The Hymn to Dionysus by Natasha Pulley Review

Hello Readers,

I listened to this book on Spotify it runs just over the 15 free hours for premium users, clocking in at 16 hours and 8 minutes. This novel is difficult to summarise because it’s so rich and layered, blending myth, emotion, and intellect into something truly special.


We follow Phaidros, the sarcastic and wonderfully human narrator, from his youth as the ward of Helios in Thebes, through the horrors of the Trojan War, to a strange encounter with a young man who can turn ships into trees. That meeting alters his path and leads to a powerful, surreal shift when madness descends on his home city. Phaidros’ perspective grounds the story in everyday life while still embracing its mythic scale. Characters like Helios and Dionysus are especially memorable, brought to life with warmth and wit.

Though it touches on mythology, this story feels more like a crossover between a Greek tragedy play and poetry. Natasha explores themes of duty, divinity, identity, madness, and healing with a deft hand. Her writing is clever and lyrical, with nothing wasted every detail serves the larger story.

Natasha plays with the narrative in delightful ways, occasionally breaking the fourth wall to share a sly wink with modern readers. These moments feel like theatrical asides, reminding us of the genre’s roots in live drama, and they’re some of the book’s most charming touches.

Highly recommended for fans of Greek tragedy, inventive storytelling, and characters who feel both ancient and modern.
Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Comments