These are my Top 10 Favourite Books about the Greek Myths:

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1. "Mythos" by Stephen Fry



Mythos by Stephen Fry is a retelling of the Greek myths, bringing to life the timeless tales of gods, heroes, and monsters. Fry's witty and accessible style makes these ancient stories feel fresh and engaging, offering readers a blend of humor, insight, and reverence for the subject matter. He delves into the origins of the world, the adventures of deities like Zeus  and Hera, and the tragic fates of figures like Prometheus  and Pandora. Perfect for both newcomers and those familiar with Greek mythology, Mythos is a modern take on these enduring legends. This book is accessible to all, and started my journey into learning and reading more about the myriad of Greek Myths.

2. "Heroes" by Stephen Fry



In this sequel to Mythos, Fry brings to life the stories of legendary figures like Perseus, Heracles, and Theseus, weaving together their daring quests and feats with wit, humor, and deep insight. With his signature blend of scholarly knowledge and engaging storytelling, Fry makes these timeless tales both accessible and entertaining, offering readers a fresh perspective on the bravery, flaws, and humanity of the Greek heroes.

3. "Circe" by Madeline Miller



Circe by Madeline Miller is a retelling of the life of the enchantress Circe, a lesser-known figure from Greek mythology. The novel reimagines her story, exploring her transformation from a nymph scorned by gods to a powerful, independent witch exiled on the island of Aiaia. Along her journey, Circe encounters numerous famous mythological characters, including Odysseus, with whom she forms a complex relationship, the titan Prometheus, the hero Daedalus, and the god Hermes. These interactions highlight her growth and self-discovery as she defies the gods and carves out her own destiny.

4. "The Song of Achilles" by Madeline Miller



The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller is a retelling of the myth of Achilles, focusing on his relationship with Patroclus. The novel explores their deep bond, from childhood friendship to lovers, set against the backdrop of the Trojan War. Besides Achilles and Patroclus, the story features several other prominent figures from Greek mythology, including the cunning Odysseus, the fierce warrior Ajax, and the gods themselves, such as Thetis, Achilles' sea-nymph mother, and Apollo. Miller weaves these characters into a narrative that highlights love, fate, and heroism.

5. "A Thousand Ships" by Natalie Haynes



"A Thousand Ships" by Natalie Haynes is a retelling of the Trojan War from the perspective of the women involved, both mortal and divine. It reimagines famous Greek myth characters like Helen, whose beauty sparked the war, Cassandra, the cursed prophet of Troy, and Penelope, waiting for Odysseus. The novel also features Hecuba, queen of Troy, Andromache, wife of Hector, and Briseis, a captive of Achilles, among others. Haynes gives voice to often overlooked female figures, offering a fresh perspective on the legendary events of the Iliad and beyond.

6. "The Silence of the Girls" by Pat Barker



The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker is a retelling of The Iliad from the perspective of Briseis, a Trojan queen enslaved by Achilles. The novel explores the trauma and loss faced by women in the Greek camp during the Trojan War, giving voice to those often silenced in traditional myth. Alongside Briseis, characters like Achilles, Patroclus, Hector, and Agamemnon  are portrayed with complexity, as Barker delves into their motivations and flaws. The novel also includes Greek gods like Apollo, reflecting the divine influence on human conflicts.

7. "Pandora’s Jar: Women in the Greek Myths" by Natalie Haynes



Pandora’s Jar: Women in the Greek Myths by Natalie Haynes reexamines the stories of women from ancient Greek mythology, bringing fresh perspectives to figures often overshadowed or misrepresented. Haynes delves into the lives of characters like Pandora, Medusa, Helen of Troy, and Penelope, exploring how their stories have been shaped—and sometimes distorted—by centuries of retellings. With wit and insight, she reveals the complexities and agency of these women, challenging the traditional portrayals that cast them as villains, victims, or mere side characters. Haynes’ work invites readers to reconsider these myths with empathy and a critical eye.

8.  "Ariadne" by Jennifer Saint



Ariadne  by Jennifer Saint is a retelling of Greek mythology, centering on the story of Ariadne, the daughter of King Minos of Crete  and sister to the Minotaur. Through lyrical prose and a feminist lens, Saint brings new depth to Ariadne's character, exploring her inner life, her resilience, and her complex relationship with her sister Phaedra. The novel vividly recounts Ariadne’s journey from her betrayal of her family to help the hero Theseus  defeat the Minotaur, to her subsequent abandonment, and ultimately her path to reclaiming her own agency. By focusing on the often-overlooked perspectives of women in Greek myths, Ariadne offers a fresh narrative of love, betrayal, and self-discovery.

9. "Medusa" by Jessie Burton



Medusa  by Jessie Burton is a fresh, empowering retelling of the classic Greek myth, reimagining Medusa’s story through a feminist lens. Illustrated by Olivia Lomenech Gill, the book explores Medusa’s journey as a young woman, cursed and isolated on a distant island after being transformed into the snake-haired figure we know from myth. Burton presents Medusa as a complex, sympathetic character, giving voice to her pain, resilience, and desire for connection. Through poetic prose, the story examines themes of power, love, and self-acceptance, encouraging readers to rethink perceptions of beauty and monstrosity. This modern adaptation adds depth and nuance to an ancient tale, making it accessible and relevant for today’s readers.

10. "The Penelopiad" by Margaret Atwood

Margaret Atwood's The Penelopiad offers a fresh and intriguing retelling of Homer’s Odyssey  from the perspective of Penelope, Odysseus’s long-suffering wife. Through this novella, Atwood brings Penelope's voice to the forefront, exploring her thoughts, resilience, and frustrations as she waits for her husband’s return from the Trojan War. Told in a witty, sharp style, Penelope recounts the trials she faces in Ithaca, the expectations placed on her, and her complex feelings about her husband’s exploits. Interspersed with a chorus of the twelve maids  hanged upon Odysseus’s return, the narrative confronts themes of loyalty, justice, and gender. Atwood's reimagining of this ancient tale is both darkly humorous and poignantly critical, breathing new life into Penelope’s silenced story.