Advertisement
Books

Top 5 books about Greek mythology, chosen by Jennifer Saint

The author and former English teacher Jennifer Saint selects five books that tell tales of gods and monsters, heroes and heroines of the classics

Ariadne author Jennifer Saint picks her top five books about Greek mythology.

1 Greek Myths: A New Retelling by Charlotte Higgins

A tapestry of tales encompassing myths from the creation of the world to the adventures of Greek gods, heroes and heroines woven together by female narrators. A fascinating compendium that puts the women of mythology centre stage.  

2 Great Goddesses: Life Lessons from Myths and Monsters by Nikita Gill 

A beautiful, fiercely original collection of poetry and prose that creates a stirring chorus of voices from the ancient world – the women, the goddesses and the monsters whose lives carry haunting resonance for the modern reader. 

3 Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe

Advertisement
Advertisement

A contemporary graphic novel that shows the Olympian gods as they have never been seen before! Sharp, funny, moving and romantic, this is a brilliant modern imagining of Hades and Persephone’s story.  

Ariadne by Jennifer Saint book cover
Ariadne by Jennifer Saint is out now (Headline, £8.99)

4 Galatea by Madeline Miller 

A snack-sized Greek myth, perfect to read in a coffee break – just make sure you’re ready for a delicious dose of feminist rage! An incisive, breathtaking retelling of the myth of Pygmalion and Galatea that wakens the titular stone statue into a woman intent on reclaiming her autonomy and her power.  

5 Nectar of the Gods by Liv Albert

A chance to learn about Greek mythology while mixing cocktails? Sign me up! This book of recipes for mythical-themed drinks is as mouthwatering as it is educational.  

Ariadne by Jennifer Saint (Headline, £8.99) is shortlisted for the Goldsboro Books Glass Bell Award 2022. The winner will be announced on Thursday September 8

You can buy Ariadne from The Big Issue shop on Bookshop.org, which helps to support The Big Issue and independent bookshops.

This article is taken from The Big Issue magazine, which exists to give homeless, long-term unemployed and marginalised people the opportunity to earn an income.

To support our work buy a copy! If you cannot reach your local vendor, you can still click HERE to subscribe to The Big Issue today or give a gift subscription to a friend or family member. You can also purchase one-off issues from The Big Issue Shop or The Big Issue app, available now from the App Store or Google Play.

Advertisement

Sign our petition to keep people in their homes

Urgent action is needed to prevent even more people being pushed into homelessness.  A secure home is the first step in addressing the cruel cycle of poverty to ensure people can fulfil their potential. Join us to keep people in their homes.

Recommended for you

Read All
Why we all need to fall back in love with rail travel
Rail journeys

Why we all need to fall back in love with rail travel

Land of Milk and Honey by C Pam Zhang review – the politics of food
Books

Land of Milk and Honey by C Pam Zhang review – the politics of food

Pioneering supermodel with Down's syndrome Ellie Goldstein shares her most empowering life lessons
Interview

Pioneering supermodel with Down's syndrome Ellie Goldstein shares her most empowering life lessons

Globe making is a dying skill, but I'm keeping the tradition going
Craftspeople

Globe making is a dying skill, but I'm keeping the tradition going

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Here's when people will get the second cost of living payment in 2023
3.

Here's when people will get the second cost of living payment in 2023

Citroën Ami: the tiny electric vehicle driving change with The Big Issue
4.

Citroën Ami: the tiny electric vehicle driving change with The Big Issue