The Voyage Home

by Pat Barker
The Voyage Home cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Historical Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 1135
  • Added: 2025-09-27
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • ISBN: 9798217014347
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2024-12-03
  • Formats: 41
  • Reviews: 3
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Paperback • £8.49 Hardback • £20.00
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In The Voyage Home, Pat Barker continues her Women of Troy series with a powerful reimagining of Greek mythology. The story follows Ritsa, an enslaved healer, and her cruel mistress Cassandra, who possesses the gift of prophecy but is disbelieved by her shipmates. As they journey back to Mycenae, Ritsa must navigate Cassandra's unpredictable behavior and the growing tension between Queen Clytemnestra and King Agamemnon, all while seeking a safe haven for herself and her mistress. Barker's novel explores themes of power, survival, and the reinterpretation of myth through a feminist lens. With its rich historical setting and complex characters, The Voyage Home is a testament to Barker's skill as a storyteller and her ability to breathe new life into ancient tales.

Reviews
Mookse and Gripes · 2025-01-14
loved 4.50

The book is praised for its emotional depth and the author's ability to breathe new life into ancient myths. The focus on female characters adds a fresh and engaging dimension.

This reviewer loved how the book delves into the emotional complexities of its characters, particularly the women. The narrative brings a feminist perspective to the Trojan War myths, making it stand out. The portrayal of Clytemnestra's grief and anger is especially poignant and well-executed. The reviewer appreciates how the book breathes new life into tired old myths, adding a layer of depth and relevance that resonates with modern readers. The overall storytelling is engaging and thought-provoking, making it a standout in the trilogy.

Quick quotes

    I loved it and loved the follow up, The Women of Troy.

    The way Barker portrays Clytemnestra's emotions – her anger, bitterness and grief – was very well done.

    Barker breathed life (and estrogen) into tired old Greek myths that desperately needed it.

The Guardian · 2024-08-18
compelling 4.00

The novel blends gripping dialogue with immersive scene-setting, though some may find the pacing uneven. The exploration of post-war trauma and power dynamics is particularly compelling.

This reviewer found that the book strikes a fine balance between intense dialogue and atmospheric storytelling. The characters' struggles and the political intrigue are expertly woven into the narrative. However, the pacing can feel uneven at times, which might detract from the overall experience. The deeper themes of trauma and power, especially through the lens of feminist retellings, are particularly well-executed and thought-provoking. Overall, it's a powerful addition to the trilogy that offers a fresh perspective on well-known myths.

Quick quotes

    The novel mixes open-ended scene-making with blockbuster dialogue.

    The exploration of post-war trauma and power dynamics is particularly compelling.

    The book strikes a fine balance between intense dialogue and atmospheric storytelling.

Scottish Veggie Garden · 2024-07-19
thought-provoking 4.25

The novel is commended for its exploration of power, trauma, and retribution with a feminist slant. The writing is engaging and the characters are well-developed.

This reviewer highlights the novel's exploration of power dynamics and trauma, especially through a feminist lens. The writing is engaging, and the characters are well-developed, making the narrative compelling. The book's focus on themes like retribution and the aftermath of war adds a layer of depth that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. The reviewer appreciates how the book stays true to the trilogy's themes while offering a unique perspective on the Trojan War. The overall experience is enriching and thought-provoking, making it a worthwhile read for fans of historical fiction and mythology.

Quick quotes

    The novel explores themes of power, trauma, and retribution with a feminist slant.

    The writing is engaging and the characters are well-developed.

    The book's focus on themes like retribution and the aftermath of war adds a layer of depth that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.

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