First published 2008
Lucius cannot resist the allure of magic and sexual adventure. His curiosity leads him to experiment with supernatural forces, but the spell goes wrong and transforms him into a donkey. Trapped in animal form, he endures a series of degrading ordeals and cruel treatment at human hands. He witnesses the worst of human nature while unable to speak or defend himself. His only hope lies in divine intervention. The goddess Isis eventually takes pity on his suffering and restores his human shape. Through his bizarre ordeal, Lucius discovers both the depths of human cruelty and the power of divine mercy. His journey from reckless pleasure seeker to grateful devotee reveals how suffering can lead to spiritual awakening.
Genres: fiction, mythology, fantasy, ancient
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, spiritual-awakening
Setting: Africa
Period: Ancient
336 pages · Paperback · Oxford University Press
Content warnings: animal-death