Books Like...
'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.
If you liked The Penelopiad, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:"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... - #2
Save: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... - #3
Save:'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... - #4
Save:"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 ... - #5
Save:'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... - #6
Save: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.
Asterion, my terrible brother, was born in my tenth year, not long after Eirene told us that story. I had attended my mother after the births of other children—my brother Deucalion and my sister Phaed... - #7
Save:In "Circe" by Madeline Miller, readers are taken on a journey through Greek mythology from the perspective of the enchantress Circe. The book beautifully weaves together mythological cameos, showcasing a transformational arc for Circe as she evolves from a naive nymph to a powerful witch and reluctant mother. Through vivid storytelling, the author reimagines Circe's story, offering a fresh take on a character previously known for turning men into pigs in Homer's Odyssey.
When I was born, the name for what I was did not exist. They called me nymph, assuming I would be like my mother and aunts and thousand cousins. Least of the lesser goddesses, our powers were so modes... - #8
Save:'Mythos: The Greek Myths Retold' by Stephen Fry is a modern retelling of classic Greek myths, filled with humor and wit that brings the ancient stories to life in a contemporary and accessible way. Fry takes the original myths and weaves them into a coherent narrative, updating the language while staying true to the essence of the tales. Through his engaging storytelling, Fry introduces readers to the world of Greek mythology, delving into the lives of gods, goddesses, and heroes, offering a fresh perspective on these timeless stories.
Fry's writing style is described as entertaining, informative, and engaging, making the complex world of Greek mythology easy to understand and enjoyable to explore. His humorous asides and footnotes add depth and charm to the narratives, creating a delightful reading experience that appeals to both mythology enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Whether Chaos brought life and substance out of nothing or whether Chaos yawned life up or dreamed it up, or conjured it up in some other way I don’t know. I wasn’t there. Nor were you. And yet in a w... - #9
Save:'The Song of Achilles' by Madeline Miller is a beautifully written reimagining of the Iliad, focusing on the relationship between Achilles and his companion Patroclus. The story is narrated from Patroclus' perspective, starting from their childhood together and leading up to the events of the Trojan War. Miller's writing style is described as poetic and engaging, bringing the characters and mythological elements to life in a captivating manner.
MY FATHER WAS A KING AND THE SON OF KINGS. HE was a short man, as most of us were, and built like a bull, all shoulders. He married my mother when she was fourteen and sworn by the priestess to be fru... - #10
Save: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.
IT WAS DOLPHIN WEATHER, when I sailed into Piraeus with my comrades of the Cretan bull ring. Knossos had fallen, which time out of mind had ruled the seas. The smoke of the burning Labyrinth still clu...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Theseus )
