Books Like...

Ariadne by Jennifer Saint is a feminist retelling of the Greek myth of Ariadne, daughter of King Minos, who helps Theseus defeat the Minotaur only to be abandoned by him. The story is narrated from the perspectives of Ariadne and her sister Phaedra, offering a sympathetic reinterpretation of the females in Greek mythology. The book delves into themes of betrayal, love, loss, and the struggles faced by women in ancient times, all set against the backdrop of Ancient Greece.

'Stone Blind: A Novel' by Natalie Haynes is a modern retelling of the Perseus Medusa myth with a feminist voice and a great sense of humor about Greek myths. The story is told through multiple points of view, converging various plot lines well, and exploring the power of women and the absurdity of the myths. The book delves into the story of Medusa, her sisters, and the surrounding characters, providing a fresh perspective on the ancient tale.

The writing style of the book is engaging and keeps readers turning the pages, presenting the mythology in a modern voice that is easily relatable to contemporary societal issues. Natalie Haynes skillfully reinterprets millennia-old stories in a way that captivates readers and sheds light on the complexities of human nature, heroism, and the portrayal of monsters.

Ithaca by Claire North is a reimagining of ancient Greek mythology, focusing on the character of Penelope as she navigates the challenges of existing as a woman in a misogynistic society. The story delves into Penelope's struggles as she awaits the return of her husband, Odysseus, while dealing with suitors and political turmoil in Ithaca. Narrated by the goddess Hera, the book provides a fresh perspective on well-known myths, blending classical elements with modern storytelling techniques. The writing style incorporates sharp wit, vivid descriptions, and multiple points of view, creating a rich and engaging narrative that explores themes of resilience, autonomy, and survival.

'Elektra' by Jennifer Saint is a compelling retelling of the Greek mythological story of the siege of Troy, focusing on the perspectives of three strong female protagonists - Elektra, Clytemnestra, and Cassandra. These women navigate the aftermath of the Trojan War, seeking retribution, dealing with the scars of war, and becoming slaves to both the victors and their own family members. The novel delves deep into the complexities of the generational curse that plagues the House of Atreus, portraying the women's actions as pivotal in shaping their tragic destinies.

Saint's writing style breathes life, personality, and soul into the age-old myths and legends, making the reader feel deeply connected to the story and characters. is highly praised for its feminist narrative, creating a platform for the women to tell their own stories and showcase their strength, resilience, and unyielding pursuit of revenge in a male-dominated world of Greek mythology.

Published four years after The King Must Die, this book picks up the thread of Theseus' story once again. Having brought down the ancient Cretan house of Minos, he comes home to Athens flushed with glory, accompanied by his loyal team of bull leapers, the Cranes. But the joy fades quickly Theseus is greeted by news of his father's premature death and, for all the Cranes, the Athens they return to seems smaller and more provincial than the city they left... For the rest of the review, please see my blog http theidlewoman.blogspot.co.uk 2014 03 the bull from sea mary renault.html

Another excellent picture of Ancient Greece, this time concentrating on the life of Theseus after he returned from Mycenae, the Labyrinth, and the Minotaur. Theseus is bigger than life, as a mythical hero should be, but Renault manages to make him seem almost human with some very real and strong emotions. Most of the other characters are rather flat, thus the 4 stars. The author's strength was always her storytelling and world building. Of special note here are the more or less plausible explanations of some of the myths e.g., the centaurs . This will appeal to anyone interested in Ancient Greece and or Classical Mythology.

'Daughters of Sparta' by Claire Heywood is a captivating novel that offers a fresh perspective on the stories of Helen and Clytemnestra from Greek mythology. The book delves into the lives of these legendary women, portraying their struggles and sacrifices in a male-dominated world. Through the eyes of the narrators, readers are taken on a journey that explores the complexities of sisterhood, love, betrayal, and the consequences of war. Heywood weaves a compelling narrative that brings to life the rich tapestry of Bronze Age women's experiences, shedding light on their roles and expectations in a society where power dynamics often dictated their fates.

"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.

The novel 'Clytemnestra' by Costanza Casati is a modern retelling of the Greek mythological figure, Clytemnestra. The book delves into her life as a queen, mother, murderess, and warrior in Ancient Greece. Through five chronological parts, the author portrays Clytemnestra's upbringing in Sparta, her relationships with her sister Helen and husband Agamemnon, and her journey towards seeking revenge. Casati humanizes Clytemnestra, making her a complex and relatable character who navigates love, hate, jealousy, and power in a world that underestimates her strength and ambition. The writing style carefully weaves elements of Greek myths, family feuds, war, and daily life in Ancient Greece, creating a compelling historical fiction narrative.

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.

'The Penelopiad' by Margaret Atwood is a retelling of the myth of Penelope from Homer's Odyssey, narrated by Penelope herself from the Underworld in present day. The book provides a cleverly told autobiography, focusing on Penelope's perspective on Odysseus' adventures and the twelve maids hanged by Odysseus, who act as a traditional Greek chorus. Atwood's unique take on the story includes the theory that Penelope had the maids act as spies, adding a fascinating new dimension to this old tale.

The narrative of 'The Penelopiad' offers a fresh and feminist perspective on the classic Greek myth, exploring themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the struggles faced by Penelope during Odysseus' absence. Through a combination of prose, verse, and chorus elements, Atwood weaves a story that delves into the inner thoughts and emotions of Penelope, shedding light on her character and the challenges she faced while waiting for her husband's return.