Books Like...

'The Lost Books of the Odyssey' by Zachary Mason is a collection of alternative stories based on the adventures of Odysseus from Greek mythology. Mason reimagines familiar characters and events from the original Odyssey, offering new perspectives and twists on the classic tales. The book is structured as a series of interconnected short stories, each providing a unique and inventive take on the mythological world of Odysseus. The writing style is described as playful, clever, and surprising, echoing the works of Borges and Calvino, while also incorporating elements of humor and horror.

The narrative of 'The Lost Books of the Odyssey' delves into the themes of possibility and necessity, exploring the concept of multiple selves within the character of Odysseus. Through fragmented sections that mimic lost or discarded parts of the traditional Odyssey story, Mason crafts a fresh and compelling interpretation of the Greek epic. The book is praised for its originality, imaginative storytelling, and polished prose, offering readers a new perspective on familiar mythological characters and events.

A Song of War is a compelling collection of seven novellas that reinterprets the legendary tale of the Trojan War through the perspectives of various characters involved in the conflict. Incorporating voices from both well-known figures like Odysseus and Cassandra, as well as lesser-known players like Philoctetes and Briseis, the narratives explore their motivations, moral complexities, and personal struggles amidst the chaos of war. The authors skillfully weave together historical detail and emotional depth, allowing readers to experience the tumultuous events from multiple angles, thereby adding richness and nuance to the well-trodden story.

The writing styles of the authors blend seamlessly, creating a cohesive reading experience despite the varying tones and formats of each novella. From the humor of Kate Quinn to the poignancy of Vicky Alvear Shecter's portrayal of Odysseus, each story offers a distinct lens on themes of honor, betrayal, and redemption. By focusing on characters often relegated to the sidelines of history, A Song of War presents a fresh, humanized take on the epic tale, making it a satisfying read for fans of historical fiction and mythology alike.

Lord of the Silver Bow by David Gemmell is the first book in the series Troy. The story is set a few years before the Trojan War and mainly focuses on characters like Aeneas, Andromache, and Helikaon. The plot builds slowly to bring solid character development and conflict later on, offering a new and interesting interpretation of the Trojan myth. Gemmell weaves a tale of love, betrayal, and epic battles, creating a vivid and engaging reimagining of the events leading up to the Trojan War.

'Homer's Daughter' by Robert Graves is a clever and fascinating reimagining of the Odyssey story where the author presents a theory that Homer was actually a woman. Through vivid descriptions of daily life in the ancient world, the reader is transported to a Mycenean world where the characters function within a recognizable society and economy. The story follows the high-spirited and religious-minded Sicilian girl who saves her father's throne, herself from a distasteful marriage, and her two younger brothers through bold actions, all while weaving a tale that could have inspired the Odyssey.

Graves' writing style is rich in historical detail and provides a refreshing perspective on Greek mythology. delves into the day-to-day domestic life of Ancient Greeks, giving voice to women who were often marginalized in historical writings. The author's vast knowledge of Ancient Greece brings the setting to life, creating a believable world that blends function and history in a captivating narrative.

The novel "House of Names" by Colm Toibin is a retelling of the ancient Greek myth surrounding the House of Atreus, focusing on characters like Agamemnon, Clytemnestra, Electra, and Orestes. The story delves into themes of betrayal, revenge, tragedy, and the complexities of familial relationships. Toibin's writing style is described as measured, nuanced, and full of righteous anger and ambivalence, with a focus on the characters' impressions and understandings. The narrative is told from multiple perspectives, providing immediacy to the tale and keeping readers engaged like a thriller.

Heroes: Mortals and Monsters, Quests and Adventures by Stephen Fry is a continuation of his previous book, Mythos, where he retells the stories of Greek heroes such as Perseus, Heracles, Jason, Atalanta, and Oedipus. Fry's writing style infuses humor and cheek into these well-known tales, making them relatable and engaging for readers. The book includes modern elements like slang to make the stories more accessible, while also staying true to the classical illustrations that enhance the presentation beautifully.

Fry's narration style brings these ancient Greek myths to life, making the experiences of reading immensely enjoyable. The book covers the adventures of various heroes with Fry's signature heart and humor, making the tales vivid, uncomplicated, and evocative. Despite some modern touches, the book stays true to the essence of Greek mythology, portraying the flaws and complexities of the heroes in a captivating manner.

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.

'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 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.

For The Most Beautiful is a retelling of the Trojan War from a feminist perspective, focusing on the stories of Briseis and Chryseis, two important yet often overlooked female characters in Homer's Iliad. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of these women, providing new insights into their experiences as slaves and mistresses in the midst of the war. The author, Emily Hauser, weaves together familiar elements of Greek mythology with her own twists and interpretations, offering a fresh take on the age-old tale. The book delves into themes of fate, agency, and response to loss, while also exploring the capricious nature of the gods and goddesses who meddle in the lives of mortals.