A Thousand Ships

A Novel

By: Natalie Haynes

Narrated by: Natalie Haynes

Length: 8 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

NATIONAL BESTSELLER

An NPR Best Book of the Year

“Gorgeous.... With her trademark passion, wit, and fierce feminism, Natalie Haynes gives much-needed voice to the silenced women of the Trojan War.”—Madeline Miller, author of Circe

Shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction, a gorgeous retelling of the Trojan War from the perspectives of the many women involved in its causes and consequences—for fans of Madeline Miller.

This is the women’s war, just as much as it is the men’s. They have waited long enough for their turn . . .

This was never the story of one woman, or two. It was the story of them all . . .

In the middle of the night, a woman wakes to find her beloved city engulfed in flames. Ten seemingly endless years of conflict between the Greeks and the Trojans are over. Troy has fallen.

From the Trojan women whose fates now lie in the hands of the Greeks, to the Amazon princess who fought Achilles on their behalf, to Penelope awaiting the return of Odysseus, to the three goddesses whose feud started it all, these are the stories of the women whose lives, loves, and rivalries were forever altered by this long and tragic war.

A woman’s epic, powerfully imbued with new life, A Thousand Ships puts the women, girls and goddesses at the center of the Western world’s great tale ever told.

©2019 Natalie Haynes (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers

Marvelous Perspective!

I enjoyed every minute of this book. It was fascinating to hear well-known stories from previously unknown perspectives. An ambitious undertaking for Natalie Haynes and she pulled it off beautifully!

Normally I'm not a fan of authors narrating their own books... There are a few notable exceptions to this, and Haynes is one of them. It was definitely the right choice.

I just finished the book and am tempted to immediately listen to the whole thing again.

Masterful

What an amazing piece of work. Heartbreaking, educational, and laugh out loud funny. The author brings life and character into historical and mythical people and gods like nothing else I’ve read. Penelope’s letters are sad and hilarious. Cassandra has an inner beauty and depth and on and on. A must read.

love the perspective

The pace of the narrator was way too fast other than that it was a much needed telling of the tragedies not told. well done

Great Book

this book does a wonderful job of relating the female experience of the Trojan War

Great story

I loved the story so much, especially Penelope’s chapters. I really liked that the author narrated this, and I think her accent was great with the story. However, I do wish there were different voices or tones done for characters. It always took me a minute to realize who was talking or what part of the story I was on. Regardless, I really enjoyed this and plan to buy a physical copy.

Sing, Muse, of the talent of Natalie Haynes.

I wish I could give this book ten stars. Hearing the fleshed-out stories of the women of the Iliad breathes life into these once-peripheral characters. Their stories are told in a modern (and often hilarious) tone, making them as relatable as any modern woman, though in vastly different historical circumstances. Their inner lives are the same: the mourning of a mother, the worry of a wife whose husband is away at war. It is the most enjoyable and memorable book I have read this year.

Beautiful memoir to all women

Transcended time. Although focusing on the women affected by the Trojan war it speaks to women’s resilience, differences and commonalities in times of all wars. Bold yet poetic, the author read it as she meant it to be portrayed. Occasionally I reach for a book such as this and find it skillfully woven. A tapestry.

Breathes Life into Mythical Women

I thoroughly enjoyed A Thousand Ships and its beautiful narration. I was strongly disposed to it, having been a Trojan War junky since childhood. I've read the books and seen the plays on which it was based. Natalie Haynes brought my favorite female characters to life as real flesh and blood humans, be they mortal or immortal. My favorite parts were the letters Penelope wrote to Odysseus, reflecting on the preposterous stories she kept hearing from the bards, showing more and more cynicism and contempt as the years passed. Haynes also had a very original and entertaining take on the three goddesses vying to be awarded the golden apple from Paris. And she even dealt with the muse who inspired Homer. I especially appreciated the epilogue in which she talked about how the book came about, and how she decided to deal with some of the characters. If you are looking for a novel take on the Trojan War from the viewpoint of the women involved, this is an excellent listen.

this was amazing

I got this book with low expectations - I've already had my lot of utterly disappointing novels, but this is a gem. Flawless writing, enticing story. The author's style reminds me of that of Madeline Miller, who is also a delightful writer

Absolutely riveting

This book is extraordinary and the author, as narrator, is marvelous. Beautiful writing, cutting wit, very fresh takes on this very old story. The missives of Penelope, less and less-patiently waiting for Odysseus, are very funny and are delivered to perfection by the author. It is RARE that an author is an equally adept narrator. The women come so solidly to life and are cemented in my mind. Cassandra just breaks your heart. It's well-crafted and the writing is terrific. You cannot go wrong here!