By Claire Barickman A&E and Social Media Editor 

Summer is just around the corner, which means that summer reading is as well. If you are looking for a new read to enjoy over break, “A Thousand Ships” by Natalie Haynes might just be what you are looking for. If you are a fan of Greek retellings like “The Song of Achilles” and “Circe” by Madeline Miller, “A Thousand Ships” will be perfect for you.

“A Thousand Ships” tells the story of the Trojan War through the perspective of the women it affected. The story starts with Callipo, the muse of epic poetry, sharing these stories with a man who prayed to her for inspiration. Throughout the novel, the chapters change perspective based on which woman is telling her story. Some of the big names that share their stories include Helen, Clytemnestra, Cassandra, and Penelope. As the story of the Trojan War progresses, you begin to learn more about the lives of these women and all they have suffered. Unlike many other retellings, “A Thousand Ships” gives a voice to the women who are often forgotten and gives new perspectives on some of the most infamous Greek stories. 

The way that Natalie Haynes tells these stories is breathtakingly beautiful, and the prose throughout the novel is some of the best that I have read. This book was such an interesting take on some of the most well-known myths and gave a new perspective and life to these forgotten women. I personally am a big fan of Greek mythology retelling, and I especially love to read them as the weather gets warmer. If you are anything like me and enjoy these styles of literature, I would definitely recommend that you read “A Thousand Ships.”