Psykhe

In this textured and lyrical retelling, Forsyth explores the complexities of human nature and female agency through the lens of our heroine’s transformation from compliant daughter to defiant woman. The world of the ancient myth is very much there in the historical detail but Forsyth brings empathy and depth to the characters, offering a nuanced take on what it means to be a woman regardless of time or place. What sets this fictional retelling apart from the growing stable of myth-lit is Forsyth’s ability to imbue her sentences with a melodic rhythm that echoes the oral tradition of storytelling which birthed these myths, and of which she is an expert.

Emma Harcourt, The Australian

In a novel reminiscent of Madeline Miller’s Circe, Forsyth offers the reader a richly imagined world, set firmly within the framework of classical mythology. This romance is lush and forbidden, pushing and folding the peaks and troughs of the narrative to its final conclusion. Psykhe is intense and winding; avid fans of Forsyth’s work will enjoy the continued painterly storytelling evidenced here, while first-time readers are in for a strange and lovely surprise

Ellie Fisher, Arts Hub

Psykhe is the perfect winter read. Set against a rich historical backdrop, Forsyth’s latest is full of everything her readers have come to love about her work. Her attention to detail – early midwifery, herbal lore, Greek myth – brings layers of complexity to a familiar mythological story, and she is an assured storyteller who compellingly brings together the themes of solidarity, witchcraft and love. This a gripping, easy read, ideal for a late night in, hiding from the cold.

Bec Kavanagh, The Guardian

Rich with history, magic and beauty, Psykhe re-shapes one of the greatest love stories in classical mythology with grace and soul. A powerful reminder of why Kate Forsyth is one of Australia's most beloved storytellers.

Kell Woods

Kate Forsyth is a magical storyteller and, in this passionate and powerful work, she lures us into a vividly reimagined world of gods and mortals, beauty and horror, love and vengeance.

Suzanne Leal

Forsyth skillfully immerses the audience in the original mythos, tackling themes such as fate versus autonomy, female empowerment, and the power dynamics embedded in the patriarchy. Psykhe will appeal to those interested in Greek mythology and readers of Madeline Miller, particularly Circe.

Alexandra Ashburner-Hill, Books + Publishing

Everyone loves a good love story, a good fairy tale or myth. In Kate Forsyth's capable hands, her retelling of myths with a modern feminist imagining ticks all those boxes and shows us that mere mortals can love the gods.

Jennifer Somerville, Good Reading magazine

If you have never read the story of Eros and Psykhe, let Kate’s reimagining be an incredible introduction. Even if you have, this retelling is so engaging, immersive and above all gives deserved agency to Psykhe. This perilous tale is a ballad to the triumphant power of love, hope and a celebration of female power and determinism. Whilst staying true to the original myth you can feel Kate’s gentle and artistic influence throughout the novel that makes this so enjoyable to read.

Angus, Book of the Month, Better Read Than Dead

There is nothing quite like Forsyth's work. Her spin on this classic tale is vivid, compelling, compassionate, and most of all, utterly original. There is everything a good story needs, with the added bonus of some Forsyth flair! I'm so excited that this is our book of the month (and a shout out to the cover designer too).

Lexi, Book of the Month, Better Read Than Dead

The novel succeeds in its ambition to entice and delight. Forsyth is an assured writer who knows her stuff when it comes to myth, a storyteller who can draw the reader in with quiet confidence. The outsider coming to power; the thrill of a magical assist; the familiar rhythm of being taken on a journey that leads you there and back again – it’s an alluring opportunity to leave behind the worries of reality for a while.

Bec Kavanagh, The Guardian

The stable of myth-lit continued to expand this year with Forsyth’s immersive retelling of the myth of Eros, the god of desire, and Psykhe, the mortal woman who captured his heart. The world of the ancient myth is very much alive in the historical detail but in this author’s experienced hands, the tale becomes a deeply human one of a woman who defies the gods and must undertake a dangerous quest to save the man she loves. Great summer read.

Emma Harcourt, The Australian, Books of the Year