Retellings for Long Summer Days

I just got back from our first camping trip of the summer. It was magical and renewing, and so nice to be off the grid and immersed in nature. It also gave me time to dive into a new summer read—one of my favorite parts of the season. There’s something about reading outside, whether from a beach chair or a hammock, that makes a good book even better.

Some of my favorite summer reads are retellings. Thirty years ago, Gregory Maguire hooked me on the genre with Wicked and Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister. Since then, retellings have exploded in popularity, taking inspiration from mythology, fairy tales, folklore, literature, and history. I enjoy them all, but especially those with complex female protagonists, impossible odds, and a healthy dose of love.

I’m also a huge history nerd (I double majored in art history and minored in history as an undergraduate), so it’s probably no surprise that I’m drawn to stories that revisit and reimagine the past. Whether they’re Greek mythology (Circe, A Thousand Ships, The Witch of Colchis), American literary history (Hester), Indian epic (Kaikeyi), the best retellings make familiar stories feel entirely new.

Here are five to add to your summer reading stack:

• Circe by Madeline Miller

• A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes

• Hester by Laurie Lico Albanese

• Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel

• The Witch of Colchis by Rosie Hewlett

What I love about all of these novels is that they reclaim women who were often overlooked, misunderstood, or vilified in the original stories and place them firmly at the center of the narrative. That's the kind of retelling I'll happily pack for every summer trip.

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Circe — Madeline Miller

A luminous retelling of the Greek witch Circe, who is often sidelined in mythology but becomes the center of her own story here. Beautifully written, immersive, and full of questions about power, loneliness, and self-discovery.

A Thousand Ships — Natalie Haynes

The story of the Trojan War told through the voices of women often relegated to the margins. Smart, heartbreaking, and a powerful reminder that history depends on who gets to tell it.

Hester — Laurie Lico Albanese

Inspired by the woman believed to have influenced The Scarlet Letter, this novel blends historical fiction, romance, and a touch of magic. Richly atmospheric and perfect for readers who love literary retellings.

Kaikeyi — Vaishnavi Patel

A feminist reimagining of the much-maligned queen from the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana. Ambitious, compelling, and filled with political intrigue, family conflict, and questions about destiny.

The Witch of Colchis — Rosie Hewlett

A fresh take on Medea that transforms one of mythology’s most infamous women into a complex and sympathetic protagonist. Fast-paced, emotionally resonant, and hard to put down.

Narrowing this list to five was no easy task, and honorable mentions go to Ariadne and Stone Blind, both of which would make excellent additions to your summer reading stack.

Have you read any of these? I’d love to know what books are on your summer reading list this year. Leave a comment and let me know what you’re reading—or what retellings you’ve loved recently.