- Noel Jacob
Autobiography of Red: A Novel in Verse by Anne Carson
Autobiography of Red by Anne Carson is the reinvention of the classical Greek tale of Herakles (Hercules) and Geryon (the red-winged dragon that Herakles killed as part of his 10th labour), but has been shifted to the contemporary setting of a teenage boy as he goes through various episodes of his life. The book is rendered as a novel in poetic verse, an autobiography by Geryon from the age of five as he documents his experiences, his loneliness, and heartbreak. Carson uses the original characteristics of the classical characters, part metaphorical and part literal.
The book carries a sweet and tender quality with its rich verses and inventive use of language. Anne Carson breathes life into each of her characters and strikes the perfect balance between being lyrical and telling a story. Autobiography of Red is a quick read and one that is well worth your time.