As a woman in my 20’s, Greek mythology stories and retellings have become my comfort genre. In middle school I was captivated by the Percy Jackson series written by Rick Riordan. Years after I first discovered the series in my middle school library, I find myself returning to those books time and time again, eager to wrap myself in the world of Greek gods and heroes. As I grew older and my taste in books evolved (though I still re-read Riordan’s books, they are just too good!), I went out in search of novels and series that might fulfill my hunger for Greek mythology.
Up until recently, I had not realized there was an entire market of books specializing in Greek mythology retellings. Before, I had felt trapped between my middle school obsession and trudging through the classics. Now, I am no longer bound by those restrictions. The stories are familiar, yet the prose is new and refreshing.
To satisfy your own desire for romance, heartbreak, adventure and glory, here are a few recommendations for Greek mythology retellings, all of which are written by women.
- “The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller
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This novel has become one of the most recommended books in recent months — and rightfully so! This was one of the most beautiful stories I have ever read, and as a self-declared bookworm, that is saying something. This story follows Patroclus, an exiled prince and the hero Achilles. The two boys form an unlikely friendship that blossoms into something deeper. From their first encounter to their journey to Troy, they are tested at every turn. This story will both dazzle and bring you to tears.
- “The Silence of the Girls” by Pat Barker
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The city of Troy remained under siege for a decade, and the tale of the heroes who fought there has been told over and over again. Pat Barker’s novel brings to life the erased history of the women living through the war including slaves, prostitutes, nurses and women who lay out the dead. Mythology often holds heroes on a pedestal and forgets about everyone else, but in this novel, Barker, with amazing historical detail and beautiful writing, brings readers into the Greek camp and offers a new, fresh perspective of the Trojan War.
- “Circe” by Madeline Miller
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Written by the same author who wrote “The Song of Achilles,” “Circe” is a wonderful feminist novel. Crice is the daughter of Helios, god of the sun, but she is not like others in her family. She lacks the power of her father and the seductive nature her mother and siblings exude. After turning to the world of mortals for companionship, she discovers the power of witchcraft within herself. After being banished to an island, she develops her powers while finding herself along the way. I was personally so inspired by Circe and her strength as she forged her own path throughout trials and challenges.
- “A Thousand Ships” by Natalie Haynes
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If you are tired of reading about brawny heroic men, get ready to be thrown into the Trojan War from the perspective of all the women involved. This novel follows the story of women such as the Amazon princess who fought Achilles on behalf of the Trojans, Penelope who waited for Odysseus to return home and the three goddesses whose feud began the war. Between love, rivalry, loss and bloodshed, this novel puts women, girls and goddesses alike at the heart of one of the most well known stories.
- “The Penelopiad” by Margaret Atwood
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Atwood, who is famous for “The Handmaid’s Tale,” puts a contemporary twist on the ancient story of Penelope, Odysseus’ wife and cousin of Helen of Troy. When Odysseus returned home after years at war and delays in his journey home, he killed her many suitors and oddly twelve of her maids. Atwood focuses this story on providing an answer to the mystery of what led to the hanging of the maids and what was Penelpe truly up to in her husband’s absence. This novel is said to be simultaneously compassionate as it is haunting, but one thing is for sure, Atwood’s poetic talent makes it well worth a read.
I can guarantee that if you decide to pick up any, or all, of these Greek mythology retellings, you will not regret it. The familiarity of the stories paired with the beautiful writing of these talented authors leave you wanting more.