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A review by readclever
A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes
5.0
Haynes weaves the story of women in the Trojan War, from goddesses to priest daughters, and what they faced. I loved this book because it gave a voice to characters often ignored for the sake of the big manly battles of death. Amazon warriors fight against Achilles, Cassandra keens in pain at what's to come, mothers bargain for their children's lives, and all for the sake of men's demands.
Listening to Haynes narrate was a joy. Her voice and cadence, the rise and fall of pitch, brought the women to life. Calliope's anger at the world of men, of discounting women because of a bard wants battle without emotional pain. There's so much richness in the book. A fullness of story. While not every woman in the decades long story could be included, the author does a terrific job of centering what matters to each storied woman. Distinct voices with clear arcs.
Aphrodite, Athena, and Hera aren't the only goddesses and muses. There's a wide variety in the pantheon that set the story into motion. Before and after. Gaia trembles at the destruction of her world while Themis works as justice for the slight. Men are often referenced and discussed, even play their role, but their stories are not the centering force.
Pleasantly surprised at how good the book was and that my bookish friends hadn't been reccing. That'll be my job now.
Listening to Haynes narrate was a joy. Her voice and cadence, the rise and fall of pitch, brought the women to life. Calliope's anger at the world of men, of discounting women because of a bard wants battle without emotional pain. There's so much richness in the book. A fullness of story. While not every woman in the decades long story could be included, the author does a terrific job of centering what matters to each storied woman. Distinct voices with clear arcs.
Aphrodite, Athena, and Hera aren't the only goddesses and muses. There's a wide variety in the pantheon that set the story into motion. Before and after. Gaia trembles at the destruction of her world while Themis works as justice for the slight. Men are often referenced and discussed, even play their role, but their stories are not the centering force.
Pleasantly surprised at how good the book was and that my bookish friends hadn't been reccing. That'll be my job now.