A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes Review

Hello Readers
I listened to this book on Spotify, and one of my favourite things about listening to Natalie’s books is that she narrates them herself. It’s just over eight and half hours long, which is well within the 15 free hours you get as a Spotify Premium user.


This retelling of the Trojan War is something truly special. Instead of focusing on the usual tales of heroism and battle from the men's perspective, it shifts the spotlight to the women those who are often left in the background of these epic stories. Each chapter is told by a different woman Greek, Trojan, mortal, goddess and together, their voices create a rich, emotional tapestry.

The characters are brought to life with such vivid detail that I was completely drawn into their stories. I loved discovering their hopes, fears, strengths, and the heart-breaking realities they faced. As their individual stories slowly intertwine, the narrative builds a beautiful sense of depth.

As expected, the gods are their usual chaotic, selfish selves often making things worse for everyone.  But what really stood out was how this story doesn’t glorify war or victory. Instead, it’s about survival, resilience, and the hidden strength of women who had to navigate a world that gave them so little choice.

This book is beautifully written, emotionally resonant, and packed with all the drama you’d expect from Greek mythology, but with a fresh and much-needed perspective. It’s tragic, powerful, and deeply moving that finally gives these women the voice they’ve always deserved.

If you’re a fan of mythology, or even just love stories that centre women’s experiences in thoughtful and powerful ways, I can’t recommend this one enough.

Comments