A Thousand Ships

Nominated for the Women’s Prize for Fiction in 2020 and recognized as one of the 'Best Books of 2019' by both the Guardian and TLS, "A Thousand Ships" by broadcaster and classicist Natalie Haynes presents a retelling of the Trojan War, narrated entirely from a female point of view. This compelling narrative caters to admirers of authors like Madeline Miller and Pat Barker. Contrary to a tale centered on merely one or two women, this narrative encompasses the experiences of many. As night shrouds the city, and flames devour it, a woman awakens, marking the end of a decade-long struggle between Greeks and Trojans. Troy stands defeated. The story unfolds through the eyes of Trojan women now at the mercy of Greek conquerors, the Amazon princess who valiantly confronted Achilles, Penelope longing for Odysseus’s homecoming, and the trio of goddesses whose discord sparked the legendary conflict. With her signature wit, fiery feminism, and enthusiasm, Haynes places the often-overlooked women, girls, and deities at the forefront of the epic saga, giving them a much-deserved voice. Madeline Miller, acclaimed author of "Circe," applauds it for delivering a much-needed voice to the often-overlooked women of the Trojan saga, while Deborah Frances-White hails it as a captivating feminist triumph.