Take a look at the cover of SHE SPEAKS: The Women of Greek Myths in Their Own Words — it’s the kind of book you can’t help but want to open and dive into. This hardcover oozes quality and just feels special in your hands. I was really curious about which women would be featured, and let me tell you, the lineup is incredible. Some are outright heroes, others are cursed or misunderstood, but every single one has a story that’s absolutely captivating and impossible to turn away from.
In this book review of Honor Cargill-Martin’s She Speaks: The Women of Greek Myths in Their Own Words, beautifully brought to life by Camelia Pham’s stunning illustrations, I want to give you a little teaser that’ll make you totally want to grab a copy — whether for a special young girl in your life or just for yourself. Sure, boys will enjoy it too, because honestly, it’s really made for anyone who loves powerful stories and strong women.
Inside, you’ll meet legendary figures like Pandora, Medusa, Medea, Atalanta, Ariadne, Helen, Penthesilea, and Circe — eight fierce, captivating women whose stories will inspire and intrigue you from start to finish.
The book, first published in 2024, opens with a couple of pages celebrating Greek myths as some of the greatest stories ever told. It highlights how these tales, penned around 2,700 years ago by Homer and Hesiod, were actually passed down long before in poetry, songs, and art.
What makes this book truly special is that it’s telling the stories from the women’s point of view. It’s a fresh, modern take on these classic legends with some twists, making it a bit different from the usual Greek myth stories you might be used to. So, let’s see where this book review takes us!
SHE SPEAKS: The Women of Greek Myths — Pandora Story Review
The opening story in She Speaks: The Women of Greek Myths in Their Own Words begins with Pandora — the very first woman on Earth. And wow, I was blown away! The story is beautifully crafted, capturing the imagination from start to finish. Honestly, it’s one of the best children’s versions of Pandora’s tale I’ve ever come across — so well done, it feels truly masterful.
The story introduces key Greek gods like Zeus, Athena, and Hermes, adding depth and richness. Here, Pandora is getting married, but what unfolds is so much more than just a simple wedding — it’s a fascinating, fresh take on a myth that’s been told for thousands of years.
SHE SPEAKS: The Women of Greek Myths — Medusa Story Review
The Medusa story in SHE SPEAKS: The Women of Greek Myths in Their Own Words offers a unique woman’s perspective on this ancient myth. I really loved how it was told. Turns out, Medusa isn’t just a monster, she’s actually a remarkable woman who was unfairly treated and totally wronged. This retelling really humanizes her, showing that she’s much more than her legend. It’s a truly eye-opening take that shines a new light on one of Greek mythology’s most iconic figures.
SHE SPEAKS: The Women of Greek Myths — Amazon Warrior Story Review
For the third story, I’m choosing Penthesilea, the legendary Amazon warrior you probably haven’t heard of before. Honestly, her name was new to me, so this book has taught me something new and cool. Most people know about Wonder Woman as an Amazon, but here we have Penthesilea — the fierce queen of the Warrior Women, and the daughter of Ares, the god of war. She’s also the sister of Hippolyte!
Her story is pretty wild: she accidentally killed her own sister with a spear when a deer suddenly leapt out of the way. I’d never come across this story before, and it totally caught me off guard. The story also connects us to the famous Trojan War, adding even more intrigue. I found it fascinating, and it’s another brilliant tale from the women of Greek myths in their own words!
REVIEW: She Speaks: The Women of Greek Myths in Their Own Words
I have only covered three of the eight stories, but my thoughts should give you a good sense of how incredible this book is. So, here’s the lowdown on SHE SPEAKS: The Women of Greek Myths in Their Own Words — I’d rate it an 8.5 out of 10, and I’m happy to say that’s pretty high praise. I truly believe young girls would love this 76-page book.
It’s a real breath of fresh air because it flips the script and tells these classic myths from the women’s point of view. It’s like hearing the stories through their own voices, which helps change the way you see these legendary figures. And let’s talk about the storytelling — each woman from Greek myth gets eight pages, which is just enough to tell a beautiful, compelling story without feeling rushed. Plus, the illustrations are really something special — they add a whole new layer of imagination and emotion to each tale. There is also an brief overview of each woman at the end of the book.
The lineup is pretty epic — Pandora, Medusa, Medea, Atalanta, Ariadne, Helen, Penthesilea, and Circe. That’s a solid mix of heroines and misunderstood figures, so you’re definitely going to find something that captures your interest. Whether you’re new to Greek myths or a long-time fan, this book has something to offer you. It’s a blend of great storytelling, striking visuals, and a fascinating take on classic legends that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Totally worth a read!
Look, the author, Honor Cargill-Martin, is a classicist and art historian from London. She studied Ancient History and Classical Archaeology at the University of Oxford — so she certainly has impressive credentials!
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