Natalie Haynes' A Thousand Ships tells the story of the Trojan War from the eyes of 25 women both mortal and immortal. Calliope, a muse of epic poetry, is the narrator of the novel, which is framed as a conversation between Callope and an old bard. Together, the two discuss the true meaning of war and how it impacts everyone involved (especially women). The novel is set over many years, tells the stories of many people, and draws upon the works of Homer, Virgil, and Ovid.
Haynes’ novel starts with the bard asking Calliope for a new epic poem that he could write. Calliope is initially reticent to speak with the bard, but she eventually gives in and tells the bard the story of the Trojan war through the eyes of many women who were involved in it. The first story that Calliope tells the bard is that of Cruesa, the wife of Trojan war hero Aeneas. In the story, Calliope tells the bard about how Cruesa attempted to escape Troy, which was burning. The next story takes place in the Greek camp where captive Trojan women are being held captive as they wait to find out what will happen to them as trophies of war. Calliope continues to tell many more stories, including stories of Trojan women who look back at the fall of Troy, Hecabe traveling with Odysseus after the war, the story of Penelope and Ladomia pining for and waiting for their husbands, as well as immortal gods explaining the part they played in the role.
Additionally, the book examines how Paris brought Helen to Troy, how an Amazon warrior named Penthesilea fought and died, how Hector fought and was slaughtered by Achilles, the sacrifice of Polyxena, Agamemnon’s murder by his wife Clytemnestra, and the adventures of Odysseus. The novel also covers the experiences of women who were left behind by friends, family, and the government of Troy, people such as Laodamia who killed herself because of grief, and Penelope who waited for her husband's return.
Finally, the book explores the instance when Trojan brought a prince named Paris must decide who he will marry. Ultimately, after he speaks with Aphrodite, he is promised to have a relationship with a woman named Helen, who is a Spartan queen already married to Agamemnon’s brother Menelaus, which results in a war starting.
