“But this is a women's war, just as much as it is the men's, and the poet will look upon their pain - the pain of the women who have always been relegated to the edges of the story, victims of men, survivors of men, slaves of men - and he will tell it, or he will tell nothing at all. They have waited long enough for their turn.” Set during the Trojan war, "thousand ships" is a reference to the number of Greek ships that set sail to Trojan shores. Another retelling? Like we had not had enough of those already but this one is kind of different. The Trojan war was always told from the perspective of men just like every other war in history. Has anyone thought of all the women that suffered during the 10 year siege of Troy? Was any war told from the perspective of women? This time it is. Natalie Haynes includes persepctives from many historic female figures in the Trojan war like Hecuba (King Prim's wife, Queen of Troy) , Andromache (wife of Hector, Princess of Troy) , Polixene (King Priam's daughter, Princess of Troy) , Helene of Troy (former Helene of Sparta, Paris' wife and Princess of Troy), Cassandra (King Priam's daughter, Princess of Troy) and Penelope (Odysseus' wife). Also there are many Greek godesses' persepctives included like the ones from Athena, Aphrodite, Hera, Thetis and Eris. During the whole book you can get acquainted with the war's storyline and its bravest warriors such as Achillies and Hector. If this is yet another retelling of the epic war why is it so special? When it comes down to wars we tend to remember brave leaders and ferocious generals. We think less of all the army men and even less of all the women who suffered without having a chance to defend themselves. Back in the day, when a kingdom would lose a war all of its treasure, women and children would go to the winner. Women and children would be enslaved and sent off to different kingdoms. Have you ever thought of all the exruciating pain and fear they must have felt then Troy fell? Rank and gold meant nothing, all became slaves of Greek generals. One day you wake up sipping wine the next you find yourself scrubbing floors for a piece of bread and glass of water. Not only did they loose their beloved husbands, fathers, brothers and sons, they also lost their freedom and home. The war of men ended, their never did. I feel like this is Iliad retold in a way that is easy to understand. The whole war is told in a simple yet unique way. I myself often thought about all the men that went to war and were forgotten. Their sacrifices are usually not given enough credit in history. Everyone always talks about men like Wellington or Rommel. Never did I think of all the women left at home. Their battles and suffering is usually neglected or made look small and worthless. Women may not go to war but they lead battles of their own. Dealing with loss is not a topic talked about enough. In a second you lose your husband or son and you are expected to continue your life like nothing ever happened. You are alive and that is supposed to be enough but what if it is not? How to find joy and the will to live again when everything you loved is lost? Men are always depicted as courageous but I think women are more and even more than we can possibly imagine. Holding a riffle and dying in battle for your country is honorable but continuing to live and contribute to the country that took your loved ones from you is immesurable strength and courage. Being a Greek mythology fan myself this book caught me interest right after I read "Circe" by Madeline Miller. Dou you have suggestions for Greek mythology books? Let me know in the comment section below!
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorHi,everyone! Archives
September 2023
Categories |