A review by nicole_bazza
A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes

emotional inspiring sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Haynes tells the story of The Trojan War through the voices of the women who after often pushed to the background in favour of the male ‘hero’s’ Achilles, Paris or Hector. She grants a voice to every woman affected by the war, from Paris’ first wife Themis to the often ignored Iphigenia. Who is often treated only as a sacrifice by her father and by authors. These characters become three dimensional with their own fears, hopes, ambitions, experiences and loves rather than an extension of a man. 

This is more of a collection of short stories as there is no main character. However, I think this gives the story more power, it shows how the actions of a few men affect so many women and gives a well rounded view of The Trojan War outside of the fighting. 

I particularly enjoyed the story developing as you progress through the book, you start to look back in time to the creation of the war by Persephone, Hera and Athene. And then further back still to the creation of their conflict by Eris.