A non-fiction look at the female characters in Homer's works and the world in which they inhabit.

This was an enthralling, engaging look at the Late Bronze Age world, through the lens of women and the many different facets in which they offered the world. We cover archaeological evidence from a shipwreck to a baby's grave, to a waste pit of pig bones, and so much more.

By the time I had finished the first section on Helen (the face) I was already considering it a five star read, and it never let me down. Even chapters which might, at first glance be redundant - there is a chapter on Andromache (the wife) and much later, on Nausicaa (the bride) - are anything but, showing us the many different stages of life a woman could experience.

I loved the sheer range of knowledge on offer here, little nuggets offered up, especially the asides about where certain words and meanings come from. We range from where English gets the word 'mentor' to why copper has the chemical name on the periodic table of 'cu' and everything in-between.

A tour de force of truly epic proportions and well researched, witty writing.

Each section could have been a book in of itself.

I cannot wait to buy a physical copy of this book.

~thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review of this book~

In a field that is getting ever fuller this book by Hauser offers something very different to the reworkings of Greek myths.

Hauser takes some of the best known women from antiquity, as well as some of the lesser known ones but that are vital to the story of the Iliad, and using archaeological sources finds evidence of their actual existence or their matches through other literature from the time. It was great being able to map the times the Iliad/Odyssey are set with actual people and evidence across the Mediterranean area.
It was also fascinating to see how the traditional tales/history had been reworked/written by subsequent male dominated societies which completely subvert history.
I also very much liked the framing of the story to match Homer's famous works and the final chapter on finally finding Ithaca and Odysseus's home.

Easily one of my top five non-fiction books on the Aegean myths, the women in Homer's work and the ancient world of Greece.
I admit I enjoyed this more than the many fictional books about the women in mythology, which have become a subgenre in their own right, because of its balanced, no-nonsense, engaging and thrilling prose.
In Mythica, Emily Hauser, who has every right to speak about the above topics as a competent expert. She knows how to tell a great story using her expertise.
For readers who like detailed explorations, scientific research crosses storytelling,
It is everything what some lacklustre, sensation-oriented, weak fictional books are not. (This comes from my disappointment in many of the women-led mythology inspired fictional books starting off well and then turning into illogical messes - yet, there are many great examples which were excellent reads. More disappointment than awe and praise in my experience, though).

I loved this book! Extremely informative and beautifully written at the same time. I was especially impressed by all the scientific evidence used. The analysis of mythology was great, of course, but it was all the information from archeology and other fields that felt most fascinating. The amount of knowledge in this one book is staggering and so many topics are covered in surprising depth. A really excellent read.

The age-old saying that women should be seen and not heard has never sat right with me—not in my nearly fifty years of drawing breath. But, of course, three and a half thousand years ago (and more), that was the norm in places like Troy, the Roman Empire, Egypt, Greece, and beyond. That’s why it’s refreshing to read a book that gives voice to the women of that time, restoring their stories and challenging long-held assumptions.

Mythica is a vital and eye-opening read. It offers a surprising and thought-provoking look at historical opinions that have been shaped over centuries, if not millennia. Dr. Emily Hauser has clearly poured an immense amount of research into this work, and the result is nothing short of brilliant. It’s one of the best books I’ve had the privilege to read before publication, and I will proudly add it to my growing library. Without hesitation, I give it a five-star rating.

One of my favorite aspects of this book is how each chapter begins—with a short story that feels like a mini-novel in its own right. Just as you get drawn in, you’re hit with a powerful wave of historical and scientific insights that challenge dogmatic views of women in the Late Bronze Age. Hauser employs science, advanced archaeology (both on land and under the sea), radioactive isotopes, and more to dismantle outdated narratives. Each chapter seamlessly transitions into the next, making for an engaging and immersive read.

I found it difficult to put this book down—it’s beautifully written, accessible, and utterly captivating. It will appeal to anyone with an interest in Greek history, mythology, or the Homeric epics (The Iliad and The Odyssey—the former of which I’m currently reading alongside Mythica). The writing never overwhelms with dense academic jargon, making it accessible to all readers, regardless of background.

This book makes it abundantly clear that the women of the Late Bronze Age—across the Mediterranean, Africa, Egypt, and beyond—were far more than just domestic servants, slaves, goddesses, or muses. Dr. Emily Hauser has given them a voice and, in doing so, has crafted an epic story that finally places them alongside the men of their time.

Mythica is a brilliantly researched and beautifully told work, and it has been my privilege to read it. My deepest thanks to Dr. Emily Hauser, Doubleday, and NetGalley for the opportunity to experience this book in advance.

Mythica by Emily Hauser is a must-read for anyone with an interest in ancient history, Greek mythology, or the women who have often been sidelined in the stories of epic warriors and gods. In this groundbreaking work, Hauser—an award-winning classicist and historian—shifts the focus to the remarkable and largely untold stories of the women who lived in the shadow of Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey. Rather than rehashing the myths themselves, Hauser delves deep into the real historical, archaeological, and scientific evidence to reveal the lives of women like Helen of Troy, Penelope, Circe, Athena, and many others.

What sets Mythica apart is its unflinching and honest examination of these women not as modern-day symbols or "girl bosses," but as real figures living in a brutal and unforgiving world. Hauser does not attempt to make them superheroes or contemporary figures who fit today’s narratives of empowerment; instead, she places them firmly within their time and context, showing how they navigated a patriarchal and often violent society. This approach is refreshing and thought-provoking, offering readers an authentic look at how these women might have lived, what roles they truly played in the epic tales, and how history has treated them—or failed to do so.

The chapters on Aphrodite and Hera stand out as particularly impactful, delving into the complexities of their identities within both the mythological and historical frameworks. The chapters on figures such as Thetis, Briseis, and Circe are equally engrossing, each one offering new insights into their roles and the cultural significance of their stories.

What makes Mythica even more intriguing is its incorporation of recent scientific discoveries, including DNA evidence, that shed light on the lives of these ancient figures. These facts linger long after reading, giving the book a unique and haunting quality that stays with you. The text itself is beautifully written, offering a seamless blend of historical scholarship and storytelling. It also promises to be richly illustrated when fully published, with detailed maps and art that will further enhance the reader’s understanding of the ancient world.

For lovers of Greek mythology, history, and archaeology, Mythica is a revelation. It not only gives voice to the forgotten women of the Trojan War and the surrounding epics but also provides a fresh perspective on the more famous male characters like Achilles, Hector, Odysseus, and Paris. Whether you're a seasoned fan of Greek myths or new to the subject, this book is a must-have for its historical depth, intellectual rigour, and emotional resonance.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

I was incredibly excited for this book, and it did not disappoint. Mythica explores the Iliad and Odyssey through the women- Briseias, Helen, Circe, and, of course, Penelope just to name a few.

@emilyhauserauthor has such a talent for combining stories with research. Each chapter opens with a scene that ties Mythica back to the original text with and gives the perspective of the figure it follows. The remainder of the chapter then examines the archaeology and scholarship surrounding that figure in order to show what the actual women living in the bronze age may have experienced.

This is one of my favorite nonfiction books now. 10000/10, you should definitely read it!

Thank you @netgalley and @doubledayukbooks for the opportunity to read and review this book early!

From the introduction I could already tell how important this book would be, first within the realm of Homeric scholarship, and secondly within the realm of feminist history and women’s studies.

This book highlights how important it is to continually revise our study of ancient history - particularly the ancient epics - to reflect the world around us.

Emily highlights that, in recent years, there has been a small but concerning movement to rewrite and reinterpret the ancient epics for a misogynistic and racist audience. Therefore, the reinterpretation of the ancient epics by women and minority groups is more important than ever. Whether this reinterpretation be in scholarship or modern retellings, Emily highlights the importance of both to our modern society in order to fight back against the single-minded and harmful use of ancient history by these groups.

As for the content of the book, I am stunned! Without revealing too much, because you should experience this book for yourself, this book is a brilliant intersection of everything that makes ancient history so brilliant to study in the modern day. Both entertaining and informative - the perfect balance of analysis and letting the ancient evidence speak for itself!

I particularly enjoyed the focus on female historians and archaeologists - it really drove home Emily’s message of writing women back into the foreground of history.

Moreover, it was a lovely touch to have each chapter open with a beautiful reimagined snippet from a mythological woman, reflecting Emily’s earlier mythological novels and her brilliant prose, whilst acting as a perfect summary of the feminist message within each chapter.

100/10 - I hope this books inspires scholarship for decades to come 🏺✨