I have always loved retellings of the lives of historical and mythological women (Joan, The Lost Queen, She Would Be King, Circe, etc.), so I was absolutely psyched for this story of Boudicca, who I've always been interested in, but never really seen a lot about (which, I am sure, is at least in part because there isn't really much reliable primary source material to begin with). Thanks to Libro.fm for the ALC. 

This book was *all about* the setting and atmosphere. For all that it covers the specific years in Boudicca's life in which she was straight up leading a rebellion against the Roman empire, it was more of a slower paced novel, heavy in details of character development and the pulling in the emotional involvement (rage and revenge) of the reader as it all unfolds. And Cast really sets the mood and vibe so well with that pacing and writing style - this place and time and characters, their world and traditions and relationships and goals, all come to life in this novel. Also, as a content warning note, this is not to say that the - historically truthful - violence in this retelling is not present: there is animal sacrifice in religious rituals, the violence/injury/death in battle is vividly reported, and especially in the opening scenes when the Romans attack Boudicca's village (and sexually assault/rape her *very young* daughters) is pretty graphic, it's a lot, and it was incrdibly difficult to read. Nothing after that was nearly as bad.  

Ok, so, there were maybe a couple things I wasn't as into. I'm gonna note those, right quick, before jumping into all the other things I loved. First, a little too hit-you-over-the-head with the feminist aspects of Iceni/Britain tradition and culture, in comparison to the disdain the Roman’s showed women. I mean, I agree with it, conceptually, but it was spoon-fed to the reader a bit too much. Also, and this is super personal, I’m not necessarily a personal fan of “victory/people/tradition lives on through children” as a culmination and "answer" to the kind of cultural violation that the Iceni/Boudicca's people experienced. BUT I do understand the power that the continuation/future generations give (in real life as well as this story). And the way it fits this story, with the messages and promise from the goddesses, is well done to provide fulfillment in the finale, while keeping within the bounds of history’s truth.

Back to the things I loved. I have always appreciated and been fascinated by the "old ways" (as it were), regarding spirituality and, especially, death. The practicality of responding to death, the understanding that death is natural, while still being emotional and honoring life, and the traditional ways of coping that allow healing and moving on…I've always found it beautiful and calming. Cast portrays all these death-related druidic traditions, as well as the ways that honoring the goddesses was interwoven in all ways of life, with depth and feeling and grace. It was a real highlight for me. Another thing: in an unanticipated turn, Boudicca is gloriously bi in this retelling! As if I wasn’t hype enough for this historical warrior feminist...I mean come onnnnnn! 

One day, a strong historical woman’s story will not end in tragedy. I eagerly await that day. And until then, this was an mystical and epicly unfolded retelling, that gave me exactly what I wanted.

“…wasted happiness is wasted life.”