Review of The Lost Daughter of Sparta

Blurb: Helen of Troy. Clytemnestra. Timandra.

Three sisters, infamously cursed by the goddess Aphrodite to betray their husbands, are known the world over. But few know about the fourth sister: Philonoe. Lost to historical record, ancient texts say she had a different fate than her sisters. But why and how did this happen?

A magnificent hero's journey with a feminist twist, The Lost Daughter of Sparta fills in history's missing pieces with sparkling wit and pathos, thrilling adventure, and an empowering love story that won't soon be forgotten.

Review: The four daughters of Sparta's last king were cursed by Aphrodite to betray their husbands. The world knows of Helen of Troy, Clytemnestra, and Timandra. But little is known about the youngest, Philonoe. Sent away as a baby, Philonoe is different and deemed doubly cursed because of her bright red facial birthmark. She only wants to be loved and to belong, and when her family calls on her to marry a prince to seal an alliance, she begs Aphrodite to remove her curse so that she would be a good wife. The goddess sends Philonoe on a quest, and Artemis comes along to help. Through the trials, Philonoe realizes that perhaps what she has been told she should want is not what is true to herself.

This is an incredibly written graphic novel in a modern style of the Greek hero's journey. I noticed many reviewers complained that they didn't know it was a graphic novel or didn't like the artwork. Their excuses were poor. I think they were looking for excuses not to like this highly feminist and sapphic tale.

Philonoe had my sympathy right from the beginning when she's sent away as a baby because of the birthmark on her face. Just as she takes her first breath, the people in her life are cruel to her. I love that the novel has black and white illustrations with splashes of red, especially for the birthmark. Others things, like the veil Philonoe is forced to wear to hide her mark are also red for the importance of their symbolism. Only when her parents have a use for her is she brought back and told to do her duty. Philonoe wants to, wants to be good so they love her, but she comes to realize it's not that simple.

Artemis is a central character alongside of Philonoe. She, too, must come to the realization that her own expectations had been caging her and break free. It's a slow burn romance between the two of them and with many bumps in the road. The only thing written historically about Philonoe is that she was made immortal by Artemis, and this is Felicia's interpretation of why. You know I adore a good love story.

This is a story about finding your true self and accepting who you are. It gripped my heart and didn't let go. Yes, the story might seem short as it's a graphic novel, but the illustrations convey just as much emotion as the words. The artwork is as beautiful as the story. Felicia wrote this book for her daughter, and I can think of no better act of love than to send the message: be yourself.

You can find Felicia Day on her site and buy the book here.