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bridget_in_md's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 Stars for Daughters of Sparta by Claire Heywood. This is the story of Clytemnestra & Helen, but more from Helen's perspective on why she went so willingly to Troy with Paris (not that she had a choice, thanks to the gods). Interesting to me, no matter how many times I read these women's stories, there is always a different telling. In this case, Clytemnestra is a maternal, mothering figure, dutiful daughter and wife, who really wrestles with her fate of having watch her daughter murdered by her husband, and avenging her death (reluctantly, almost, in this retelling). Then Helen, almost hated by her mother (who I believe was raped by Zeus, which was implied but not straight out said in this book). Not a maternal figure, unhappily married to Menalaus, she is beguiled off her feet from Paris's flirting. There is NO indication of the gods whispers and actions in this story which was another interest to me - in most retellings, the reader is reminded that what is set in motion all stems from Olympian's interference.
brandidb's review against another edition
3.0
Very sad stories of sisters Helen and Klytemnestra, women who had very limited choices in life.. Told in alternating points of view.
jules_grable's review against another edition
4.0
Knowing little about these sisters (aside from the movie and television portrayals done throughout the years), I thoroughly enjoyed this dive into Helen & Klytemnestra's individual stories. Klytemnestra's story, in particular, was incredibly interesting to me and I wouldn't mind seeing a follow up about what happens with her and her children post-Agamemnon. Each sister had a well crafted arc, distinct voice, and point of view. I really enjoyed spending time with them. My biggest complaint was that the ending (for Helen at least) felt a little rushed - in particular, we didn't see the discovery of the famous Trojan horse. It just simply appeared and was alluded to once the destruction of Troy had begun. I would've liked to have seen more of Helen's reaction to that. The author neglected to mention why Achilles was so hellbent on destroying Hekter (Hektor's killing of Patroclus). While I understand it is written from Helen's perspective, it seems like an important piece to leave out. There were a few other pieces from the original myth that didn't make it into this novel but, as a newbie to the lore, it didn't feel as if chunks of the story were missing. Overall, it was a great retelling, compelling, and especially well-written for a debut novel.
roobydooby_boo's review against another edition
3.0
the 3 queens will always have my heart. i just wish this one was a lil more in-depth and true to story butttt i will always love any book about helen, clytemnestra, or penelope so
hannahfarnung's review against another edition
5.0
A beautiful retelling of a story well known. But more than that a devastating commentary on the inevitability of womanhood.
feryesreadingcorner's review against another edition
4.0
An intriguing story with a very strong beginning (the moment I read the prologue I was hooked), that sadly loses some of its impact in the final chapters. The original story is woven together with the ideas of the author in a way that feels "right" and fitting; the "daughters of Sparta" are allowed to be more than what they were, without taking away from the actual story. Heywood definitely succeeded in her goal to create a somewhat "historically authentic" feeling story, cleverly substituting the gods' role in the original story with the actions and decisions of men. (A decision I personally really liked, after all, the focus of the story is not the myth, but the lifes of Clytemnestra and Helena.)
Over the course of the book, Clytemnestra is shown to be a figure of tragedy - someone you feel for, whose decisions and actions you not only understand but in parts even agree with. Despite knowing what would happen to her daughter Iphigenie (und ultimately to Nestra herself) I still felt the suspense, hoping and feeling with the characters as they faced their fates.
Sadly her sister Helena did not get the same treatment in my eyes. She ended up almost annoying me at times and I foud myself almost wanting to skip some of her later chapters. The conclusion to her storyline felt somewhat weak and empty, leaving something of a sour taste in my mouth.
But in general (and in parts thanks to some very specific moments that stuck with me for a while) I really enjoyed the book and would definitely recommend it to anyone who has some interest in ancient history/myths and the lifes of women during that time.
Over the course of the book, Clytemnestra is shown to be a figure of tragedy - someone you feel for, whose decisions and actions you not only understand but in parts even agree with. Despite knowing what would happen to her daughter Iphigenie (und ultimately to Nestra herself) I still felt the suspense, hoping and feeling with the characters as they faced their fates.
Sadly her sister Helena did not get the same treatment in my eyes. She ended up almost annoying me at times and I foud myself almost wanting to skip some of her later chapters. The conclusion to her storyline felt somewhat weak and empty, leaving something of a sour taste in my mouth.
But in general (and in parts thanks to some very specific moments that stuck with me for a while) I really enjoyed the book and would definitely recommend it to anyone who has some interest in ancient history/myths and the lifes of women during that time.
littleducks1's review against another edition
5.0
I’ve read lots of book from the perspective of the Greeks and we’re the people of Troy are seen as bad but this one made me feel sympathy for them
carlijnka's review against another edition
4.0
Ik heb een Nederlandse vertaling gelezen, daarom sowieso geen 5 sterren want het was simpel Nederlands met enkele grammaticale fouten, maar het las wel zoooo lekker weg!!! Maar het was wel een nogal simpel boek en je kan beargumenteren dat deze iconische vrouwen meer aandacht verdiende
Dan 1 opmerking:
Klytaimnestra > Helena
Menelaos > elke man
Nu heb ik zin in de film Troy :)
Dan 1 opmerking:
Klytaimnestra > Helena
Menelaos > elke man
Nu heb ik zin in de film Troy :)
arodriguez28's review against another edition
3.0
This was a great story, I had never imagined a war like this from a woman’s perspective and it was so different from what I expected, but I don’t think I really understood the underlying meaning of the book. The ending wasn’t great and I wanted more from it.