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sarah984's review against another edition
dark
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I liked the idea of this book, focusing on war’s effects on women and a sort of discussion on the meaning of heroism, but the execution just felt really weak to me. The muse character basically outright states the book’s theme at least three times, in case I somehow missed it, the overpopulation motif with Gaia is boring and ridiculous, and the tone of some parts is really weird (Penelope’s letters at times feel like a comedy sketch). The book also mostly focuses on noblewomen and goddesses which I feel is a missed opportunity in a book about women and war.
The chapter about the Amazons was interesting though and I found Cassandra’s point of view compelling, so three stars.
The chapter about the Amazons was interesting though and I found Cassandra’s point of view compelling, so three stars.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Ableism, Animal death, Blood, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Death of parent, Vomit, Violence, Suicide, Slavery, Rape, Pregnancy, Murder, Mental illness, Medical content, and Infidelity
Minor: Cannibalism, Eating disorder, and Incest
ruuntvoces's review against another edition
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
4.0
A Thousand Ship is a well-organized re-telling of key plot points of the Trojan War and -- more importantly -- its aftermath: centering women, revealing the interiority of these often under-written characters, and framing their experiences as heroic. For those familiar with the core sources used for this re-telling, the story can be slow-moving as, Cassandra-like, you know what is coming. Tension doesn't build between chapters until quite close to the end, but it makes for interesting reflection. Chapters can operate independent of the novel itself, and exist in discussion with the sources. For those with in interest in Greek mythology, but less familiar with the Classical sources, the story may have a faster pace. I loved the representation of Calliope, in particular, and the creativity and empathy of how Eris was written. Penelope's final two chapters are also highlights of this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Sexual violence, Grief, and Violence
Moderate: Ableism and Slavery
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