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A review by prlprl
The Women of Troy by Pat Barker
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Barker navigates the space between epics with surprisingly sardonic grace.
Unlike the first of the series, there is hardly any magnitude of lore to give Briseis’ bathos depth, which makes this novel more challenging to read by itself. It’s a good continuation however, and lends itself to an enrichment to the first - much like Pyrrhus himself, it suffers some sequel syndrome.
Anima was an interesting iteration of the Antigone story, but in her own right, her relevance to Pyrrhus’ story was underdeveloped and had great unutilised potential. Strong start, but the sad solitude of Pyrrhus’ perspective lost its lustre against Briseis’ pragmatic and unflappable characterisation.
Not as gut-punching as the first; perhaps Briseis’ return to grace alienates her somewhat to the suffering that surrounds her.
Unlike the first of the series, there is hardly any magnitude of lore to give Briseis’ bathos depth, which makes this novel more challenging to read by itself. It’s a good continuation however, and lends itself to an enrichment to the first - much like Pyrrhus himself, it suffers some sequel syndrome.
Not as gut-punching as the first; perhaps Briseis’ return to grace alienates her somewhat to the suffering that surrounds her.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pregnancy
Minor: Torture and Sexual harassment