Step into the mesmerizing world of Greek Mythology as Natalie Haynes invites readers on a captivating journey through her novel, Stone Blind. Haynes’ 2022 novel, reimagines the timeless myth of Perseus and Medusa, shedding light on the enigmatic character and tragic journey of Medusa herself.
Whether you are a seasoned lover of Greek mythology or a curious newcomer, if you enjoyed Stone Blind and want more of a Greek myth retelling fix, this is the list for you. Here are some other mythological books you might also enjoy:
Circe by Madeline Miller
This novel brings to life the story of an infamous sorceress from Greek myth. We follow the journey of Circe, the daughter of Helios, the god of the sun, and Prese, an Oceanid nymph. Despite being divine, Circe is ignored and ridiculed by her family due to her perceived flaws and lack of beauty. The novel explores her transformation from a meek and underestimated figure into a powerful witch and explores her encounters with various mythological characters.
Miller goes beyond the traditional tales surrounding the character, delving into Circe’s personal growth, relationships and challenges. If you want to explore more of Greek myth and explore complex characters and their transformative journey, then Circe is worth checking out.
The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker
This book is a retelling of the events in Homer’s epic poem, the Iliad, from the perspective of Briseis, a former queen captured and enslaved by Achilles during the Trojan War. The novel explores the experiences of women who were often overlooked or silenced in the original mythological narrative.
Just like Haynes, Barker’s novel offers a feminist perspective on the ancient story and sheds light on the trauma and resilience of women caught up in the violence and power dynamic of war.
The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood
The Penelopiad is a novella by Margaret Atwood that retells the story of Homer’s Odyssey from Penelope’s perspective.
It follows Penelope reflecting on her life, particularly focusing on events in Odyssey and her experiences while Odysseus is away at war. Through her point of view, Atwood offers an alternative perspective on the well-known myth, giving the character depth and examining themes of loyalty, power and the silencing of women.
American Gods by Neil Gaiman
If you want a different take on mythology and a story that combines elements of folklore, mythology, religion and American culture, then read American Gods. The story follows the adventures of Shadow, an ex-convict, who is released from prison early after the death of his wife, Laura. Shadow finds himself drawn into a conflict between the old gods of mythological and cultural traditions who have immigrated to America and the new gods that present modern society’s obsessions.
The Children of Jocasta by Natalie Haynes
If you enjoyed Stone Blind and are looking for a book that tells the story of Oedipus’ children, try another Haynes novel. The book offers a fresh perspective on the ancient Greek mythological stories of Oedipus and Antigone by focusing on the often overlooked female characters and retelling the narratives from their point of view.
Haynes dives into the emotions, experiences and challenges faced by these women while shedding new light on their roles within the well-known myth.
For the Most Beautiful by Emily Hauser
For the Most Beautiful is the debut novel by Emily Hauser, the first book in the Golden Apple Trilogy. The novel is a retelling of the story of the Siege of Troy from the perspective of the female characters, offering a fresh and imaginative take on the well-known myth.
The book focuses on the experiences of Briseis, princess of Pedasus, and Krisayis, daughter of the High Priest of Troy, who are often overlooked in Homer’s Iliad. Hauser skilfully brings these characters to life and explores their roles and perspectives during the legendary war.
Weight by Jeanette Winterson
Weight by Jeanette Winterson is a novel that is part of the Canongate Myths collection, which includes retellings of various myths. Specifically, Weight is a deconstructed retelling of the myth of Atlas and Heracles. The book explores the themes of narrative construction of identity and the way we perceive ourselves.
In Weight, Winterson brings a fresh perspective to the story of Atlas, who is condemned by the gods to shoulder the weight of the world forever, and his unexpected encounter with Heracles. Through her creative storytelling, Winterson examines the nature of freedom and the power of choice.
Ariadne by Jennifer Saint
Jennifer Saint’s Ariadne explores the journey of the titular character, from her upbringing in Crete to her involvement with the hero Theseus and her eventual abandonment on the island of Naxos. The novel highlights Ariadne’s strength, resilience, and her complicated relationship with the gods and other powerful figures in Greek mythology.
Pandora’s Jar by Natalie Haynes
Pandora’s Jar is a retelling of the myth of Pandora. It tells the story of an underworld girl who is given a jar that allows her to travel between the underworld and the surface. In this book, Haynes explores and re-examines the stories of women in Greek mythology, shedding light on their roles and challenging the ancient misogyny present in classical literature.
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
An alternative take on characters from the Trojan War. The Song of Achilles is a novel written by Madeline Miller that retells the mythological story of Achilles, the great hero of the Trojan War. In the story, Patroclus, a young Greek prince, grows up with a father disappointed by his perceived mediocrity.
When he is nine years old, his father takes him to Sparta, where Patroclus presents himself as a suitor for Helen. As the narrative unfolds, the relationship between Patroclus and Achilles develops, ultimately leading them to join the Greeks in the war against Troy.
If you enjoyed Stone Blind’s insightful and thought-provoking exploration of Greek mythology, these books will give you a different perspective on the same timeless tales. Each of these books offers a unique take on classic Greek mythology, and they’re all great reads that will keep you turning pages well into the night.
Have you read Stone Blind? Have you read any of the books recommended above? Do you have your own recommendations? Comment below and let us know!