Pandora’s Jar by Natalie Haynes (Review by Bruna Looby)

4 / 5

If I had to describe this book in one word it would be complete.

There’s so much information out there about Greek mythology. So many versions that it’s difficult to believe what’s true and what’s not.

Imagine that someone researched all the stories, poems, books, and basically filtered everything in one book for us. This someone is Natalie Haynes.
Each chapter tells us the detailed story of Greek women. We get to know the origin and life of Pandora, Jocasta, Helen, Medusa, The Amazons, Clytemnestra, Eurydice, Phaedra, Medea, and Penelope.

I think my favorite thing about this book is that it feels like you’re reading a “fun dissertation”. I can’t even begin to imagine the amount of research Natalie did to find all this information. I think my favorite chapter was the one about Helen. Forget what you’ve learned watching Brad Pitt’s Troy – this chapter is the real deal!

It’s truly fascinating how the author was able to tell us their story in a simple yet throughout way.

Two things that you should expect from this book: many names – really, a ton – and long chapters. It’s a dense book and requires all your attention reading it. It’s not the kind of book to read while watching TV.

Overall, I really enjoyed and learned a lot! Highly recommend it.