Natalie Haynes started her career as a broadcaster and comedian. Her show "STANDS UP FOR THE CLASSICS" is broadcast on BBC Radio 4, and series nine will come out in 2023.
Haynes is the author of four novels. Her first novel "THE AMBER FURY" received rave reviews when it was published in 2014. Her next three novels are all retellings of Greek Myths and in my opinion is where her strength lies.
"THE CHILDREN OF JOCASTA", her second novel was published in 2017 and is a retelling of the the Oedipus and Antigone myth, but told from the
female's perspective. Haynes followed this formula with her third novel published in 2019 "A THOUSAND SHIPS". I loved this novel which gives a voice to the female characters who take a back seat to their male counterparts in Homer's classic poem. It was shortlisted for the 2020 Women's Prize for fiction. (CLICK ON THE BOOK COVER FOR MY REVIEW).
Her latest novel shines the light on the Perseus and Medusa myth.
"STONE BLIND", published in 2022 reveals to the reader that Haynes was/is a comedian, portraying poor old Perseus as a bumbling fool as he fumbles along on his quest to retrieve Medusa's head aided by Hermes and Athena. I have not finished this one yet, but am enjoying it very much, the humour a nice touch.
As well as the novels, Haynes has also written a non-fiction book, again highlighting the female roles in many of the Greek Myths. Giving a voice to integral characters who are many times muted. "PANDORA'S JAR: WOMEN IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY" was published in 2020 and covers the big four Greek sagas. The Trojan War, the house of Thebes, Jason and the argonauts, and Heracles. It reached number 2 on the New York Times Bestseller list.
Haynes' love for the Greek classics shines through with her writing and if you are fond of Greek Mythology you will enjoy her work.