Jocasta

In 'Jocasta', Natalie Haynes retells the Theban myth from the perspective of Oedipus' mother and wife, providing depth and agency to a character often eclipsed by male-centered accounts.

The novel reframes familiar events with added emotional and psychological nuance, and incorporates Haynes' interest in how ancient texts portray women's lived experiences.

Haynes uses wit and scholarship to render the ancient world vivid and accessible, while interrogating themes of fate, power, and gender.

The book continues her project of rescuing and reinterpreting classical women for contemporary readers.