Jason and Medeia

Who writes epic poetry these days? And even if someone does, how good can it be? Very good indeed, as a matter of fact! The late John Gardner tackles one of the greatest, most rousing tales of Greek myth, one with some of the darkest undercurrents, and retells it for the modern age. Beginning (of course) in medias res, with Jason & Medeia living in exile under the auspices of Kreon, our contemporary narrator allows us to observe Jason spinning his tale before Kreon's court -- and before Kreon's young daughter Pyripta, surrounded by suitors for her hand & dowry. Along with the narrator, we know how the tale will end -- in blood & betrayal, just as Jason's passionate involvement with Medeia began. The poem unfolds with vivid color, psychological depth, and philosophical musings on fate & death. Yet it's always a Story before everything else, one that draws the reader in, just as Jason's telling of it draws in & captures Kreon's enthralled court. The overlay of contemporary images & ideas at times only adds to the power of the poem. Nothing ever seems jarring or out of place -- it's told from a timeless perspective, filled with pity for the plight of Man, tinged with dark humor, recognizing the Gods as avatars of both the forces of existence & our own complex psyches. If Jason & his shipmates contend against an essentially meaningless universe, they do so by striving to create their own meaning. And yet, how blind they can be to their own flaws, how helpless before the flood of unsuspected emotions & hidden drives! Don't mistake this for just an interesting literary experiment. Gardner knows the masters of the epic inside & out, and he's giving his utmost to match their artistry, striving as mightily as Jason himself. And I'd say that he succeeds. This is wonderful reading by any measure, most highly recommended!

I wondered what John Gardner was thinking when he decided to take on a project like this. The celebrated and confirmed novelist produces a sweeping epic poem about Jason, (of Jason and the argonauts) his voyages and tragic relationship with Medeia. Though after reading it I felt that it was a logical progression for Gardner come out with this. All of the deep philosophical musings that you expect from him are there, great characterizations, and really most of his prose is very poetic; some of the poetry in this work slips into and out of prose. Absolutely engaging material and often overlooked. A great read for the serious reader.