Published by Faber, 2022.

Gender Swapped Greek Myths is powerful and thought provoking. The book contains many of the well-known stories from Greek mythology. The plots haven’t changed, characters haven’t been reinvented nor have endings been altered. Instead, what the authors have done is switch all the genders. It’s a seemingly simple change but its impact is huge. As we read, the book challenges our subconscious ideas about gender roles and characteristics, and shines a spotlight on our unconscious bias.

As beautiful men are forced to wed underworld queens, and women set out on dangerous quests, we begin to make new associations about men and women’s roles and character traits. Brutality and bravery are no longer reserved for men, women are not cast merely as wicked witches or helpless maidens. The monsters have changed too: for example, there’s a snakey-bearded Medusa, and a Minotaur with udders (the Minoheifer).

The anthology itself is a thing of beauty: hardback with a ribbon bookmark and a glossy, foiled cover. It’s stunningly illustrated in full colour, and the endpapers are magnificent!

Gender Swapped Greek Myths is perspective shifting and innovative. I loved seeing such a wealth of engaging female characters take centre stage and boldly and ruthlessly fulfil their desires; it was so refreshing to see no-holes barred egotism in female characters. Highly recommended.

Rating: 💙💙💙💙💙

Suitable for children aged 10+

Thank you to Faber for sending me this book to review.

I’d previously read and enjoyed Gender Swapped Fairy Tales (the first book in the series) and you can read my review by clicking here.