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These Great Athenians: Retold Passages for Seldom Heard Voices
Faithful Penelope waits for her husband’s return as she weaves a shroud that foretells her doom, Scylla once a beautiful nymph turned monster prowls the seas hungry for flesh, while the witch Circe falls for a man who will leave her. Weaving together their stories and poetic voices, this subtly moving and playful verse novel questions how do those without a voice find freedom within the world of men?
228 pages, Hardcover
First published October 7, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 3, 2022
"Penelope waits. And she weaves.
...
Penelope waits. And she seethes"
"Is that all the hero was, a man who needed help just
to find his way home?"
This is an excellent addition to the literary
Canon. Honestly, this is one of the best examples of literary reception, ancient literature used in modern literature, that I can think of.
Carter has excelled so, so many other contemporary authors. Their attention to the voices of the women of The Odyssey is possibly unparalleled. Over the course of this book the reader reread The Odyssey many times as each female voice reflects on their full arc within the work. Carter uses different poetic techniques to give each woman a distinct voice within the book and each woman is allowed to be seen from various and complex perspectives. This is so powerful, not only are these women no longer silent, singluar figures, they are full, impressive and vocal women - with some excellent reflections on the men around them and the stories they tell.
This collection of voices really doesn't miss a beat. These women sing from the pages of this book. The way they do allows the reader to consider the ways in which they use, lose and reach for their own agency. The ways in which they strive for something more than survival in a world that seeks to permanently keep them isolated and weak.
They never were weak though. Women always were able to play their own strengths. I found it interesting that this book also allows the reader a glimpse behind those shields and facades. Is Penelope shrewd and clever or is she desperate and exhausted? Is Athena completely uninterested in the female sphere or is she desperately emotionally pained because she is forced to spend all of her energy in male pursuits?
And then, when I thought this couldn't get better, Carter brings these women together. We see these ancient figures of women as a collective, proving that women treat each other better than society tells us we should and showcasing all the beautiful ways women support and care for each other.
Honestly, I loved it.
...
Penelope waits. And she seethes"
"Is that all the hero was, a man who needed help just
to find his way home?"
This is an excellent addition to the literary
Canon. Honestly, this is one of the best examples of literary reception, ancient literature used in modern literature, that I can think of.
Carter has excelled so, so many other contemporary authors. Their attention to the voices of the women of The Odyssey is possibly unparalleled. Over the course of this book the reader reread The Odyssey many times as each female voice reflects on their full arc within the work. Carter uses different poetic techniques to give each woman a distinct voice within the book and each woman is allowed to be seen from various and complex perspectives. This is so powerful, not only are these women no longer silent, singluar figures, they are full, impressive and vocal women - with some excellent reflections on the men around them and the stories they tell.
This collection of voices really doesn't miss a beat. These women sing from the pages of this book. The way they do allows the reader to consider the ways in which they use, lose and reach for their own agency. The ways in which they strive for something more than survival in a world that seeks to permanently keep them isolated and weak.
They never were weak though. Women always were able to play their own strengths. I found it interesting that this book also allows the reader a glimpse behind those shields and facades. Is Penelope shrewd and clever or is she desperate and exhausted? Is Athena completely uninterested in the female sphere or is she desperately emotionally pained because she is forced to spend all of her energy in male pursuits?
And then, when I thought this couldn't get better, Carter brings these women together. We see these ancient figures of women as a collective, proving that women treat each other better than society tells us we should and showcasing all the beautiful ways women support and care for each other.
Honestly, I loved it.
July 10, 2023
This book is STUNNING. The Goodreads photo does not do it justice. It's coral and blue with gold foiling. All of the sections are coloured as well. It's so pretty. I am in love with the aesthetic of it. This book is gorgeous.
Definitely worth knowing The Odyssey (or at least a good portion of the women from it) going into this. I know a little bit and only really looked up about 2 or 3 characters, so it wasn't too bad, but I think it would be a benefit to know more.
There's also a glossary at the back that gives a little insight but I missed out on that until the end.
The way it is written is very different. It's poetry, it's prose, some sections are conversations. It was not what I was originally expecting at all and I really liked it.
Some of the chapters (such as Penelope and Calypso's opening sections) which were repeated segments with line changes felt a little too long at times, but I really liked the idea of it. It read beautifully, I just think those sections could have benefited from being a bit shorter.
I was thrown off the few time when there was mention of modern things: phones, eyeliner, etc. I still could see what the intention was, and I feel like it did make me think about and relate to these women more, but it felt a bit strange in the context of how poetically everything else was written.
I think those are really only minor complaints though. I probably still wouldn't necessarily call it one of my favourites, despite giving it 5 stars, but I did enjoy it. This book was really beautiful both on the outside and on the inside.
Definitely worth knowing The Odyssey (or at least a good portion of the women from it) going into this. I know a little bit and only really looked up about 2 or 3 characters, so it wasn't too bad, but I think it would be a benefit to know more.
There's also a glossary at the back that gives a little insight but I missed out on that until the end.
The way it is written is very different. It's poetry, it's prose, some sections are conversations. It was not what I was originally expecting at all and I really liked it.
Some of the chapters (such as Penelope and Calypso's opening sections) which were repeated segments with line changes felt a little too long at times, but I really liked the idea of it. It read beautifully, I just think those sections could have benefited from being a bit shorter.
I was thrown off the few time when there was mention of modern things: phones, eyeliner, etc. I still could see what the intention was, and I feel like it did make me think about and relate to these women more, but it felt a bit strange in the context of how poetically everything else was written.
I think those are really only minor complaints though. I probably still wouldn't necessarily call it one of my favourites, despite giving it 5 stars, but I did enjoy it. This book was really beautiful both on the outside and on the inside.
April 7, 2023
"A story is always unfinished anyway"
.
I am obsessed with this. Possibly my new favourite myth retelling. Scylla has my heart
.
I am obsessed with this. Possibly my new favourite myth retelling. Scylla has my heart
July 9, 2022
“Circe, what is a story if not a necessity,
a meditation on unaskable questions?”
I’m honestly shocked that this book hasn’t received more hype?
The poems about Penelope, Calypso, and Circe were my favourites. These explore the concept of identity, and how this shifts over time, in a way that is nothing short of beautiful.
They way these poems played with change and transformation made me think of Ovid’s Metamorphosis, and I would love to see Valentine’s take on the transformation of some of those women.
4 ★
a meditation on unaskable questions?”
I’m honestly shocked that this book hasn’t received more hype?
The poems about Penelope, Calypso, and Circe were my favourites. These explore the concept of identity, and how this shifts over time, in a way that is nothing short of beautiful.
They way these poems played with change and transformation made me think of Ovid’s Metamorphosis, and I would love to see Valentine’s take on the transformation of some of those women.
4 ★
August 26, 2024
If you like greek mythology, specifically the Odyssey, give this book a read. It's fast and easy but full of interesting dialogue on the women in those stories. I love the odyssey dearly and reading the story of Penelope had me almost in tears. The poetic writing was interesting and well done, the repetition to the story and attention to detail was compelling. Melantho's story also hit me.
"Men think this attention is a gift, an act of generosity, but actually it is a terror and Melantho considers scalding the very skin from her face if that would mean she'd get a break from it. It would, of course, just make her some sort of novelty conquest, a bet or a dare. Like the maid with one hand or the maid with an eye missing or the maid with no tongue who can't speak, can only make unearthly sounds as if the stars themselves are trying to speak through her."
If you haven't considered the female perspective in greek myths but enjoy them, pick this up. If you want a reminder of the importance of female friendships, the ending of this book felt so warm. The scene of all these women coming together, getting ready in the same bathroom and just enjoying one another's presence was such a fun reminder of how important it is to care for one another.
"Men think this attention is a gift, an act of generosity, but actually it is a terror and Melantho considers scalding the very skin from her face if that would mean she'd get a break from it. It would, of course, just make her some sort of novelty conquest, a bet or a dare. Like the maid with one hand or the maid with an eye missing or the maid with no tongue who can't speak, can only make unearthly sounds as if the stars themselves are trying to speak through her."
If you haven't considered the female perspective in greek myths but enjoy them, pick this up. If you want a reminder of the importance of female friendships, the ending of this book felt so warm. The scene of all these women coming together, getting ready in the same bathroom and just enjoying one another's presence was such a fun reminder of how important it is to care for one another.
November 27, 2023
after reading madeline miller’s greek mythology retellings, i feel like i’m a little spoiled. but anyway this was pretty decent.
note: you need to have a pretty good understanding of the women in this book and their stories— i did not. but parts with the people i was familiar with were quite enjoyable (circe & athena)
3.3/5 stars.
ALSO shoutout to the actual physical copy of the book. it is absolutely stunning, goodreads does it no justice.
note: you need to have a pretty good understanding of the women in this book and their stories— i did not. but parts with the people i was familiar with were quite enjoyable (circe & athena)
3.3/5 stars.
ALSO shoutout to the actual physical copy of the book. it is absolutely stunning, goodreads does it no justice.
August 29, 2024
This book was beyond beautiful and such a unique way of retelling. It gave the women of Greek mythology a communal space to exist and be heard, “Yes, friends. They are all together finally, no longer distanced by sea or man and each the better for it.” This book deserves so much more attention!
A few of my favorite lines:
“No longer collapsing inwards under the weight of expectant convention. Not-woman. Then what? Now what? She could be capable, a sharpened blade pressed against the world that will deny her. No doubt. She too could be changed by morning.”
“A hero is merely a man who finds his way home, & that is their bar, set so low we trip over it.”
A few of my favorite lines:
“No longer collapsing inwards under the weight of expectant convention. Not-woman. Then what? Now what? She could be capable, a sharpened blade pressed against the world that will deny her. No doubt. She too could be changed by morning.”
“A hero is merely a man who finds his way home, & that is their bar, set so low we trip over it.”
July 22, 2025
This book is absolutely beautiful. Valentine Carter did an incredible job, they explored the old myths and female characters from the Odyssey, but instead through poetry, what could have been. I have a lot to learn from an author like them.
**4.5 stars**
**4.5 stars**
March 19, 2024
Not that this is an accurate measure of quality, but these poems made me cry yall
February 15, 2022
This is a difficult review because the book is written very well, but it also is presupposing that you know Greek mythology or at least the Odyssey very well. There has been a surge of Greek mythology retellings in the last decade, especially from the point of view from women. This was a nice, short work that adds a poetic element to the other retellings. However, I felt lost through so much of the poetry because you are thrust into these women’s mindsets without context. I am not a hardcore Greek mythologist; I’m a much more casual reader. I just didn’t connect to the piece. This is a love poem for people who love Greek mythology or wrote their thesis/dissertation on the Odyssey.
It’s still a lovely book, but I would not recommend to casual Greek mythology readers like myself. I would give this to anyone who loves loves loves mythology or beautiful poetry or preferably both. This just wasn’t the book for me, but it was a nice quick read. Finished in less than an hour. No shade against the author, she did a great job.
It’s still a lovely book, but I would not recommend to casual Greek mythology readers like myself. I would give this to anyone who loves loves loves mythology or beautiful poetry or preferably both. This just wasn’t the book for me, but it was a nice quick read. Finished in less than an hour. No shade against the author, she did a great job.
October 25, 2021
A lovely book -
‘Circe, what is a story if not a necessity,
a meditation on unaskable questions?’
‘Circe, what is a story if not a necessity,
a meditation on unaskable questions?’
December 31, 2023
As all my Goodreads friends know, I am positively obsessed with Greek Mythology. I am particularly a sucker for any kind of retellings or reimaginings of these myths. So when I saw Carter’s “These Great Athenians: Retold Passages for Seldom Heard Voices” on a Barnes & Noble shelf, I did not hesitate to purchase and begin reading right away.
Admittedly this book took me a few weeks to get through because the constant switching from prose to poetry to dialogue boggled my mind and I knew I’d need to find a day where I could sit down for a few hours to give this book my undivided attention. That day was today!
Using my trusty “Classical Mythology A-Z Encyclopedia”, I refreshed my memory on the stories of some of the less famous female figures featured in Carter’s work. I would not recommend this book to someone who has not read The Odyssey because the women’s struggles that are discussed and retold in Carter’s work would be lost on those who don’t have at least a basic understanding of their stories (most of which appear throughout Odysseus’ heroic journey).
Overall, I think Carter was successful in using these myth retellings to comment on modern day misogyny and to remind readers that women still are not safe from many of the cruel fates these women suffered. Also, Carter’s creative writing abilities should be mentioned as I have several quotes that I thoroughly enjoyed and connected with. Some of my favorite quotes from Carter’s work are:
- From Melantho’s story: “She reflects on this for a moment and, remembering Medusa in particular, she concludes that she can cope with being sliced limb from limb if that’s her fate. Rather a limbless corpse than a living, breathing cautionary tale for the ages” Pg. 74. I appreciate this quote because Melantho, Penelope’s servant, opts for death rather than being turned into a terrifying monster for eternity, both of which are probable endings for the women of Greek myths.
- From Scylla’s story: “Ships may pass a little to the left or a little to the right but this choice is merely an illusion. Would you rather be meat or a drink?” Pg. 86. I thought this was a cheeky way to describe the horrors of Scylla and Charybdis.
- From Scylla’s story: “It only took a moment but it would never be undone” Pg. 107 I really love this quote because it seems to sum up the entirety of Carter’s message: that the heinous acts against these female figures will never be undone. The sexual assault, rapes, abuse, murders etc. that they all endured can never be undone. Carter is also speaking to the (sometimes same or worse) atrocities that modern day women face.
If you enjoy Greek Mythology and aren’t afraid of books that promote female empowerment, then this book is for you!
Admittedly this book took me a few weeks to get through because the constant switching from prose to poetry to dialogue boggled my mind and I knew I’d need to find a day where I could sit down for a few hours to give this book my undivided attention. That day was today!
Using my trusty “Classical Mythology A-Z Encyclopedia”, I refreshed my memory on the stories of some of the less famous female figures featured in Carter’s work. I would not recommend this book to someone who has not read The Odyssey because the women’s struggles that are discussed and retold in Carter’s work would be lost on those who don’t have at least a basic understanding of their stories (most of which appear throughout Odysseus’ heroic journey).
Overall, I think Carter was successful in using these myth retellings to comment on modern day misogyny and to remind readers that women still are not safe from many of the cruel fates these women suffered. Also, Carter’s creative writing abilities should be mentioned as I have several quotes that I thoroughly enjoyed and connected with. Some of my favorite quotes from Carter’s work are:
- From Melantho’s story: “She reflects on this for a moment and, remembering Medusa in particular, she concludes that she can cope with being sliced limb from limb if that’s her fate. Rather a limbless corpse than a living, breathing cautionary tale for the ages” Pg. 74. I appreciate this quote because Melantho, Penelope’s servant, opts for death rather than being turned into a terrifying monster for eternity, both of which are probable endings for the women of Greek myths.
- From Scylla’s story: “Ships may pass a little to the left or a little to the right but this choice is merely an illusion. Would you rather be meat or a drink?” Pg. 86. I thought this was a cheeky way to describe the horrors of Scylla and Charybdis.
- From Scylla’s story: “It only took a moment but it would never be undone” Pg. 107 I really love this quote because it seems to sum up the entirety of Carter’s message: that the heinous acts against these female figures will never be undone. The sexual assault, rapes, abuse, murders etc. that they all endured can never be undone. Carter is also speaking to the (sometimes same or worse) atrocities that modern day women face.
If you enjoy Greek Mythology and aren’t afraid of books that promote female empowerment, then this book is for you!
July 2, 2022
Este libro imagina a las mujeres de los mitos griegos como habrían sido en su cotidianidad, las representa no como roles estáticos y unidimensionales, sino como personas que sienten, observan, reflexionan, y reconocen sus triunfos y sus errores. Al inicio las vemos a todas ellas recluidas en sus islas, en los papeles que la sociedad patriarcal les asignó. Hay algunos pasajes que pueden parecer repetitivos, sin embargo, es en los pequeños cambios de vocabulario, en las reformulaciones, donde se percibe el aprendizaje y crecimiento de cada una. Particularmente, el capítulo dedicado a Calypso me gustó mucho:
Lo que me pareció más valioso del libro fueron las escenas donde estas mujeres interactúan entre sí, quizás hayan guardado viejos reclamos y rencores, pero al final logran aproximarse y formar una nueva comunidad a través de sus experiencias compartidas.
Aunque muchas de las situaciones son imaginadas y hasta situadas en un contexto contemporáneo, también es verdad que se requiere cierta familiaridad con la mitología griega, particularmente con la Odisea. Sin embargo, me parece un gran detalle que el libro cuente con un glosario al final. Como nota adicional, los colores y detalles decorativos hacen que la experiencia de leerlo sea muy placentera.
“you are
not waiting, not watching, not hoping, not trapped.
These are just words men hang about you.
You are in amber here, held safe, separate, apart
but not alone. Your island is full of beaty, enough
to make a god pause.”
Lo que me pareció más valioso del libro fueron las escenas donde estas mujeres interactúan entre sí, quizás hayan guardado viejos reclamos y rencores, pero al final logran aproximarse y formar una nueva comunidad a través de sus experiencias compartidas.
“And Penelope wonders where is the
fabled competition, the bitchy asides?
Where are the snide remarks and sidelong glances?
There is only an admired hand cream
shared, a safe taxi app recommended and
a word of comfort and encouragement.”
Aunque muchas de las situaciones son imaginadas y hasta situadas en un contexto contemporáneo, también es verdad que se requiere cierta familiaridad con la mitología griega, particularmente con la Odisea. Sin embargo, me parece un gran detalle que el libro cuente con un glosario al final. Como nota adicional, los colores y detalles decorativos hacen que la experiencia de leerlo sea muy placentera.
September 22, 2022
I absolutely enjoyed this book. It came to my possession as a party gift, tailored for me because of my love for mythology and strong female characters, and trust me this book hits all the best points. It’s a very poetic prose, each chapter with the voice of a different Grecian female, giving thoughts and meaning and dialogue to these otherwise mute voices of Greek mythology. All chapters are so thoughtful and profound I had to set aside the book after each chapter and let myself absorb it, quite unlike the ‘binge’ reading I would normally do. Valentine has a way with their words, so carefully chosen to create such beauty. I’ll be following their work in the future, as I do hope they continue writing more.
May 21, 2024
What a gorgeous book.
This is a proper feminist retelling, and what I think every retelling should be. It has something new and powerful to say, it’s interested in exploring these women in depth. It’s poetic, and beautifully so. It gives voice to women I’ve never seen explored before (Scylla was especially brilliant).
You definitely need to be familiar with the Odyssey and mythology in general to really appreciate it, but if you are, this is one of the best retellings out there.
What a joy.
This is a proper feminist retelling, and what I think every retelling should be. It has something new and powerful to say, it’s interested in exploring these women in depth. It’s poetic, and beautifully so. It gives voice to women I’ve never seen explored before (Scylla was especially brilliant).
You definitely need to be familiar with the Odyssey and mythology in general to really appreciate it, but if you are, this is one of the best retellings out there.
What a joy.
November 5, 2024
I think I would've enjoyed the book more during my university studies, seeing as then I was more interested in mythology retellings. It's a good retelling, focusing on the women of Odysseus' tales but not as action-packed as one might hope.
The book itself is gorgeous though, the colours and the golden accents make it a very pretty decorative element, to say the least. Maybe that is also an allusion and metaphor itself, considering how the stories reframe the characters from "pretty decorations" to characters with their own thoughts and lives.
The book itself is gorgeous though, the colours and the golden accents make it a very pretty decorative element, to say the least. Maybe that is also an allusion and metaphor itself, considering how the stories reframe the characters from "pretty decorations" to characters with their own thoughts and lives.
March 1, 2022
I am big fan of Greek mythology and I will pretty much read any retelling. In the recent years we have had an abundance of stories focusing on the women in these stories which I have enjoyed.
This book is filled several poetic chapters dedicated to different women of Greek myth, i really enjoyed Penelope and Circe’s chapters ❤️
The book itself is also very beautiful which is always an added bonus
This book is filled several poetic chapters dedicated to different women of Greek myth, i really enjoyed Penelope and Circe’s chapters ❤️
The book itself is also very beautiful which is always an added bonus
April 10, 2022
I have mixed feelings about this book. The first story was so repetitive I found it hard to finish and it almost put me off reading the rest of the book. Luckily it didn't as I enjoyed Melantho's story a lot more and the Women in Hades chapter was quite funny.
I love getting points of view of lesser known or not as famous characters from Greek mythology and stories. It also made me want to learn more about some of them.
I love getting points of view of lesser known or not as famous characters from Greek mythology and stories. It also made me want to learn more about some of them.
June 13, 2024
Written well, but at some points, it felt very uninteresting
I did, however, enjoy Melantho's story, which is one of the reasons I kept reading it. It made me think about the idea of what could have been and how the life you live can be so dependent on the family you are born into
I think if I hadn't already read so much about all the characters in this book and already knew so much about them, I would have enjoyed it much more
I did, however, enjoy Melantho's story, which is one of the reasons I kept reading it. It made me think about the idea of what could have been and how the life you live can be so dependent on the family you are born into
I think if I hadn't already read so much about all the characters in this book and already knew so much about them, I would have enjoyed it much more
November 11, 2024
A bold take on bold characters. This wasn’t my cup of tea and it leaned too modern. The various styles of each section were a fun choice but less fun to actually read as some worked better than others. It is a worthy read for enjoyers of the Odyssey who want to branch out or who desire more like so many of us do from myth.
June 24, 2023
5/5 stars. so heartwarming. fun to read. the book itself is gorgeous. absolutely loved the preface too. and the last ensemble chapter with all the women. i feel very connected to these women in history now and it makes me wanna go hang out with my girlfriends
December 29, 2025
overall i think this was well executed, but there were sections/moments that didn’t really land as well as others (especially the more modern references it just felt very out of place even when they tried to tie it all together at the end) but overall a lovely read :)
May 8, 2022
Powerful and beautiful.
“We will be an unexpected contradiction”
“We will be an unexpected contradiction”
October 15, 2022
I'd love to do a longer review at another time, but I just want to say quickly - GORGEOUS BOOK. Loved it.
May 26, 2023
Incredibly creative and beautiful poetry, like life breathed into clay, brings these voices back from fiction in creative and experimental forms.
July 18, 2023
Full fat five stars omg
May 24, 2024
4.5 stars
June 28, 2024
The ensemble section being all the characters in a women's bathroom 😭💖 perfect
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2024
This book is stunning. Every word had me captivated. There were emotions that I felt that I never knew existed. I didn't want it to end. ∞/5
June 28, 2025
1.5
baby's first feminism
baby's first feminism
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