Helpful Score: 7
Ok, I will say this - I loved this book. It felt like sitting in front of a storyteller, letting me know how things used to be, my roots, my past history, my shared history, etc. So, reading this was really a fantastic experience that opened up my mind to possibilities.
However ... the word "storyteller" is key here! I'm a feminist myself, but even I have some doubts about Merlin Stone's interpretation of archaeological evidence. The facts are - we have no real idea about pre-patriarchal times, or even if there was such a time. Granted, there may have been a more equal culture, and there are some instances here and there of goddess worship. However, I don't think this is enough evidence to draw the conclusions Stone does. There is a lot of debate among archaeologists and scholars when it comes to this topic. Also, this book was written in the 1970s - we have 40 more years of archaeological discoveries now.
Of course, one can argue that all of history is an interpretation of data. And the story changes depending on who is doing the interpreting. So, this book holds one interpretation.
Having said that, I heartily recommend this book. It can be a source of inspiration, possibilities, hope, and metaphorical truth. Personally, I see it as a wonderful story, in the same way we have other stories about the world, i.e. creation stories, god stories, goddess stories, etc.
However ... the word "storyteller" is key here! I'm a feminist myself, but even I have some doubts about Merlin Stone's interpretation of archaeological evidence. The facts are - we have no real idea about pre-patriarchal times, or even if there was such a time. Granted, there may have been a more equal culture, and there are some instances here and there of goddess worship. However, I don't think this is enough evidence to draw the conclusions Stone does. There is a lot of debate among archaeologists and scholars when it comes to this topic. Also, this book was written in the 1970s - we have 40 more years of archaeological discoveries now.
Of course, one can argue that all of history is an interpretation of data. And the story changes depending on who is doing the interpreting. So, this book holds one interpretation.
Having said that, I heartily recommend this book. It can be a source of inspiration, possibilities, hope, and metaphorical truth. Personally, I see it as a wonderful story, in the same way we have other stories about the world, i.e. creation stories, god stories, goddess stories, etc.
This is a really good book.
It's been years since I read this book. bought it to read again and it has just been gathering dust, so thought i'd share.
may re-read in the interim!
basically, it discusses what was going on in the world outside of the history we're familiar with. there's lots of archeological evidence indicating that the role of women in ancient times may have been important, especially prior to invasions in Greece, where Aryans? men took over and shifted the then worship from female gods to male...
as well, there were societies worshiping women in the near and middle east, including many whom the biblical God decided to eliminate.
No agenda, just find it interesting to consider the archeological past and its potential influence on lives and culture
may re-read in the interim!
basically, it discusses what was going on in the world outside of the history we're familiar with. there's lots of archeological evidence indicating that the role of women in ancient times may have been important, especially prior to invasions in Greece, where Aryans? men took over and shifted the then worship from female gods to male...
as well, there were societies worshiping women in the near and middle east, including many whom the biblical God decided to eliminate.
No agenda, just find it interesting to consider the archeological past and its potential influence on lives and culture
I was so excited to read this book. My whole book club was. Our overwhelming response was, wow, that was like reading a stereo repair manual. Mostly, it was Merlin Stone stating her viewpoint and listing quotes from 10 to 12 others that agree. It was very dry and after awhile hard to follow. She did not compare of discuss how any of the references compared to each other. It is also very much based on the Christian Bible, quoting many passages. I was hoping for a more balanced study in goddess based beliefs. I forced myself to read more than half just to give it a fair shot I am by no means put off by a hard read or anything that will make me think. It was also a product of its time, written in the mid 70's when historical facts were viewed as being from the male viewpoint and therefore not to be trusted. I believe some of her viewpoints are valid but others possibly not. Maybe it just wasn't what I thought it would be.
Wonderfully interesting
