'Lore of Proserpine' Summary

The novel follows the journey of Proserpine (Persephone), a young and vibrant girl, who finds herself abducted to the underworld by the god Hades. She is torn between her longing for the world of the living and the seductive allure of the underworld. As she navigates this new world, she discovers the secrets of the underworld and the power of love and death. The story is told through a series of episodes that alternate between the world of the living and the underworld. Through these episodes, Hewlett explores themes of love, loss, and the cyclical nature of life, weaving in rich symbolism and philosophical insights. Ultimately, Proserpine comes to understand the beauty of both the world of the living and the underworld, realizing that they are interconnected and essential to the natural order. The book concludes with Proserpine's return to the world of the living, carrying with her the wisdom and understanding she gained from her time in the underworld.