Spin

 By: Rebecca Caprara

Location: FIC CAP- Mythology

Genre: Mythology- Retelling-Arachne

Do not read if you hate spiders.
Do read if you like to cry.
Better Greek retelling than Crown of Midnight.

The Song of Achilles and Circe get a sapphic, young adult twist in this “exciting, richly textured, thought-provoking” ( Kirkus Reviews , starred review) retelling of the myth of Arachne spun in moving verse.

Arachne is a homely girl with no claims to divinity or fortune, ostracized by all but her family and closest friend, Celandine. Turning to her loom for solace, Arachne learns to weave, finding her voice and her strength through the craft. After a devastating loss, Arachne and Celandine flee to the city of Colophon, where Arachne’s skills are put to the test. Word of her talent spreads quickly, leading to a confrontation with the goddess Athena, who demands that Arachne repent for her insolence and pride.

But Arachne will not be silenced. She challenges Athena, and a fateful weaving contest ensues, resulting in an exposé of divine misdeeds, a shocking transformation, and unexpected redemption.

A brilliant weaver of words, author Rebecca Caprara transforms an ancient myth into a sweeping novel in verse, unraveling the tales that frame Arachne as a villainess and deliver a timely story of long-awaited justice.

Review by Cody

Rebecca Caprara's SPIN deftly explores women's reclamation of their bodies, stories and the power they ultimately hold. A love letter to story and storytelling, this book challenges the stories we've been told, allowing us to see the pain and strength lingering underneath the surface. Raw, lyrical, and painfully honest in its approach, SPIN is an intricately woven tapestry, so intentional in its beauty. Arachne is a voice to the voiceless, and I firmly believe this new story will allow her to live forever.