The WoMen of Troy: The Reflection of L’autre Bisexualité in Pat Barker’s Historical Novel, The Women of Troy

Drawing on Hélène Cixous’ concept of l’autre bisexualité (other bisexuality), this study proposes that Pat Barker’s historical novel, The Women of Troy, displays a bisexual and decentred point of view by allowing the narrative to shift between the female and male characters to foreground the idea that men, as well as women, become victims of the phallus-centred, patriarchal language and worldview. When analysed from the perspective of l’autre bisexualité, it is revealed that Barker’s text displays a more inclusive approach in comparison to most historical novels in which revisionist strategies are used to give voice and agency to female figures long silenced by the historical record. This is because Barker lays bare how phallocentric language and culture shape the experiences of women and men alike by granting readers access to the minds of the male characters as well as those of women. It is concluded that the novels and narratives displaying such bisexual and decentred approaches will eventually increase male authors’ and male readers’ interest in breaking the prejudices against this form and technique. © 2026 selection and editorial matter, Alicja Bemben and Michael Joseph.