a young boy who embarks on a quest to discover his true identity and purpose in life. Raised by a mortal father, he finds himself drawn to the world of the gods as he yearns for a connection to his divine heritage. Through various trials and encounters with mythical creatures, Phaethon unravels the mysteries surrounding his birth and must face the consequences of his choices.

Kingsley's writing style is poetic and evocative, painting vivid pictures of the ancient world and its inhabitants. The descriptive imagery transports the reader to a time of gods and heroes, where mortals are both blessed and cursed by their interactions with the divine. The author’s meticulous attention to detail brings the mythical creatures and gods to life, making them feel palpable and real.

Throughout the novel, Kingsley explores timeless themes such as the search for identity, the consequences of recklessness, and the power of love and redemption. Phaethon's journey serves as a metaphor for the human quest for self-discovery, as he grapples with his own desires and responsibilities.

One of the standout aspects of Phaethon is the depth and complexity of its characters. Each one feels fully realized, with their own motivations, fears, and flaws. Phaethon himself evolves from an impulsive and naive young man into a mature, self-reflective individual who learns the importance of responsibility and humility.

The pacing of the story is well-managed, with a perfect blend of action-packed scenes and introspective moments. The narrative pulls the reader along, always leaving them eager to discover what lies ahead. Kingsley's ability to create suspense and tension keeps the story engaging from beginning to end.

However, one small criticism would be the occasional use of dense dialects and archaic language, which may require some effort on the part of the reader to fully comprehend. Despite this, the overall impact of the novel remains intact, immersing the reader in a captivating world of ancient myths and legends.

In conclusion, Phaethon by Charles Kingsley is a mesmerizing novel that brings Greek mythology to life. With its richly drawn characters, intricate plot, and powerful themes, it is a must-read for fans of both mythology and literary fiction. Kingsley's storytelling prowess shines through every page, making this book a true gem that will leave a lasting impression.

First Page:

Transcribed by David Price, email ccx074@coventry.ac.uk

PHAETHON; LOOSE THOUGHTS FOR LOOSE THINKERS. 1852.

Templeton and I were lounging by the clear limestone stream which crossed his park and wound away round wooded hills toward the distant Severn. A lovelier fishing morning sportsman never saw. A soft gray under roof of cloud slid on before a soft west wind, and here and there a stray gleam of sunlight shot into the vale across the purple mountain tops, and awoke into busy life the denizens of the water, already quickened by the mysterious electric influences of the last night's thunder shower. The long winged cinnamon flies spun and fluttered over the pools; the sand bees hummed merrily round their burrows in the marly bank; and delicate iridescent ephemerae rose by hundreds from the depths, and, dropping their shells, floated away, each a tiny Venus Anadyomene, down the glassy ripples of the reaches. Every moment a heavy splash beneath some overhanging tuft of milfoil or water hemlock proclaimed the death doom of a hapless beetle who had dropped into the stream beneath; yet still we fished and fished, and caught nothing, and seemed utterly careless about catching anything; till the old keeper who followed us, sighing and shrugging his shoulders, broke forth into open remonstrance:

"Excuse my liberty, gentlemen, but what ever is the matter with you and master, sir? I never did see you miss so many honest rises before... Continue reading book >>




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