Reviews
my first sappho collection!! i should've probably chosen another one for my first read, because as english isn't my native language, i had to translate nearly every second word oof. but i enjoyed it nevertheless! the verse is so beautiful <3
"Either I have slipped out of your head Or you adore some fellow more, instead." "I declare That later on, Even in an age unlike our own, Soneone will remember who we are." *** I first encountered Sappho for my Ancient Civilizations lit class. We had to compare and contrast one work of hers to the Song of Solomon. I've heard her collection, "If Not, Winter" is a must-read; but I couldn't find a physical copy of that so I settled for this penguin little black classic instead.
when your mentally, emotionally and physically exhausted and feel disrespected.... thats the time to read Sappho. I am not wrong.
2.5/5 ๐
Finally read something by her, and yes, it's beautiful. She's very sensual - not in the vulgar meaning of the word - talking about love and death, and pain and lust. I'm definitely curious about her other works. Gave it 4 but it's really 4.5!
I loved some parts of this collection, and felt them in my core. But more often than not it felt like something was missing as a whole. Maybe this is a case of poor translation? This was my first encounter with Sappho and I must say I love the story around these poems so much that I will be on the lookout for more... By a different translator, that is.
Highlights
I declare
That later on,
Even in an age unlike our own,
Someone will remember who we are.
Star clusters near the fair moon dim
Their shapely shimmering whenever
She rises, lucent to the brim
And flowing over.
But when you lie dead
No one will notice later or feel sad Because you gathered no sprays from the roses
Of the Pierian Muses.
Once lost in Hades' hall
You will be homeless and invisible
Another shadow flittering back and forth
With shadows of no worth.