Description

Winner of the Somerset Maugham Award

Waterstones best book of the year 2023

‘A remarkable feat of storytelling’ Rosie Hewlett

This should be the story of Hercules: his twelve labours, his endless adventures…everyone’s favourite hero, right?

Wrong.

This is the story of everyone else:

Alcmene: Herc’s mother (She has knives everywhere)

Hylas: Herc’s first friend (They were more than friends)

Megara: Herc’s wife (She’ll tell you about their marriage)

Eurystheus: Oversaw Herc’s labours (He never asked for the job)

His friends, his enemies, his wives, his children, his lovers, his rivals, his gods, his victims.

It’s time to hear their stories.

Herc gives voice to the silenced characters, in this feminist, queer (and sometimes shocking) retelling of classic Hercules myth.

Perfect for fans of Madeline Miller and Joanne M. Harris

‘It. Is. Fantastic’ NetGalley reviewer

‘An absolute delight’ NetGalley reviewer

Publisher Review

‘Alternately hilarious and shocking, this is an astonishingly vivid retelling of the story of Hercules, and these are not the Greek myths I learned in school.’ Jodi Taylor, author of Just One Damned Thing After Another

‘A brilliant debut! Rogerson has produced a fresh and totally original retelling of the Hercules myth. For the first time, long-silent characters from the hero’s story are given a voice. They provide a sparkling new perspective on the club-wielding, all-daring son of Zeus. A Herculean triumph of creative writing, and a joy to read. Finally, a Hercules for the twenty-first century!’ Alex Rowson, author of The Young Alexander

‘Hercules had his story, now it’s time for everyone else to get their say. Wickedly fun and devilishly dark – the tell-all for our times.’ Cari Thomas, author of Threadneedle

‘A captivating retelling with a very definite, personal voice, and a sharp, fresh perspective on the lives surrounding the hero.’ Genevieve Cogman, author of Scarlet

‘A rollicking ride through Greek mythology, Herc tells the story of the famous hero through his impact on the people around him. By turns quippy, hilarious, and shocking, Herc will make you want to hide in a jar like King Eurystheus, dodging all your responsibilities to read it from cover to cover.’ Luna McNamara, author of Psyche and Eros

‘A brilliant, witty and unique retelling of the myths that at times had me laughing out loud. Rogerson’s impressive talent leaps from the pages.’ Carly Reagon, author of The Toll House

‘A wonderfully layered piece of storytelling which manages to be earthy, haunting and beautiful all at once.’ Stacey Thomas, author of The Revels

‘Funny, action-packed, violent, tragic . . . this is the story of Hercules as you’ve never experienced it before! An eye-opening treat.’ A.J. Elwood, author of The Cottingley Cuckoo