The Women of Troy - Pat Barker

Firstly, let's take a moment for some Pat Barker appreciation. She's a fantastic writer and I'm yet to read anything by her that I don't love. What strikes me in the first instance is the progression in the titles of the first and second book - the 'girls' have become 'women'. Although the Trojan women have become the 'property' of the Greeks since the fall of Troy, in this novel they certainly have more voice and courage than the first.

The Women of Troy is primarily narrated by Briseis, now the wife of Alcimus and pregnant with Achilles' child. The passages are from her memory of when she was a younger woman, so it can be assumed she is much older at the time of recalling the story. Interspersed are sections narrated by Pyrrhus, son of Achilles, who brutally murdered King Priam as revenge for the death of Hector. Because of this, the gods are punishing the men.

The novel's premise is the misfortune of the recently victorious Greeks. They have captured Troy and now plan to return to their homeland - but no wind will lift their sails. Pyrrhus must repent and make an offering to the gods so that the wind will return. Meanwhile, the Trojan women are trying their best to retain some sense of domestic normality and have begun to rebel against their captors.

Once again, Barker has created a cast of extremely real characters whose faults and flaws are laid bare. Her writing is raw, visceral and effortless, and I am always amazed at how natural her prose feels. It is extremely readable and her sense of humour is peppered throughout the brutality. A wonderful sequel!