Children of Jocasta

In Natalie Haynes' retelling of "Oedipus and Antigone," the perspectives of the women the myths overlooked are explored, offering a fresh take on the material and giving new voice to Jocasta and Ismene.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2021
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

A captivating retelling of the timeless tales of Oedipus and Antigone, delving into the perspectives of the women who have been overlooked by the myths. Presented by Natalie Haynes, the acclaimed author of "A Thousand Ships" and the Sunday Times bestseller "Stone Blind," this captivating book offers a fresh and insightful perspective on these iconic characters.

Growing up in a cursed house, the siblings of Jocasta and Ismene have been burdened by the misfortune of their cursed parents. Jocasta, just fifteen years old, is forced into an arranged marriage with the King of Thebes, an elderly man she has never met. Her life, from that moment onward, becomes a perpetual sacrifice to the whims of her husband, who holds her captive in a world of his own making. Ismene, on the other hand, is attacked in the very palace she calls home, a place she had once believed to be a sanctuary. Since the tragic deaths of her parents a decade earlier, Ismene has clung to the hope of finding safety and solace within the family she still has. However, with a single act of violence, everything changes.

The turn of these two events sets in motion a tragedy that unfolds in ways that defy conventional understanding. Yet, through the skilled storytelling of Natalie Haynes, the women of Oedipus and Antigone emerge as captivating and complex characters. Haynes skillfully balances a fresh take on the material, offering new voices to the often-overlooked but fascinating Jocasta and Ismene.

In "The Women of Oedipus and Antigone," Haynes delves into the private lives of these women, peeling back the layers of their emotions and experiences. Jocasta, often portrayed as a passive figure, is revealed as a woman of strength and intelligence, capable of making difficult decisions and navigating the treacherous waters of her marriage. Ismene, on the other hand, is a fierce and independent spirit, determined to protect her family and find her place in the world despite the obstacles that stand in her way.

Through their stories, Haynes explores the themes of power, gender, and fate. The women of these myths are forced to navigate a patriarchal society that values male dominance and subjugates women. Yet, they refuse to be silenced or marginalized, using their intelligence and resilience to carve out their own paths and make a difference in the world.

"The Women of Oedipus and Antigone" is a powerful testament to the resilience of women and the importance of recognizing their voices and experiences. Natalie Haynes has masterfully woven together the threads of these ancient myths, offering a fresh and compelling perspective that challenges our understanding of these iconic characters. This book is a must-read for anyone who seeks to explore the complexities of gender, power, and fate, and to appreciate the remarkable women who have been overlooked by history.

Weight: 250g
Dimension: 129 x 196 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529057133