There are so many books fictionalizing the Greek myths now, I don't even know where to start. I've read the Troy Quartet by Lindsay Clarke and thought it was wonderful. These 4 books cover the Iliad and the Odyssey and some of the background and myths connecting the two (parts of the Aeneid, e.g.). I don't think he did as good a job with the Odyssey though, and that led me to pick up Circe, which also sucked me right in. I'm about 1/2 way through with it right now.
I'd prefer books that stay true-ish to the original myths, as I never really learned the originals. Everything I know is just the bits and pieces one picks up. Of course, I don't want to eliminate any of the feminist re-imaginings, because it looks like to do so would be to eliminate 90% of the books out there, but I'd prefer books that at least stay grounded in the original myth.
I'm not totally opposed to YA, but only if it rises to a certain level of sophistication.
So, what do you think? Out of the gazillion Greek myth novelizations out there, which really stand out?
by ehead
5 Comments
If you love Circe definitely check out song of Achilles also by Madeline Miller. One of my fave books to this day and definitely best Greek mythology books out there in my opinion!
Stephen Fry’s Great Mythology Series is a funny retelling of the common Greek myths. The author voiced the audiobook as well and the narration is top tier.
I really loved *The Silence of the Girls* by Pat Barker. Focuses on Briseis in the war camp.
Mary Renault’s books are very good. I also liked Pat Barker’s novel The Silence of the Girls.
Daughters of Sparta by Claire Heywood! Helen of Troy and her sister Klytemnestra