My ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review of WEARING THE LION by John Wiswell

WEARING THE LION is a triumph, an excellent addition to John Wiswell’s growing oeuvre. I loved SOMEONE YOU CAN BUILD A NEST IN, so I went in with high expectations, and it did not disappoint. The tone evolves from a punchy comedy to something deeply affecting as the characters grow, and the choice to focus on Hera, a historically underdeveloped character, makes this an important entry in the tradition of retellings of myths. The diverse, queer ensemble feels simultaneously ancient and very modern, both accurate and respectful, and, in keeping with Wiswell’s style, the monsters come off the as the best people. The pivotal change to the traditional version is Heracles depicted as a non-traditional hero, not a gleaming mass of muscle and ego succeeding at every turn, but a person trying to do what’s right in impossible circumstances. In a world of often overwhelming injustice, it was a comfort to spend time with a humble person plodding through and trying to avoid doing more harm. He felt timely and eternal. I’ll be telling all my friends about this novel. It’s funny, delightful, and, ultimately, deeply moving.

(I was given an advance review copy. The book is available for pre-order now. https://bookshop.org/p/books/wearing-the-lion-john-wiswell/21819546 )