Harpy: half-bird, half-human.
This book wouldn’t ordinarily appear on my radar; I normally gravitate towards a crime thriller or historical novel. When given a chance to read a proof copy of The Harpy, I looked up Megan Hunter’s debut novel: The End We Start From. It was described as “a gripping novel”, “strange and haunting”, “beautifully spare”. Good vibes so far!
Intrigued, I began reading…
In late classical mythology, a harpy was represented as a bird with the face & torso of a woman. For me, the striking jacket cover by Amy Judd represents a contemporary reimagining of the harpy. In legendary tales such as Jason and the Argonauts, harpies were creatures who punish men for cruel acts against women or children.
Now for a contemporary version…
In Megan Hunter’s tale, the clever twist is that permission is granted for punishment to commence, as part of an extraordinary contract between a wife & a husband.
On the face of it, Lucy & Jake and their two children have a happy and contented life: Jake has a secure job that he enjoys; Lucy balances working from home with the needs of her family. All of this is shattered by a single phone call: Jake is having an affair with the caller’s wife.
An agreement is struck in which Lucy can punish Jake three times and they will stay together. He won’t know when these acts will happen or what form they will take.
my thoughts
For me, Lucy is relatable – at least in some ways! She’s a modern mum with two young children. She’s making the best of having her career on the slow burner so she can be the principal carer of their children. It’s a familiar story for many.
I didn’t much care for Jake, but that’s probably because the adultery was announced very early on; I don’t think we’re supposed to see many shining traits in him!
Where the story takes on a mythical, fantastical quality is when Lucy – while responding to this marital infidelity – begins both a physical and mental rebirth.
No spoilers here…
I found the story at times unsettling, but I enjoyed it to the end. A contemporary story of a regular family, with its flaws and struggles. If you enjoy books that aren’t afraid to make the reader uncomfortable in its honesty about real-life situations while staying on the right side of tasteful AND adding a mystical element, I think this will be one for you.
You can tell that Megan Hunter has a background in poetry: it’s written in such free-flowing prose that it’s effortless to read. Its short chapters make it easy to dip in-and-out easily, or you could finish it in one satisfying sitting. The dark and unexpected response to marital betrayal is written so well that, I think, you’ll also be drawn in.
The publication date of The Harpy has moved to 17th September 2020 as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. I promise you it’s well worth the wait and will be perfect for a read when curled up on an autumnal day. Well worth a pre-order 😉
Bye for now!
Disclosure: Thank you to Picador for sending me this advanced proof to read in return for an honest review. As ever, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
#100DaysNoTV 
I am always looking for new books to add to my reading list and the Harpy sounds like an intriguing read
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It does sound like an interesting read… and concept. I can’t say it’s the kind of book that would appeal to me, although I am all for kick-ass women! I like the idea of it being free-flowing prose with short chapters though! Sim – Sim’s Life x
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Hey Sim! I was surprised how well, and quickly, I got into it. I’d now like to try her first novel as that’s supposed to be amazing x
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This sounds like an interesting book – your write up definitely wants me wanting to learn more about it and perhaps have a read!
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You really should, Sarah 😀
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This sounds like an interesting read, my wife is a big reader and has been storming through books recently, so i will recommend her this one, great review.
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Wonderful! I’d love to know if she does read it, and what she thinks of it 😀
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I’m not sure if it’s the sort of book I’d read myself. I’m into horrors and supernatural stuff but I know a friend that would really enjoy this. She was looking for a book to read so I’m glad I can finally suggest something.
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Glad to help, Melanie! 👍
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I love the idea of how it reads if she is a poet, I bet it flows so nicely. I also love books with short chapters as although I’m reading a lot at the moment, when I have less time it makes it easy to dip in and out x
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Absolutely. I found it was easy to pick up and get straight back into the story x
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Oo – this looks like one to suggest to my book group, although I’ve been in trouble for suggesting “unsettling” books before…
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I’m sure it’ll work out fine 😉
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Jake sounds like a shady character for sure…I can see why you would not like him at all!! This is one book, I will suggest to my reading club x
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That’s great news. Please let me know if you do all end up reading it x
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Will do lovely x
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I love mythology, so this sounds like the perfect book for me to get stuck into
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I’m sure you’ll enjoy it 🙂
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I’ve been reading loads more during lockdown. Sounds like an interesting read.
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Me too! If you have any book recommendations, I’d love to hear them.
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My friend mentioned this book a couple weeks ago and she loved it! I will need to give it a read 🙂
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Oh that’s great! 😃
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I have tried to read a bit more this lockdown and this sounds like a book that you can’t put down though it is unsettling.
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I did wonder whether I should have called it unsettling. Perhaps that’s too strong a word. It plays with your emotions but I think that’s a sign of a good book 🙂 Hope you’re enjoying having more time to read x
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You description of this book sounds very intriguing and will need to read. I am curious of what the punishments will be.
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