We decided to revisit this topic as Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is released in cinemas.
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller:
This was one of our first Greek mythology inspired books that we read and it is difficult not to fall in love with the poetic quality in which Miller brings the relationship between Patroclus and Achilles to life. Passion, vivid description and deep emotional connection in display throughout means that this remains one of our favourite reads.
Pandora’s Jar by Natalie Haynes:
Offering a contemporary insight into many of the female characters in Greek mythology, Natalie Haynes with Pandora’s Jar has written a fascinating and insightful book. While highlighting the original stories, Haynes also captures how these stories continues to influence many different aspects of culture. Well worth a read.
Written with insight and with Fry’s trademark sense of humour, his version of the Odyssey ensures that the story is accessible and relatable for a wide range of readers. Entertaining from start to finish, it is clear that there is great thought and depth of understanding that went into the writing of this book.
Pandora by Susan Sotkes-Chapman:
This was a refreshing read. Transporting mythology to Georgian London is not an easy thing to do but it works well here. Yes it is a bit of slow-burner to read, once you get into it the writing becomes increasingly captivating. Taking the story of Pandora and transforming it to Georgian London, it follows the story of Dora Blake is an aspiring jewellery artist who lives with her uncle in what used to be her parents’ famed shop of antiquities. When a mysterious Greek vase is delivered she sees it as a way to restore the shop’s fortunes but there is trouble in store…
Witty and brutally honest this is a really cleverly written book showcases the character of Heracles as seen through the eyes of those he encountered. It really offers a distinctive perspective of one of Greek mythology’s best known characters.
Athena’s Child by Hannah Lynn:
This powerfully emotive story that offers a new perspective of the characters of Medusa and Perseus offers a relatable insight into the story – eventually asking who is truly the villain. It is both thoughtful and perceptive in its insights. A really refreshing read on a well known story.
Hekate the Witch by Nikita Gill:
While initially Nikita Gill’s poetic style of writing and approach to the characters and story that unfolds take a little time to get used to, it really is exquisite and engaging from start to finish. It really does have an other worldliness to it that really engages as we follow Hekate’s journey of self-discovery.
Retelling one of Greek Mythology’s greatest tragedies, Hewlett wrote a compelling and enthralling take on the story of Medea that is impossible to put down despite knowing how it ends. It offers a breathless and heartbreaking story of love that goes too far. It is a very humanely written story.
This drama packed read that focuses on events from the perspective of the Queen of the Gods is thrilling and passionate from start to finish. From start to finish there is a real intensity and drive in the way in which Saint writes, making for truly compelling reading.
Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes:
Leaving you questioning the true meaning behind the terms beauty and monster, Natalie Haynes offers a challenging (in a positive way) approach to two characters in Greek mythology and offers to right the many wrongs to one particular character…