In The Penelopiad, Margaret Atwood revisits Homer’s The Odyssey from the perspective of Penelope, the wife of Odysseus. While the original myth portrays Penelope as the ultimate symbol of marital fidelity, Atwood gives her a voice to tell her own side of the story from the underworld. The narrative focuses on Penelope’s 20-year wait for her husband’s return and the brutal execution of her twelve maids upon his arrival, a detail often glossed over in traditional epics. Blending mythology with modern sensibility, the book is both playful and thought-provoking. It’s a short read with a subtle commentary on gender, power, and storytelling itself. Perfect if you enjoy mythology with a modern twist.
6. The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
A spellbinding retelling of the Mahabharata, the novel shifts focus to Draupadi, one of its most complex and often misunderstood figures. Narrated in her voice, the novel traces her life from a miraculous birth to her role in the great war of Kurukshetra, offering an intimate and deeply human perspective on an epic tale. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni brings Draupadi to life as a woman of fierce intelligence, ambition, and vulnerability. Through her eyes, we see the familiar characters like Krishna and Arjuna in a new light. The novel also offers an insight into her unspoken emotions, including a forbidden attraction that adds depth to her story. Rich and lyrical in storytelling, The Palace of Illusions is a powerful feminist reinterpretation of a classic epic. If you love mythological retellings, this is a must-read that lingers long after the final page.
7. Book Lovers by Emily Henry
Nora Stephens is a career-driven New York literary agent who is often the ‘ice queen’ in other people’s stories, the one who gets dumped for the sweet small-town girl. Her only soft spot is her younger sister, Libby, who convinces her to take a summer trip to Sunshine Falls, North Carolina. Instead of a charming meet-cute with a local, Nora keeps running into Charlie Lastra, a brooding, brilliant book editor from her past. As they are forced to collaborate on a manuscript, they realise their shared cynicism and love for books might be the foundation for something deeper. Emily Henry cleverly plays with familiar romance tropes while delivering a heartfelt story about ambition, family, and finding where you truly belong. However, the novel is not just a romance. It is also about sisterhood and self-discovery, making it feel grounded and relatable despite its playful tone.
