-
Your next favorite book
is waiting.
Experience the myth and magic of antiquity's most alluring—and provocative—goddess as never witnessed before, in this gorgeously rendered, unflinching, and deeply vulnerable retelling from the author of Mother of Rome and Medusa's Sisters.
Two hundred years before the common era, Aphrodite surprises an itinerant sculptor with a shocking request: Hear my story, see me for who I truly am, and carve it into stone. Never before has the goddess posed for her likeness, and as the artist works, she shares pieces of herself.
Her greatest triumphs and most grievous mistakes. The truth behind the tales of her beneficence and vengeance. And the one epic romance that slips through her perfect fingers, time and time again.
Part memoir, part fantasy, and all heart, Aphrodite in Pieces begs the eternal, essential questions: what do love and beauty truly mean? And can they last?
Did you blame Aphrodite for cheating on her husband, Hephaestus, or do you think her actions were justified? He later traps her in bed with Ares and exposes the couple’s affair (pp 142-148). Do you think their punishment was fitting?
Aphrodite like the other Goddesses were under the control and dominance of their husbands. Being a Goddess of Love, it was her nature to seek it and there was none at home. It was a doomed situation from the start but I understand why she would take the risk and her actions were justified to a ce...
-Lorraine_D
Aglaia, one of the Graces, tells Aphrodite that “War is desire made bloody.” (p. 20) What do you feel she means? Do you believe she’s correct?
That is an excellent brief description of war. Wars are started and fought to satisfy a desire to win.. Winning means to gain or get something in the case of wars. Wars are driven by varied desires, so, yes I think she is correct.
-Lorraine_D
As he’s designing his statue of Aphrodite, Alexandros struggles with what to put in her hands. Did you have any thoughts as you were reading as to what would be appropriate? What do you feel about his final choice?
At first, it was shocking. Giving it thought, it seems that she was always reaching for what she truly craved, perhaps a lasting love, a sense of full self, a perpetual sense of love and belonging. She seemed to reach that crest several times only to lose it and have to move on. With no hands her...
-Lorraine_D
Why Do Men Go to War?
Men, or women, go to war for a variety of reasons. Honor of the country, to fight a viable threat to humanity, to reclaim something lost (like land, freedoms, and the like). Some end up in war because they join the armed forces for an education and happen to be in at an unfortunate time.
-Lorraine_D
Were you familiar with any of the myths the author includes in the narrative? Which ones? How did the author’s versions compare to those you recall?
No, but I am now open to reading more about them. I only knew vaguely some lore about Aphrodite.
-Lorraine_D
When Aphrodite complains about Alexandros’s housekeeping, he responds, “I haven’t the time to maintain it.” She replies, “We make time for the things we truly want, don’t we?” (p. 65) Do you agree with her?
I think that the reply was an innuendo referring to time with her perhaps. I do agree with her, that most of us will make time for the things we truly want. Sometimes it may not be possible, but generally we do move things around on the "to do" list and top it off with a sincere "want to do".
-Lorraine_D
The only god that truly befriends Aphrodite is Apollo. Why do you believe so few of the gods show sympathy for her?
They either were jealous of her, feared her power over them, or were disgusted by her use of that power.
-Lorraine_D
Hera betrays Aphrodite several times throughout the novel, even after Aphrodite helps her seduce Zeus. Why do you suppose this is?
It seems that the males are always in competition from a power and control perspective, and the women were in competition to seduce, influence and win over the males. Jealousy and fear of Aphrodite's beauty and seductive skills likely motivated Hera.
-Lorraine_D
To what audience would you recommend Aphrodite in Pieces? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style?
Book Clubs that read a variety of genres would be a good audience. I thoroughly enjoyed it but the reader has to be open to fantasy, fable, and the like.
-Lorraine_D
Aphrodite accuses the Graces of trying to “force happiness,” but Aglaia responds, “We don’t force happiness…we find it.” (p.100). What do you think she means?
I think that because so little was in their control that they had to find happiness in whatever was dealt to them.
-Lorraine_D
Other than the main characters Aphrodite and Ares, which emerged as your favorites? Were there any that you despised?
The Sculptor was a favorite. As a reader, his kind treatment and understanding was much needed. Zeus is the worst.
-Lorraine_D
Ares leaves Aphrodite after the couple is discovered. Do you think he should have stood by her, defying Zeus, or did he do the right thing by ending the relationship?
I think he decided that the best thing at the time was to leave, for his future, and for the protection of Aphrodite not knowing for sure what Zeus would likely do next.
-Lorraine_D
Overall, what did you think of Aphrodite in Pieces? (No spoilers in this topic, please.)
I thoroughly enjoyed it and have been talking to many friends about it encouraging them to read it. It improved my understanding of Gods and Goddesses and motivates me to want to read more on the topic. I also plan on reading other books the Author has or may write.
-Lorraine_D
What was your opinion of the relationship between Ares and Aphrodite? Why were they so attracted to each other, and what kept drawing them back together even after each had caused the other so much pain?
It was like trying to combine fire and ice and without the fire diminishing or the ice melting. The strong current that drew them closer and closer, and the inevitable explosion afterward. Sad, but still kept reading. It made me want to read more on Gods and Goddesses, their powers, and their evo...
-Lorraine_D
What did you think of the novel’s post-Troy ending? Did you enjoy the way the various threads wrapped up? Would you have liked to have seen a different ending for any of the characters?
I liked that the pieces were cleaned up and pulled together. This book makes me eager to read more from the Author.
-Lorraine_D
What did you know about Aphrodite and what was your opinion of her before reading Aphrodite in Pieces? Did your feelings about her change over the course of the novel?
I knew very little of Aphrodite and had a general knowledge of her as a Goddess of Love.
-Lorraine_D
Have you read either of Lauren J.A. Bear’s previous novels, Medusa’s Sisters or Mother of Rome? If so, how do they compare to Aphrodite in Pieces?
No, this is the first of Author's books I have read.
-Lorraine_D
Ask the Author mug winners
Congrats to our latest BookBrowse mug winners, chosen at random from the members who very kindly stopped by the Q & A area to ask our visiting authors questions about their work. Thank you very much to all who participated, it's very much appreciated. Zayd Ayers Dohrn ( https://www.bookbrowse.com...
-kim.kovacs
BookBrowsers Ask Lauren J.A. Bear, author of Aphrodite in Pieces
Your last sentences in your reply shows what a good writer you are—how live can be immortal.
-Cheryl_T
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (6/18/2026)
So many good books out there! I've got Taiwan Travelogue, Mad Mabel, How to Dodge a Cannonball, and Land on my list! Argh, I'll never get to all the books I want to read! This week I finished Merry-Go-Round Broke Down for the discussion here. There are things I enjoyed about it and it gave me lot...
-kim.kovacs
Lauren J.A. Bear will be here next week, 6/15-6/17
Hey, fellow readers! Lauren J.A. Bear will be here next Monday for a Q & A. She's the author of our recent BookBrowse Book Club book, Aphrodite in Pieces, as well as Mother of Rome and Medusa's Sisters. I hope you'll join us!
-kim.kovacs
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (6/11/2026)
This week I read https://www.bookbrowse.com/bb_briefs/detail/index.cfm/ezine_preview_number/24510/contrapposto Contrapposto by Dave Eggers for review. It's about two friends who meet as children and have an on-and-off relationship for the next 60 years. It's got some beautiful writing and I enjoy...
-kim.kovacs
In the Author’s Note, Bear says she “drew a lot of Aphrodite’s character” from women of Hollywood’s Golden Era. Which elements of these starlets did you see in Aphrodite? Which other “goddesses” would you add to the list?
Janine_S, Good idea. From what I have read she was smart and obviously beautiful. She certainly was not lucky in selecting her partners!
-Dee_Driscole
Paris tells Aphrodite that he’s loved Helen since they were children. He asks her, “Can first love be real? Is it childish to think the first hand I held could be the one I will hold until the end of days?” What do you think about this statement?
It happens. A few lucky people find their person immediately and hold on. Most of us have to go through a few attempts (or more) to find the right love for us. I don't think this is childish. I do think that pursuing Helen under these circumstances was naive and led to tragedy. Theirs was a tragi...
-Susan_L
What did you think of the author’s interpretation of Aphrodite and the other gods? Did any of her characterizations surprise you? How would you characterize Aphrodite?
It had been along time since I had read these myths, so my thoughts of each god had become shortened traits. The author made the god live again for me, as they became fully three dimensional with bad and good characteristics. I felt Aphrodite was described in a realistic way, and I liked that she...
-Dee_Driscole
Upcoming author Q&As
Wow, we've got some great authors dropping by over the next couple of months: 04/27-04/29: Donna Everhart ( https://www.bookbrowse.com/bb_briefs/detail/index.cfm/ezine_preview_number/22747/women-of-a-promiscuous-nature Women of a Promiscuous Nature ) 05/07-05/09: Amelia Ireland ( https://www.book...
-kim.kovacs
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (4/23/2026)
I finished Aphrodite in Pieces by Lauren Bear for the online book club. It was a good read, nicely written and would recommend it to anyone looking for a strong female heroine. Lots of wisdom imparted that is timeless. Have just started Kin by Tayari Jones for my regular book club.
-Marilyn_M
If you were making a movie of Aphrodite in Pieces, who would you cast as the leads?
These are my choices: Aphrodite-Charlize Theron or Gal Gadot Ares-Sean Penn Zeus-Russell Crowe Apollo-Brad Pitt
-Patricia_Williams
Aphrodite in Pieces character list
Your list looks good to me.
-Janine_S
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (4/16/2026)
Confessions of a Bookseller by Shaun Bythell sounds really good, @Roberta_Winchester ! I'll have to add that one to my list. I finished up https://www.bookbrowse.com/reviews/index.cfm/book_number/4840/the-flower-sisters The Flower Sisters by Michelle Collins Anderson, which I really enjoyed. I al...
-kim.kovacs
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (4/09/2026)
I read https://www.bookbrowse.com/bb_briefs/detail/index.cfm/ezine_preview_number/22971/tailbone Tailbone by Che Yeun for review. Set in South Korea in 2008, just as the financial crisis hit, it's the story of a 17-year-old girl who runs away from home. A typical teen, she does no planning, just ...
-kim.kovacs
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (4/02/2026)
Have you ever picked up the first book in a series that had a bunch of complicated plotlines, only to find that absolutely none of them resolved or even intersected in the first book? That describes Strains of Malice by Andrew Beardsmore, Book 1 of the Nessemiah series. It was enjoyable enough th...
-kim.kovacs
About the Aphrodite in Pieces by Lauren J. A. Bear category
Please join BookBrowse in a discussion of https://www.bookbrowse.com/bb_briefs/detail/index.cfm/ezine_preview_number/23264/aphrodite-in-pieces Aphrodite in Pieces by Lauren J.A. Bear.
-kim.kovacs
"[Lauren J. A.] Bear tackles Aphrodite in all her complexities...Perspective can change everything, and Bear is always interested in giving victimized women of mythology a voice, even extremely powerful figures like Aphrodite...With beautiful, reflective prose, this retelling will appeal to fans of Bear's previous work or Greek mythology retellings in general." —Library Journal (starred review)
"Writing in eloquent and elegant prose that Sappho herself would prize, Bear deftly illuminates the endlessly compelling story of one of mythology's most famous figures. Not only are readers treated to an Aphrodite who is flirtatious, funny, and fierce in equal measures, Bear also thoughtfully explores age-old topics such as the meaning and power of beauty, love, and art." —Booklist
"Aphrodite in Pieces had me hooked from page one. Bear's voice is heartbreaking in its lyricism, painting a picture of the goddess of love that feels both painfully human and impossibly divine. An utter triumph, a masterpiece!" —Emily Rath, New York Times bestselling author of North is the Night
"The love story! Bear's Aphrodite in Pieces is a work of art that will leave you contemplating the meanings of love and beauty long after you put it down. A must read for every Greek mythology lover!" —Jo Segura, USA Today bestselling author of The Lust Crusade
This information about Aphrodite in Pieces was first featured
in "The BookBrowse Review" - BookBrowse's membership magazine, and in our weekly "Publishing This Week" newsletter. Publication information is for the USA, and (unless stated otherwise) represents the first print edition. The reviews are necessarily limited to those that were available to us ahead of publication. If you are the publisher or author and feel that they do not properly reflect the range of media opinion now available, send us a message with the mainstream reviews that you would like to see added.
Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
Lauren J. A. Bear was born in Boston and raised in Long Beach. After studying English at UCLA and education at LMU, she taught middle-school humanities for over a decade—and survived! She is a teaching fellow for the Holocaust Center for Humanity and lives in Seattle with her husband and three young children. She likes crossword puzzles and being on or near the water without getting wet. She is the author of Mother of Rome, Medusa's Sisters, and Aphrodite in Pieces.
If you liked Aphrodite in Pieces, try these:
by Daisy Dunn
Published 2024
A dazzlingly ambitious history of the ancient world that places women at the center—from Cleopatra to Boudica, Sappho to Fulvia, and countless other artists, writers, leaders, and creators of history
by Elizabeth Fremantle
Published 2023
A riveting novel based on the life of Artemisia Gentileschi—the greatest female painter of the Renaissance—as she forges her own destiny in a world dominated by the will of men.
by Katy Simpson Smith
Published 2021
From a supremely talented author comes this brilliant and inventive novel, set in Rome in four different centuries, that explores love in all its various incarnations and ponders elemental questions of good and evil, obedience and free will that connect four unforgettable lives.
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
One spring morning, a stranger arrives in the small southern city of Golden. No one knows where he has come from…or why…
Your guide toexceptional books
BookBrowse seeks out and recommends the best in contemporary fiction and nonfiction—books that not only engage and entertain but also deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
