'Psykhe is the perfect winter read.'
GUARDIAN
'This romance is lush and forbidden, pushing and folding the peaks and troughs of the narrative to its final conclusion.'
ARTSHUB
Kate Forsyth infuses the story of Psyche and Eros with new vigour as a life-affirming celebration of female strength, sexual desire, and empowerment.
It is not wise to anger the gods ... or to fall in love with one.
Fair as Venus, the goddess of love, and with the hard-won ability to save the lives of those of mortal blood, Psykhe is both shunned and revered.
When she unwittingly provokes Venus, she and her sisters lose everything. Psykhe must find a way to make amends and support her family.
Befriended by an old woman, Nokturna, Psykhe finds herself irresistibly drawn to her young friend, Ambrose. But neither is what they seem.
For Psykhe has fallen in love with a man whose face she is forbidden to see. After disobeying this injunction, she must risk everything to try to save him, even if it means travelling down to the shadowy Underworld to face Proserpina, queen of the dead.
About the Author
Dr Kate Forsyth is an award-winning author, poet, and storyteller. Her most recent novel is
The Crimson Thread, a reimagining of ‘The Minotaur in the Labyrinth’ myth set in Crete during the Nazi invasion and occupation of World War II. Other historical novels include Beauty in Thorns, a reimagining of ‘Sleeping Beauty’ told in the voices of four women of the Pre-Raphaelite circle of artists and poets; The Wild Girl, the story of the forbidden romance behind the Grimm brothers’ fairy tales which was named Most Memorable Love Story of 2013; and Bitter Greens, a retelling of ‘Rapunzel’ which won the 2015 American Library Association award for Best Historical Fiction. Kate has a Doctorate of Creative Arts in fairy tale studies, and is also an accredited master storyteller with the Australian Guild of Storytellers. She has taught writing retreats in Australia, Fiji, Greece, and the United Kingdom.
Industry Reviews
In this textured and lyrical retelling, Forsyth explores the complexities of human nature and female agency through the lens of our heroine’s transformation from compliant daughter to defiant woman. The world of the ancient myth is very much there in the historical detail but Forsyth brings empathy and depth to the characters, offering a nuanced take on what it means to be a woman regardless of time or place. What sets this fictional retelling apart from the growing stable of myth-lit is Forsyth’s ability to imbue her sentences with a melodic rhythm that echoes the oral tradition of storytelling which birthed these myths, and of which she is an expert.
- Emma Harcourt, The Australian
In a novel reminiscent of Madeline Miller’s Circe, Forsyth offers the reader a richly imagined world, set firmly within the framework of classical mythology. This romance is lush and forbidden, pushing and folding the peaks and troughs of the narrative to its final conclusion. Psykhe is intense and winding; avid fans of Forsyth’s work will enjoy the continued painterly storytelling evidenced here, while first-time readers are in for a strange and lovely surprise
- Ellie Fisher, Arts Hub
Psykhe is the perfect winter read. Set against a rich historical backdrop, Forsyth’s latest is full of everything her readers have come to love about her work. Her attention to detail – early midwifery, herbal lore, Greek myth – brings layers of complexity to a familiar mythological story, and she is an assured storyteller who compellingly brings together the themes of solidarity, witchcraft and love. This a gripping, easy read, ideal for a late night in, hiding from the cold.
- Bec Kavanagh, The Guardian
Rich with history, magic and beauty, Psykhe re-shapes one of the greatest love stories in classical mythology with grace and soul. A powerful reminder of why Kate Forsyth is one of Australia's most beloved storytellers.
- Kell Woods
Kate Forsyth is a magical storyteller and, in this passionate and powerful work, she lures us into a vividly reimagined world of gods and mortals, beauty and horror, love and vengeance.
- Suzanne Leal
Forsyth skillfully immerses the audience in the original mythos, tackling themes such as fate versus autonomy, female empowerment, and the power dynamics embedded in the patriarchy. Psykhe will appeal to those interested in Greek mythology and readers of Madeline Miller, particularly Circe.
- Alexandra Ashburner-Hill, Books + Publishing
