A review by bookish_sabrina
A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes

challenging dark funny tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

This was a mostly hit, some miss retelling of the Trojan war from the perspective of the women on both sides. I, not having a lot of familiarity with the traditional narrative, sometimes found myself getting a bit lost due to the sheer number of characters, as well as the fact that the story was pieced together nonlinearly. However, once I found my footing, I really enjoyed the result, particularly Haynes' thesis that women in war narratives are heroes, too. They may not be wielding a sword and shield (although some are), they are holding society together by maintaining the households, raising the children, and staying stable in the face of violence, loss, and grief.

I enjoyed the sections about the goddesses, particularly the one where Aphrodite, Hera, and Athena are squabbling over a shiny, apple shaped bobble. I also enjoyed the letters from Penelope's perspective, growing increasingly exasperated as she writes to Odysseus, waiting years for his return. I really enjoyed Haynes' wit, and her prose was absolutely gorgeous. Also beautifully read on audio.
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