Venus and Aphrodite

Ehhhh.

This book is very suspicious of and disdainful of AMAB people in the history of Aphrodite Venus, which is a little weird considering that historically the legacy of Aphrodite, Astarte, Innana and eventually Venus, has included masculine and trans feminine people basically forever. But then again, I came to this book looking for details on trans and nonbinary inclusion in these ancient cults, something the book is by and large uninterested in. Likewise, for all the book also talks about blood and war and death in Aphrodite's older cults, it's largely light on details, and very unfocused. The book is just a little too light fare for me, too pop to be satisfying on a subject of overwhelming depth and intensity.

It's also very weirdly negative on the idea that people used Aphrodite and Venus statues as porn, which is just kind of strange. I guess the idea is that if men were using Aphrodite / Venus worship to get off, it was taking away from the centrality of women? But then, what of the sacred prostitution the book earlier lavishes with praise? In general, the author's intent comes through as very... basic, very judgmental, when it comes to the goddess of unfettered desire.

At least it's short.

Didn't grab me like the Helen of Troy biography did. I feel like Hughes is at her best when she can luxuriate in a topic. Wasn't my favorite but maybe I wasn't in the mood for it? I'll keep it on my shelf and maybe pick it up again.