thevioletfoxbookshop's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Clytemnestra is a literary saga of betrayal, heartbreak, grief, and vengeance. Sweeping decades through ancient Greece, Clytemnestra takes the reader on a journey from growing up as a Spartan princess, through marriage, into the Trojan war, and beyond. When you hear the word tragedy, you might think of Shakespearean plays, but start thinking Clytemnestra. Costanza Casati knows her stuff and she's not sugarcoating it!
Spartan girls are trained to be hunters and warriors. But don't be fooled. The women of Sparta do not have equal rights, if any at all. The patriarchy rules with absolution. Murder and rape are commonplace, running rampant along with homophobia, abuse, and enslavement. Power, glory, and pride come before all else. Predictably, this cruel world is filled with monsters - some born and some made. But some of those monsters are relatable, because here's the thing... if what happened to Clytemnestra happened to me... I wouldn't have been as nice.
I'm not a big Greek history buff - I know just the basics. And I was kind of glad I didn't know much while reading this because I didn't see the plot twists coming! Even if you think you know Clytemnestra's story, this book will surprise you. It's definitely a fresh take on an old tale and Casati takes the reader deep into the mind and emotions of Clytemnestra in a way that has never been done before. It's brutal, visceral, layered in complexities, and so well-researched.
Clytemnestra sneaks up on you like a summer storm - the world growing darker and hazier until lightning strikes! If you're a Greek mythology fan, Clytemnestra is an absolute must read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Toxic relationship, Violence, Sexual assault, War, Grief, Physical abuse, Murder, Rape, Child death, Misogyny, Pregnancy, and Sexism
Moderate: Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Animal cruelty, Bullying, Colonisation, Emotional abuse, Animal death, Death, Incest, Infidelity, Abandonment, Blood, and Child abuse
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