Day’s YA: PERSEPHONE’S CURSE

PERSEPHONE’S CURSE by Katrina Leno

9781250342904
12/2/2025
Wednesday Books
Ages 13-18

E-galley available on Edelweiss and NetGalley

The four Farthing sisters are descended from Persephone, the Goddess of the Dead. Or, at least, that’s what they’ve always been told by their Aunt Bea, and it’s what they’ve come to believe. But it certainly seems like it could be the truth, considering the fact that a ghost lives in their attic, and they are the only ones who can see him. Henry is a gentle spirit—he died there when he was just 17, and has remained ever since. As he watched the girls grow up, he became something of a brotherly figure to all of them, a fifth sibling who they could confide in, and who would comfort them. 

But when one of the sisters falls deeply in love with Henry, and another sister accidentally banishes him to the Underworld in a moment of anger, life as they know it is turned upside down. They must finally try to understand who they really are—and if they truly are related to Persephone and have inherited some of her magic, then surely they can find a way to find Henry and save him, each other, and the world. 

From the moment I read the first page of this book, I knew it was bound to become an instant favorite of mine. As someone with four sisters, I was immediately drawn to the Farthing family. Each sister had their own distinct personality, quirks, and seemingly magical gifts—from creating art to seeing ghosts. But my favorite part of this story was the way in which their sisterhood was shown. It felt like such an accurate portrayal of growing up with siblings—you might fight, you might argue, and you might even banish your sister’s lover to the Underworld, but at the end of the day, you will do anything to protect and save each other. From their quick witted banter, to their frustrations with each other, to their deep understanding of each other’s feelings, they reflected what I have always felt with my own sisters. I was also so grateful to be in Winnie’s head throughout this book, as she was a character I deeply resonated with, from her strong emotions all the way down to our shared love of the Cloisters.

Katrina Leno’s writing is undeniably beautiful and magical. I felt drawn to the story in ways I couldn’t explain, only knowing that I wanted nothing more than to return to this world whenever I had to put the book down. The story often read like literary fiction, making it feel contemplative, quietly powerful, and incredibly magical, in the same way that the original myth is. From realistic and powerful depictions of mental health struggles, to girls who are just trying to find their place in the world, to enchanting experiences with the paranormal, this book will now forever be a favorite of mine.

This captivating, mesmerizing read is one that I will now desperately push into the hands of everyone I know. If you’re a fan of LITTLE WOMEN, Laini Taylor, Practical Magic, or the spellbinding mythology of Hadestown, this is a story you absolutely need to pick up.

Happy reading!
<3 Margo

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