Natalie Haynes: Irresistible Monster

From the Women's Prize-shortlisted and bestselling author Natalie Haynes, a razor-sharp romp through the monsters we know, love and fear from the fable stories of the ancient world. 

From snaky Echidna – mother of monsters – to the fearsome Minotaur, the strange and terrible creatures of Greek Myths have been grabbing our attention for thousands of years.

In Irresistible Monster, bestselling author, broadcaster and passionate classicist Natalie Haynes turns her inimitable gaze on the inhuman, and reveals that even the things we thought we knew aren’t necessarily so: a Cyclops doesn’t always have one eye, and Cerberus doesn’t start out with three heads.

Along the way, she examines how we think about monsters: what makes a monster, and why do we need them? Do they subvert the world as we know it, or subtly reinforce our expectations? Is a monster human or animal, mortal or divine? And how do you defeat a multi-headed snake when it has a giant crab as its henchman?

Following the show, join Natalie in the foyer for a book signing, with copies available to purchase on the night.

About the author

Natalie Haynes is a writer and broadcaster and – according to the Washington Post – a rock star mythologist. Natalie has been speaking on the modern relevance of the classical world for the last 15 years, on tours which have spanned many countries and three continents.

Natalie has written and performed twelve series of her popular BBC Radio 4 series, Natalie Hayes Stands up for the Classics.