Nina MacLaughlin’s book Wake, Siren: Ovid Resung joins a growing trend, including works like Circe by Madeline Miller and The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker, in reimagining classical myths through a contemporary lens, particularly in the context of the #MeToo movement. Unlike Miller and Barker, who focus on individual female perspectives, Wake, Siren presents a collective voice of various female characters from classical mythology. Characters such as Arethusa, Medusa, Callisto, and Echo come together to create a vibrant portrayal akin to a women’s march, exuding strength and unity. Despite occasional areas where the writing could be more concise, the collection offers a refreshing take on moments from Ovid’s Metamorphoses that will appeal to enthusiasts of classical mythology.
The book opens with the story of Daphne, who was transformed into a laurel tree by her river god father to escape Apollo’s assault. In MacLaughlin’s retelling, Daphne asserts her autonomy and strength, reclaiming her identity and ownership of her body. This sets the tone for the rest of the collection, where women are depicted in acts of rebellion and empowerment against oppressive forces.
Through the voices of these women, Wake, Siren sheds new light on the pervasive themes of rape and assault in classical mythology. Characters like Io narrate their experiences in a relatable, contemporary style, exposing the underlying brutality and dehumanization present in these myths. MacLaughlin transforms nymphs into multifaceted women who challenge societal norms, celebrating resilience and the complexity of female identity through various transformations.
While the book’s zeal and repetitiveness may feel excessive at times, it effectively dismantles the one-dimensional portrayal of male gods as predatory figures. Some experimental sections may not resonate as strongly, but standout stories like “Baucis” and “Euridyce” showcase MacLaughlin’s skill in reimagining familiar narratives with modern relevance and emotional depth.
Overall, Wake, Siren offers a compelling exploration of female agency and resilience within classical mythology, making it a poignant and timely reinterpretation of timeless tales.
