This was a fantastic non-fiction book and if you love Greek Mythology and have been loving the feminist retellings, this is a must read!

I've loved Greek Mythology for as long as I can remember. I've read children's version of myths and loved Disney's Hercules as a child, I took a Classical Mythology class in university (it was my favorite class and even had my looking into a Classics minor), and more recently have loved Madeline Miller's Greek retellings. Natalie Haynes's book takes a look at the many classic myths, but focuses on the female characters, who many times were overlooked.

Each chapter focuses on a different woman - Pandora, Helen, Medusa, The Amazons (10 in all), and looks at them through a number of lenses. First Hayes looks at the classic writings and how ancient audiences may have viewed them. She gives examples of how characters were written differently by different authors, and possible reasons as to why. She then transitions into how these myths have been interpreted through the Commen Era and eventually to modern times. We also get some fun, and many times funny pop culture references I enjoyed. She really made me want to go back and re-read some of original works.

The book is well written and written in a way that is accessible to just about anyone who would be interested in the subject matter. Do I think you'll be more entertained if you have some background knowledge? Yes, but I don't think its necessary you know all of the characters.

I love the way the book is formatted - one character per chapter. The chapters are longer, but it was about the perfect length for me to read one chapter a day and still be able to read other fiction novels at the same time. I could easily see someone getting through this quickly if they wished, but I suggest taking your time on this one and enjoying the ride.

Thank you to Net Galley and Harper Perennial for the advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 ⭐️!

This was such an amazing book! Completely unexpected, but so SO good if you are at all interested in Greek mythology and the stories behind the women throughout. BRAVO. Very impressed.

The deep dive into the women of Greek mythology is done so well in this book!! It felt like I was reading a feminist essay on the perspectives of each individual from Greek "monsters" to Grecian Amazons. Haynes is incredibly smart, and impressive in her writing and I found it so refreshing to read and learn more about women throughout Greek history.

I think this is perfect for fans of Greek mythology, the book Circe by Madeleine Miller or anyone at all interested in the women's perspective as it pertains to legends throughout Grecian history.

Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend. Will be going through Haynes backlist because she certainly has the ability to hook me from the first page.

xx
-Christine

Absolutely incredible research by Haynes who makes Greek Myth and the women in the myths come to life and accessible. I loved this one.

This book is the perfect nonfiction companion to Madeline Miller's Circe, Natalie Haynes' A Thousand Ships, and Pat Barker's The Silence of the Girls.

I was a literature major in college so I'm always on the hunt for books that feel like my literary criticism class– and this one was perfect. Getting to read a dissection of the many fascinating women in mythology, along with pop culture comparisons, was a real treat. I'm really glad I got to read this one right before it was published!

**I was provided an electronic ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for honest review.**

Natalie Haynes returns with a nonfiction book, Pandora's Jar, a discussion on women in Greek myth. Haynes limits her scope to ten sections centered on various women. For each section, Haynes presents various embodiments of these women in antiquity and in modern sources with the addition of her own clever commentary to place the stories into the context of their time.

It is no secret that the tales common to Greek mythology generally center on the male heroes with the female figures often taking the role of side characters in their own stories. Haynes is deliberate about her choices of which characters she chooses to speak on, and the order in which they are presented. This collection is well-organized, well-researched, and presented in a manner that is as accessible to a person with general interest in myth as it would be to a scholar.

The balance that Haynes strikes between explaining each story and the derivations and adaptations on that story as well as offering her own input is well done. Haynes' own contributions to the interpretation of the myth through ancient and modern lens are insightful and really do make the book effective.

I am glad to have had the opportunity to read this book early and am eager to read more of Haynes' backlist as well as her future works.

If greek mythology interests you, then this book is good to read. Impressive stories behind women, a narrative that keeps you hooked and just so worth your time. Go for it.

Natalie Haynes is bringing to light the different versions of women characters in classical literature and also their portrayal on pottery and in artwork. Starting with Pandora, Jocasta, Helen, Clytemnestra, Medusa, the Amazons, and a few more, she discusses how they might have been viewed in the ancient world and more recent interpretations. It is sad that so much classical literature has been lost, but Ms. Haynes has dug up and explored what is available. After reading her previous book "A Thousand Ships" I reread "The Odyssey" and now I will have to brush up on my Euripides. A thoughtful, but sometimes sad and humorous discussion of women's history through culture. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Ten Thousand Ships rocked my foundation. I hated Greek Mythology with all its petty gods and tragic endings, but Natalie Haynes made it engaging, female-centric, and funny. When she tells the stories, I appreciate them more.

Pandora’s Jar is not a story. Engaging, funny, witty, and wonderful, yes. It is a deep dive into the many different (often contrasting) stories, paintings, urns, and statues of the most renowned Greek women. Natalie is a tireless researcher. She then takes long, disjointed pieces and weaves them into a beautiful and comprehensive depiction of typically misunderstood women.

Think of this as a series of lectures by your favorite professor. You know the one. She’s the funny one whose classes are always full, and there’s a line of students wanting to talk to her before and after class. Pandora’s Jar is dense and excellent. I learned more from it than all my Honors English classes. As an added benefit, I kept Googling the statues Haynes described (easy to do with her details), which added to my edutainment.

She works in fun pop culture references, too. In the chapter on the Amazons, Haynes draws not only connections to the obvious Wonder Woman but also Smurfette and (dear to my heart) Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Pandora’s Jar is a phenomenal read but be ready to learn, not just be entertained.

Haynes’ A Thousand Ships is one of my all time favorite books, so I was thrilled to have the chance to read Pandora’s Jar. I did not expect this book to be so different in style from A Thousand Ships. This book is more of a historical, academic study instead of the narrative retelling style I usually prefer. Although unexpected, I couldn’t help but appreciate Haynes’ enthusiasm and talent in sharing her vast knowledge of the Greek myths. Thank you NetGalley & Harper Perennial for this advance reader’s copy.

I've heard the names Pandora, Phoebe, Penelope, and Medusa (among others) before. I'm also lately into reading stories about these women. I stumbled across Natalie Haynes after reading Circe by Madeline Miller and this prompted me to pick up Pandora's Jar, thinking that it would be a series of short stories in a similar manner.

What I got was a complete and welcome surprise.

As an academic, I am of the way of thinking that we should be writing accessible, interesting criticism. Natalie Haynes has done just that with Pandora's Jar. She uses her training in the classics to make the classics not only accessible, but interesting, riveting, and downright fun. Connections are drawn between these ancient stories and modern-day pop icons such as Beyonce, Wonder Woman, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. But Haynes doesn't just stop there--she draws out the voices of these women, often by referencing Euripides (of whom she is most fond).

The result is a new perspective on these old stories. Haynes doesn't shy away from the problematic details of stories. Instead, she leans into them, offering incredible interpretations and employing rhetorical skill to create connections between her readers and the, often problematic, lives of the women who have been represented through male voices.

I highly, highly recommend this book. You can read it straight through, like I did, or savor it over time by reading about one woman and then chewing on that story for a while. I will say if I ever teach a women's literature course again, this book will be top of my list. It's a beautiful marriage of women and gender studies, classics, mythology, storytelling, and masterful rhetorical analysis.

Pandora's Jar is recommended for readers wanting to do a deep dive into the subject matter of the women of Greek mythology. Relying on a non-fiction reference style as opposed to a narrative thread, Haynes demonstrates a remarkable capacity to share her extensive research and scholarship in an entertaining way. The book is approachable while at the same time being detailed, not simply offering the "here's how they were misunderstood" high-level concept, but digging deep into the historical record to see how different versions of the myths have come to be.

I took a few ancient history classes in college, so I’ve read many of the stories referenced in this book. Though I love some of the characters and stories of Greek mythology, the translations are often so difficult for me to get through. Natalie Haynes, on the other hand, makes these stories approachable.

It was very interesting how the stories of these Greek women morphed depending on the writer and the time in which they written. For example, Pandora originally had a jar, but it eventually became the box with which we are familiar today.

No doubt, a lot of the topics touched on in Pandora’s Jar are difficult. As Haynes reminds readers often, it’s a mistake to apply our modern standards to these characters. Readers must be prepared to face stories of murder, kidnapping, and rape. The Greek gods and goddesses often misbehaved, as did the mortals. While this book is often entertaining, it can also be difficult to read.

I love Natalie Haynes! Her witty commentary, her writing style and her general love for all things Greek made Pandora’s Jar such an enjoyable read. Yes, there were some difficult topics, but Haynes handled them with an equal amount of respect and levity.

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A fascinating, witty examination of vilified women within Greek mythology. Haynes has selected several intriguing individuals to highlight, and while at first I preferred those from the stories that I was already familiar with, I came to enjoy reading the nuance that was brought to these classic tales through the exploration of various interesting themes. Haynes' breakdown of Wonder Woman within the chapter devoted to the Amazons gave me a greater appreciation for that film, and I would gladly read more about any of the ladies covered here.

I picked this book up because I love learning about women in mythology and I wasn't disappointed. This book tackles famous women of mythology. One of my favorite aspects of how the women were tackled was the fact that some of them have multiples version of the same myth and the author discusses those and how they reflect on the women. It made me think about the women in ways I'd never considered before. The writing style kept me engaged, and I enjoyed the way this book got me to reflect on women like Penelope in a new light.

I recommend this to anyone wanting to learn more about the women of Greek mythology.

This was such a fantastic and informative read! The writing style was light and witty, which meant it was easier to read and absorb the information she was presenting. I feel like I learned so much and walked away from the book with a newfound respect for women in myths. I’ve already added her other books to my wishlist and can’t wait to see what more she has to teach me!

Pandora’s Jar by Natalie Haynes is a great nonfiction that delves into some of the female characters that are a part of Greek Mythology. I loved this!

This book is a kind of Who’s Who of women within Greek mythology. Each chapter highlights one woman and describes not only their role and contributions, but also their misconceptions, evolutions, and also references within associated sources.

Ms. Haynes clearly knows her stuff and has extensively researched her subject matter. She was also able to present this information in an interesting, fluid, and in a manner that is not intimidating to the non-expert.

Examples of some of the figures covered: Jocasta, Helen of Troy, Medea, Penelope, Eurydice, Pandora, Medusa, The Amazons, Clytemnestra, and Phaedra.

I loved learning more about these fabulous, complex, and underrated female characters.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Harper Perennial for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 3/1/22.

Highly readable book about women in Greek mythology. The chapter in Penelope was especially interesting!

PANDORA'S JAR
BY: NATALIE HAYNES

I have noticed that I am in the minority of reviewer's here who didn't loved this. I was really looking forward to a retelling of Pandora's box from Greek Mythology from a woman's perspective in an enchanting story like the fantastic "CIRCE" by Madeline Miller. I have even read an excellent version of the female perspective of Clytemnestra, sister of Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra's revenge on her husband King Agamemnon for killing their daughter Iphigenia in return for the winds to allow Agamemnon to be able sail his fleet into the land of Troy. Clytemnestra is portrayed sympathetically as she is grief stricken that her husband killed her oldest child and daughter. I have read Medusa as portrayed from a women's perspective and also sympathetic towards Medusa having been cursed by Athena to carry serpents on her head and being isolated from her two sister's who take joy from turning men to stone who hunt them for thousands of years on their isolated cliffs. Medusa is seen as Athena's victim as she doesn't want to continue turning men who hunt her to stone with one look so she helps Perseus kill her and end her suffering. Medusa is seen as a hero being selfless and having a conscious. Self sacrificing her own life to end the burden of being thought the man hating monster that she really isn't. These re-imagining storytelling of Greek Mythologies, some of the most misunderstood women are favorites of mine and all were five star read's. This one was disappointing due to the delivery of using Non-Fiction and dry humor which I found it a chore to plod through even though her emphasis was to celebrate the Women in Greek Mythology which I can totally say I love her ideals just not her ranting Non-Fiction and her delivery device. I just found her to be rambling on way too much and prefer the method of making these women heroic to be delivered in the story form.

I am all for Greek Mythology being retold from the women's perspective that is why I thought I would love "Pandora's Jar" by Natalie Haynes. I was hoping for Pandora's story being the whole focus of the book making Pandora's story written in a way that like,"Circe" and Clytemnestra and Medusa a retelling of the myth redeeming and engaging.

Instead, Natalie Haynes, who is educated in the Classics uses non-fiction and dry humor to redeem Pandora, Helen, Medea, Jocasta, Medusa, Phaedra, Clytemnestra, The Amazon Women, Penelope and Eurydice. There are references to Star Trek and her dry humor just didn't engage me into their being told in a narrative that drew me in and that I just found this to read like a textbook.

Believe me I love Greek Mythology being told with the women who have been reduced as trouble causing or evil to being retold from the women's perspective as heroic. For Natalie Haynes attempts at drawing these women as not backdrops to the men being hero's is to her credit. Maybe because I am unfamiliar with her podcast and am American not from the UK I just found her ability to be engaging lacking. This just wasn't anywhere near being what I had hoped for which was story. I think that it should be evident in the synopsis or the description that Non-Fiction is the category with Natalie Haynes retelling and her comparisons with pop-culture is what one is signing up for. I was weary with many of her comparison's such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and found this really dry.

I do give her credit for her vast knowledge of Greek Mythology and she seems to be an expert at knowing the historical origins from her subject's as in the women she has chosen. She was educated at Cambridge in the Classics and it shows. Hence I give this Non-Fiction narrative three stars. I found her to be intelligent and accessible most of the time. I also want to mention that the error was mine because when I re-checked this Title, Pandora's Jar on Net Galley it does say Non-Fiction. Somehow I missed that when I requested this and it was not at all what I expected which left me disappointed. I just didn't enjoy it and therefore this wasn't for me, but most did. 3.5 stars!

Publication Date: March 1, 2022

Thank you to Net Galley, Natalie Haynes and Harper Perennial and Paperbacks for providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

#Pandora'sJar #NatalieHaynes #HarperPerennialandPaperbacks #NetGalley

PANDORA'S JAR is a wonderful dive into the world of scholastic discussions of Greek mythology, particularly how the lens of world history has affected the evolution of heroines within those legends. From the startlingly horrific origins of the Persephone story to the meteoric rise of the Medea lore, PANDORA'S JAR is perfect for fans of Greek mythology, feminist scholarship, and classic literature.