The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker: A Book Review
Genre: Historical Fiction
Barker writes an interest retelling of the Iliad. For those that are not familiar with the piece, the Iliad is an epic poem written by the historic Greek author Homer. Written in the 8th century, the Iliad tells the famous story of the Trojan War – particularly featuring the great Greek hero Achilles, his friend Patroclus, and their respective deaths. While there is no clear evidence detailing the truth of the poem, the Iliad can be seen as having influenced the mythology surrounding the Trojan War as well as perhaps past traditions of Ancient Greek culture. However, similar to the Epic of Gilgamesh, and Beowolf, the Iliad’s historic accuracy may also be tainted from oral tradition (the tradition of telling stories from memory rather than reading from text), as well as Homer’s own perspective and belief. While having background knowledge of the Iliad would be very helpful, it is also not strickly needed as Barker tells (and makes) the story wholly her own.
Barker takes the story Homer wrote and changes the focus, making the piece more feminist in philosophy. Featuring Briseis, Achilles’s slave from the Iliad, Barker focuses on the women (as well as Achilles). The Silence of the Girls was actually more Briseis’s story than another story of Achilles – which was a nice change. The story breaks up so that at time points, it is like Briseis is telling the story herself after the fact, which is actually really interesting. Its almost like you are listening to an old woman tell a story of her past – hearing the story as well as the little asides that show how the story will continue or some little tidbit of knowledge shared. However, Barker also flip-flops so that the center character is sometimes Achilles (particularly after the death of Patroclus). These flip-flops do tend to get confusing as “the voice” never changes.
Looking at other reviews for the book, a major complaint was the use of modern language. While this is true, I think it slightly fits with what Barker is trying to do. Because of the parts in which it is like Briseis is talking about her past (in 3rd person), the modern language comes through (at least for me) with an analytical viewpoint. The modern language seems to be part of the reflection. Plus, I mean, if we are being honest, who here will actively read ancient Greek or Old English and understand it without any dictionary or additional piece?
From that I would say that the ideas were actually well written and sophisticated. While the characters were just characters and invoked no real connection, this book appealed to my scholarly side. It was actually pretty fun analyzing the story as I was reading – which looking back is actually surprising to me as I don’t tend to enjoy feminist pieces. I think the underlying messages of the book such as the spoils of war and the cost of conflict, particularly the cost the losing side pays, were spot on. I also really enjoyed the Easter eggs, Barker included as well as the “guest stars” that made an appearance.
Who would most enjoy the work and who should stay clear (if necessary):
Enjoy:
- Greek mythology
- Thinking analytical
- Feminist works
Stay Clear:
- If modern language in an historical text upsets you
- If you are looking for an easy read
- If Historical Fiction is not a favorite genre of you
Other books like the one reviewed:
Circe by Madeline Miller
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati
A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes
Ariadne by Jennifer Saint
Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes
Elektra by Jennifer Saint
Daughters of Olympus by Hannah Lynn
Song of Sacrifice by Janell Rhiannon
| Plot: | 9 / 10 |
| Characters: | 9 / 10 |
| Writing: | 10 / 10 |
| Editor: | 10 / 10 |
| Total | 38 / 40 |
Title: The Silence of the Girls
Author: Pat Barker
Edition: eBook
Published: 2018
Publisher: Vintage Books
ISBN: 9780385544221
If you want to get it: Amazon; Barnes&Noble
Rosey Reviews 