Facing Down the Furies: Suicide, the Ancient Greeks, and Me

by Edith Hall
Facing Down the Furies: Suicide, the Ancient Greeks, and Me cover
Good Books rating 4.45
Biography and Memoir
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Paperback • £12.99
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  • ID: 6012
  • Added: 2025-10-29
  • Updated: 2025-10-31
  • ISBN: 9780300273533
  • Publisher: Yale University Press
  • Published: 2024-03-19
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

In 'Facing Down the Furies,' Edith Hall delves into the timeless wisdom of Greek tragedies to grapple with the profound and personal impact of suicide. Drawing parallels between the tragic figures of ancient drama and her own family's history, Hall examines the philosophical arguments on suicide from Plato to Camus. Her deeply personal journey reveals how the stories of Oedipus, Ajax, and others helped her navigate her own struggles and the loss of loved ones. /n/nHall's exploration is not just an academic exercise but a poignant memoir that blends classical scholarship with personal reflection. She argues that the ancient tragedies offer valuable insights and comfort for those dealing with suicide, both as survivors and those contemplating it themselves. This book is a powerful testament to the enduring relevance of classical literature in understanding and coping with modern-day struggles.

Reviews
New Statesman · 2024-05-08
compassionate 4.50

The book is a remarkable and compassionate exploration of suicide, blending personal experience with ancient Greek wisdom. It offers a poignant and insightful perspective on a deeply personal and societal issue.

This book is a brave and compassionate exploration of suicide, drawing on both personal experience and ancient Greek tragedies. The author seeks to disentangle the complex emotions and societal impacts of suicide, offering a poignant and insightful perspective. The blend of personal memoir and classical wisdom makes it a deeply moving and thought-provoking read. The author's approach is both illuminating and compassionate, providing a unique lens through which to understand the damage caused by suicide. It's a book that will resonate with anyone who has been touched by this issue.

Quick quotes

    Edith Hall, in this remarkable, brave and compassionate book, evidently shares something of this concern, seeking to disentangle the idea of suicide.

    The book offers a poignant and insightful perspective on a deeply personal and societal issue.

    It's a book that will resonate with anyone who has been touched by this issue.

The Storygraph · 2024-03-19
moving 4.75

The author's approach to the topic of suicide through Greek tragedies and personal experiences is both unique and deeply moving. The book is a powerful blend of memoir and classical wisdom.

The author's approach to the topic of suicide is both unique and deeply moving. By blending Greek tragedies with personal experiences, the book offers a powerful and illuminating perspective. The author's personal journey is intertwined with classical wisdom, creating a poignant and thought-provoking narrative. This blend makes the book a compelling read, offering insights that are both personal and universal. The author's ability to weave together different strands of thought and experience makes this a standout work.

Quick quotes

    I love how author Edith approached the topic of suicide, through the prism of Greek tragedies and her personal experiences.

    In the end, this book is a powerful blend of memoir and classical wisdom.

    The author's ability to weave together different strands of thought and experience makes this a standout work.

Goodreads · Goodreads Community · 2024-03-19
illuminating 4.10

The book is an award-winning classicist's exploration of the damage caused by suicide, using Greek tragedies for wisdom and understanding. It is both illuminating and deeply personal.

This book is an exploration of the damage caused by suicide, drawing on Greek tragedies for wisdom and understanding. The author's personal experiences are intertwined with classical wisdom, creating a deeply moving and illuminating narrative. The book is both a memoir and a scholarly work, offering insights that are both personal and universal. The author's ability to blend different strands of thought and experience makes this a compelling read. The book is both easy to read and deeply profound, making it accessible to a wide audience.

Quick quotes

    An award-winning classicist turns to Greek tragedies for the wisdom to understand the damage caused by suicide.

    The book is both a memoir and a scholarly work, offering insights that are both personal and universal.

    The author's ability to blend different strands of thought and experience makes this a compelling read.

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