I genuinely love well-written retellings of the Greek myths, especially if those retellings offer something new. In recent years there has been a plethora of brilliant books that use the mythology, and as it’s (one of) my favourite subjects, I decided the inaugural post on Secondary Reading would be on the Greek myths.
The books below are all beautifully written retellings; some consider the myths from a female perspective, giving a voice to the women in the stories who were traditionally, oxymoronically, vital and disposable. They all give the myths a new, fresh take in beautiful, lyrical prose.
The Silence of the Girls – Pat Barker (fiction)
In the middle of the Trojan war, Briseis – queen of a neighbouring Trojan kingdom is abducted by Achilles. As she adjusts to life in the Greek camp she becomes caught in a power struggle between Achilles and Agamemnon. The Silence of the Girls gives the women of Troy a new voice.
The Children of Jocasta – Natalie Haynes (fiction)
The story of Oedipus is flipped on its head. Told over two narratives, one by Jocasta and one by Ismene the tragedy unfolds with the women of the family at its centre.
The Song of Achilles – Madeline Miller (fiction)
Exiled prince Patroclus is sent to live at the court of King Pelus and his son Achilles. Together, Patroclus and Achilles grow into young men and eventually join the Trojan War. This is a beautiful, epic love story.
Circe – Madeline Miller (fiction)
A beautiful retelling of the myth of Circe, where she is no longer a villain but someone fighting for her place in the world against Gods and men.
Mythos and Heroes – both by Stephen Fry (non-fiction)
If you’ve ever wanted a comprehensive understanding of Greek mythology and the myths of the Greek heroes then these books do just that.
Death of an Ancient King – Laurent Gaude (fiction)
English translation of a French novel. King Tsongor is giving away his daughter Samilia in marriage but on the eve of the wedding, a lone, mysterious rider appears instead to claim Samilia’s hand and war ensues.
Coming soon…
Pandora’s Jar: Women in the Greek Myths – Natalie Haynes, coming May 2020
Have you read any of the books listed above? What did you think? Have you read any others that you think should go in this collection? Let me know in the comments below!
Secondary Reading 