69 pages • 2 hours read
A Thousand Ships
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Book Brief
368
Novel • Fiction
Troy • Bronze Age
2019
Adult
18+ years
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.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Mysterious
Emotional
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
83,451 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
83,451 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Helen
Helen
Helen appears in the narrative with a focus on her role in sparking the Trojan war and her complex relationships, as influenced by the gods' plans.
Themis
Themis
Themis is depicted as concerned with her appearances and interactions with Zeus, representing divine order and the balance between the gods.
Thetis
Thetis
Thetis is portrayed as a mother who grieves over her son Achilles's fate, intertwined with prophecies and a divine plan for destruction.
Penthesilea
Penthesilea
Penthesilea is an Amazon warrior who engages in battle during the Trojan war and is noted for her shared name meaning with Achilles.
368
Novel • Fiction
Troy • Bronze Age
2019
Adult
18+ years
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