Pandora’s Jar: Women in the Greek Myths is a book written by Natalie Haynes.
It’s a compelling reexamination of classical mythology, focusing on the often overlooked and misrepresented female figures.
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Book Blurb
The tellers of Greek myths—historically men—have routinely sidelined the female characters. When they do take a larger role, women are often portrayed as monstrous, vengeful or just plain evil—like Pandora, the woman of eternal scorn and damnation whose curiosity is tasked with causing all the world’s suffering and wickedness when she opened that forbidden box. But, as Natalie Haynes reveals, in ancient Greek myths there was no box. It was a jar . . . which is far more likely to tip over.
In Pandora’s jar, Haynes writes with her trademark wit and insight, as she puts women like Jocasta, Helen of Troy, Medea, and Medusa on equal footing with men, offering a fresh perspective on their stories and roles in ancient myths.
About the Author
Natalie Haynes is a British author, broadcaster, and classicist who has written several novels and non-fiction books about Greek mythology. She is known for retelling well-known tales with a feminist twist.
She has written and performed several series of her BBC Radio 4 show, Natalie Haynes Stands Up for the Classics. In 2015 she was awarded the Classical Association Prize for her work in bringing classics to a wider audience.
What to read next
If you’re interested in feminist retellings of Greek mythology, I’d highly recommend Circe by Madeline Miller and Ariadne by Jennifer Saint.
In terms of other Natalie Haynes books, I would recommend The Children of Jocasta and Stone Blind, my personal favourite of all her books.
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