69 pages 2 hours read

Natalie Haynes

A Thousand Ships

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes is a 2019 novel that reimagines the mythologies of the Trojan War from the points of view of 25 mortal and immortal women. The narrative is framed by Calliope, the muse of epic poetry, who educates a male bard on the true nature of war through interconnected vignettes that draw from ancient Greek and Roman texts, exploring the experiences of women affected by the conflict's devastation. Sensitive topics such as sexual violence and war atrocities are depicted.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Natalie Haynes' A Thousand Ships offers a fresh, feminist take on the Trojan War through diverse female perspectives. Reviewers praise its lyrical prose and engaging narrative, yet some find it occasionally disjointed due to frequent shifts in viewpoint. Overall, it's celebrated for giving voice to sidelined characters.

Who should read this

Who Should Read A Thousand Ships?

A reader who enjoys A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes likely has an affinity for mythological retellings, strong female perspectives, and historical fiction. Fans of Madeline Miller's Circe and Margaret Atwood's The Penelopiad will find this book compelling for its empowering narrative and rich, immersive storytelling.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Fantasy

Mythology

Topics

Gender / Feminism

History: World

Themes

Society: War

Identity: Femininity

Values/Ideas: Literature