Listen to the audio interview from SBS Radio's 'World View' radio program.

Comments on Ariadne: The Maiden and the Minotaur, by Jennifer Cook, published by Lothian, 2004.

"Ariadne is ingenious, clever, consoling and ferocious…and entirely fascinating". Kerry Greenwood.

Anne Hazel, in an article for Reading Time magazine, Volume 48, No 3, page 20.

"Jennifer Cook’s story is fascinating not only because it concentrates on Ariadne herself, and because of the way Ariadne is portrayed, but also because it introduces new elements into a story we all feel we know well. Readers will find themselves asking "Is this how it really happened?" "Is this the true story of Ariadne, Theseus and the Minotaur?" "So Ariadne didn’t just get dumped on the island of Nazos at the end of the story". It is testament to Jennifer Cook’s skill as a writer that readers are willing to accept this new version of events thinking that they have probably been deceived by earlier versions."

By Lachlan Champman, 15, Mitchell Secondary College, published in The Border Mail, 15/6/2004. (excerpt)

"...Teenagers around the world can relate to what happens in this book. After all, Ariadne was just another teenager looking for the love of her life (and of course she had an annoying little sister). I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I congratulate Jennifer Cook on this masterpiece."

By Katherine O’Neill, Geelong Advertiser, Saturday, 29/5/2004. (excerpt)

"...Cook has faced a difficult challenge in trying to make an overlooked character from Greek mythology accessible to a younger audience."

Nadine Whitney, Book News, April, 2004. (excerpt)

"...Cook creates a strong 'girl-power' heroine whose love for her brother the Minotaur leads her to invoke the powerful feminine magic inside her to save both him and Theseus. Rich with classical myth and feminist leaning, Ariadne's tale is as captivating and exciting for the female young adult reader as an episode of 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'."

A Review of Persephone: Secrets of a Teenage Goddess in Reading Time Magazine, Volume 49, No 4, page 34.

"Jennifer Cook has written a love story that introduces the reader to the mythical figures of Ancient Greece. However Kore is an ancient goddess who has all the issues of a modern teenager - insecurities, loving parent, inappropriate boyfriend, partying ways and first love. Cook shows us that the concerns of Demeter, Goddess of the Earth are timeless, even if her lifestyle is on a different plane. While disguised as a troll, Kore meets and falls in love with Hades, god of the underworld. He is certainly not the choice her mother would make for her which means before the two lovers can be united there is the family disapproval to be overcome. The achievement of this provides resolution to the story. Well written and fast moving, this book is not retiring in its coverage of the life experiences that the average teenage girl will eventually encounter."

Review of Persephone by Nicole Anderson of Rutherglen High School, printed in The Border Mail, 15/11/2005.

"This novel by Jennifer Cook is an interesting and highly accessible take on the ancient Greek myth, telling the story of the goddess Kore, the very embodiment of innocence, purity and light and her journey to find her own destiny. I found this novel entertaining with its mix of humour, emotion, teenage attitude, temper tantrum throwing Goddess mothers, romance and insight. An enjoyable read indeed.

Comments from school children.

"I liked having the class with Jennifer Cook. She is a very nice person to peak to you. I think she is an excellent author" - Natasha Spry, Rockbank Primary School.

"Jennifer Cook is fantastic! She is such a brilliant writer! I really want to go on her website" - Jade McLean, 12, Melton Primary School.

"Jennifer Cook has been great! I love the way she entrances her readers into her books. She has brought far more imagination into my life that I feel my head will explode. She has been extremely nice to all of us. I rate Jennifer's books 9 and a half out of ten." - Brittany McMillan, Kurranjang Literary festival.

"The Lesson today was very interesting, I enjoyed it an I had a good time. Jennifer Cook really made herself clear about her passion for writing stories and being an author. I learnt that writing stories is great fun - and I have always loved writing stories. I went on a journey that never ended and I didn’t think existed. Jennifer Cook really inspired people." Jodie, Melton South Primary School.

"I think the lesson Jennifer Cook told us about was very fun and I enjoyed having her as someone who helps because she helps us all and she inspires other people." Sally Tvaoi, Melton South Primary School.

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