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The Just City - Thessaly by Jo Walton
The Just City
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Book 1 in the series:Thessaly

'The Just City' by Jo Walton is a novel of ideas that explores themes of consent, choice, power, society, and justice through the experiment of setting up a city based on Plato's Republic. The story follows the creation of the Just City on an island, where characters from different time periods are brought together to establish a society governed by philosopher kings. The plot revolves around the interactions between gods, historical figures like Socrates, and children, as they navigate philosophical debates, ethical dilemmas, and the challenges of creating a utopian community. Walton's writing style is characterized by a mix of fantasy and philosophy, offering a thought-provoking narrative that delves into deep philosophical waters while maintaining an air of the fantastical.

If you liked The Just City, here are the top 100 books to read next:

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    The Republic by Plato
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    Plato's Republic is a paradigm-shattering book that challenges readers to reevaluate their perspectives on the world. The book delves into deep philosophical concepts using analogies and dialogues, exploring themes of justice, ideal government, the nature of reality, and the soul. Through thought experiments and discussions between Socrates and various interlocutors, Plato constructs an ideal city from the ground up, touching upon fundamental aspects of human society and individual behavior. The writing style is clear and thought-provoking, presenting complex ideas in a compelling and accessible manner.

    Plato's ideal state or society is characterized by wisdom, courage, self-discipline and justice, qualities that a well-balanced person should also develop. Conversely, his discussion of reason, spirit...

  2. #2
    The King Must Die
    Book 1 in the series:Theseus

    The King Must Die - Theseus by Mary Renault
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    'The King Must Die' by Mary Renault is a retelling of the Theseus myth, focusing on his journey from Trozizen to Eleusis, his training as a bull-leader, and his role as king of the captives. The book weaves together myth, legend, history, and imagination to bring Theseus to life as a young hero destined to fulfill his fate with honor. Renault's writing style immerses the reader in the ancient world of Greece, presenting a plausible version of the reality behind the legend of Theseus.

    The narrative follows Theseus as he faces challenges, saves the girl, and navigates the deadly bull ring and decadent courts of Crete. Renault's portrayal of Theseus as a real person, with a supernatural connection to Poseidon, adds depth to the character. The story unfolds with elements of adventure, passion, wit, and daring, painting a vivid picture of a young man coming into his heroic birthright amidst ancient rites and traditions.

    THE CITADEL OF TROIZEN, where the Palace stands, was built by giants before anyone remembers. But the Palace was built by my great-grandfather. At sunrise, if you look at it from Kalauria across the s...

  3. #3

    Lavinia by Ursula K. Le Guin
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    "Lavinia" by Ursula K. Le Guin is a retelling of the Aeneid from the perspective of Lavinia, a character from Virgil's epic poem. The book delves into Lavinia's life before and after her marriage to Aeneas, exploring her visions, struggles, and interactions with the poet Virgil who narrates her story as he is dying. Le Guin's writing style brings to life the ancient setting of pre-Roman Italy, blending mythology, history, and fiction seamlessly.

    IWENT TO THE SALT BEDS BY THE MOUTH OF THE RIVER, in the May of my nineteenth year, to get salt for the sacred meal. Tita and Maruna came with me, and my father sent an old house slave and a boy with ...

  4. #4

    Cassandra: A Novel and Four Essays by Christa Wolf
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    Set during the Trojan War, 'Cassandra: A Novel and Four Essays' by Christa Wolf delves into the life of Cassandra, a seeress and daughter of King Priam. The narrative follows Cassandra as she reflects on her life, thoughts, and struggles with the events and politics of the Trojan War. The book presents a loose chronology, allowing Cassandra to contemplate her impending fate while exploring the complexities of her character and the world around her. Through a mix of memories and stream of consciousness, Wolf skillfully portrays Cassandra's internal world and external challenges, providing a fresh perspective on a well-known mythological figure.

    IT WAS HERE. This is where she stood. These stone lions looked at her; now they no longer have heads. This fortress – once impregnable, now a pile of stones – was the last thing she saw. A long-forgot...

  5. #5

    The Greek Myths I - The Greek Myths by Robert Graves
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    'The Greek Myths I' by Robert Graves is a comprehensive and exhaustive reference work that delves into Greek mythology. The author's writing style is described as wonderful and engaging, providing full stories with good footnotes for the confusing or contradictory bits. Graves' work not only retells the myths but also analyzes them, drawing connections to other cultures' beliefs and shedding light on the origins of each myth. is praised for its good organization and insightful additions to each myth, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in Greek mythology.


  6. #6

    Medea by Christa Wolf
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    In Christa Wolf's 'Medea', the story is retold from Medea's perspective, focusing on her struggles with love for Jason and betrayal. The narrative delves into their life in exile at Corinth, drawing parallels to the post-WWII eastern Europe atmosphere of fear and turmoil. The book offers a powerful and beautiful take on the Medea myth, providing a voice to one of the most mysterious women of ancient literature. Through multiple points of view, it paints a vivid picture of a dismal and dangerous time in Corinth, challenging the traditional portrayal of Medea as a seductress and exploring deeper themes of power, misuse of power, and scapegoating.

    Of all the seductive, sinister and transgressive women who have haunted the Western imagination, none has a reputation more lurid than Medea’s. Judith, Salome, Jezebel, Delilah, Lady Macbeth—these mur...

  7. #7

    Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold by C.S. Lewis
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    'Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold' by C.S. Lewis is a retelling of the Roman myth of Cupid and Psyche, focusing on the perspective of Psyche's sister, Orual. The book delves deep into themes of love, jealousy, self-deceit, and the struggle with divinity, presenting a complex and sympathetic portrayal of the characters. The narrative explores the concept of knowing oneself before truly knowing love, while beautifully examining the power of love in our lives.

    The writing style of the book is described as rich in language and wisdom, with exceptional storytelling that weaves a complex and amazing story of human emotions and choices. C.S. Lewis skillfully uses mythological elements to bring forth deep passions and consequences of our actions, creating a thought-provoking and engrossing tale that challenges readers to reflect on their own beliefs and relationships with the divine.

    I am old now and have not much to fear from the anger of gods. I have no husband nor child, nor hardly a friend, through whom they can hurt me. My body, this lean carrion that still has to be washed a...

  8. #8

    A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes
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    A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes is a retelling of the Trojan War that centers on the female characters involved in the epic, offering a feminist perspective on the traditionally male-centric story. The book weaves together various narratives of women such as Penelope, Clytemnestra, Cassandra, and Helen of Troy, showcasing their courage, suffering, and strength. The author shifts the focus from the typical male heroes like Achilles and Odysseus to the unsung heroines, giving voice to the women who have been relegated to the edges of the story in classical literature.

    The book follows the lives of these women before, during, and after the Trojan War, exploring their perspectives, struggles, and resilience. Through a series of vignettes and shifting points of view, A Thousand Ships delves into the emotional depth, humor, and energy of the female characters, providing a fresh and compelling take on Greek mythology and ancient history.

    Sing, Muse, he says, and the edge in his voice makes it clear that this is not a request. If I were minded to accede to his wish, I might say that he sharpens his tone on my name, like a warrior drawi...

  9. #9

    The Firebrand by Marion Zimmer Bradley
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    'The Firebrand' by Marion Zimmer Bradley is a retelling of the fall of Troy from a feminist perspective, narrated by the ill-fated priestess Kassandra. The story delves into the life of Kassandra, a princess of Troy with the gift of prophecy but cursed to never be believed, providing a unique viewpoint on the Trojan War and integrating fantasy elements with grounded aspects of Greek mythology. The book explores themes of female empowerment, historical detail, and the struggles of women in a society dominated by men, offering a fresh take on the well-known tale.

    Leda, Lady of Sparta, rose from her bed where her consort Tyndareus lingered still. As usual after their coupling, he had fallen into a heavy sleep; he did not notice when she rose from the bed and, t...

  10. #10

    The Silence of the Girls - Women of Troy by Pat Barker
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    "The Silence of the Girls" by Pat Barker is a retelling of the Trojan War from the perspective of Briseis, a captured queen turned slave of Achilles. The book delves into the lives of women affected by the war, portraying their struggles, relationships, and resilience amidst the brutalities of ancient Greece. Through Briseis' narration, the story intertwines with the legends of Achilles and provides a deeper insight into the impact of war on both men and women.

    Swift-footed Achilles. Now there’s an interesting one. More than anything else, more than brilliance, more than greatness, his speed defined him. There’s a story that he once chased the god Apollo all...

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