The Wandering Queen

“A gorgeously written reimagining of Greek mythology… Heywood elevates Dido from a stepping-stone on Aeneas’s epic journey to a fully wrought character with her own desires, ambitions, and flaws. Equal parts empowering and heartbreaking, the novel highlights the sacrifices women make in order to control their own destinies while remaining true to themselves. Recommended for fans of the mythological retellings of Madeline Miller and Pat Barker.” −Library Journal

“In this crisp, compelling narrative, Heywood reclaims Dido’s legacy, showing her not merely as an ill-fated queen undone by love but also a politically savvy, determined, passionate leader.” −Booklist

“[An] epic and vividly reimagined tale of Queen Dido.” −Daily Mom

“The Wandering Queen by Claire Heywood is an intelligent, sympathetic retelling of the story of Dido. Heywood incorporates the myths and legends that surround this mysterious queen and presents a narrative that is both powerful and compelling. Highly recommended.”−Laura Shepperson, author of Phaedra and The Heir of Venus

“The Wandering Queen brilliantly flips the traditional story arc; in this novel, the legend becomes a human. With exquisite, expert prose, Claire Heywood deconstructs the notoriety of Dido, revealing the complicated, vulnerable, and resilient woman at her core. This is what retellings are all about!” −Lauren J.A. Bear, author of The Mother of Rome

“A triumphant reclamation of the legend of Dido…Heywood brings Dido’s story to vivid life, moving from the wealth of Tyre to the dusty plains of Carthage. In so doing, Heywood weaves an engaging yarn that restores the ancient queen to her rightful place of dignity.”
−Luna McNamara, author of Psyche and Eros

“Heywood has once again crafted an excellent mythology reimagining. With an adept and expert hand, Dido is painted as a complex, strong heroine in a story she has long deserved. Through themes of love, loss and power, Heywood has brought the ancient world back to life in a tale that is equally as heartbreaking as it is wonderful.” −Claire M. Andrews, author of Daughter of Sparta and Storm of Olympus