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maaikereadsbooks_'s review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Many thanks to Headline Audio and Jennifer Saint for the advanced audio copy of Elektra via NetGalley, in return for my honest and unbiased review. Quick note: I don’t recap plots in my reviews, as it’s easy enough to read the book’s synopsis and blurbs, I purely focus on my feelings & opinions of how the books makes me feel.
Disclaimer: the negative slant on the audio perspective is largely due to my misophonia. I have an intense dislike for ‘mouth noises’. Audible swallowing, smacking noises, general un-edited auditory mouth *stuff* really gets to me and put me off this audiobook.
Elektra follows an interesting retelling of the Trojan war, from some of the key women’s point of view. Jennifer Saint has woven in figures of myth and legend along with those of flesh and blood with a matter-of-fact-ness, which isn’t seen as often in this type of retellings. Often in this type of story there is a veil of supernatural syrup, a ‘playing with the gods’ tale. But this story felt much more solid. This is told in a more ‘this is real life’ sort of way. And real life just happened to have the occasional god, or demi god, walking around in it. As you do.
I suspect that ‘Elektra’ was not Saint’s original title of choice, as she was not the protagonist of the book. But as Clytemnestra was already taken this season, it would have to do. Perhaps a different title may have suited the story better, however.
The narrators suited the individual characters well. However, I found it extremely difficult to get into the story as, after the first three chapters, they did not announce the character at the beginning of the chapter, instead expecting the listener to have already memorised the narrator’s voice. Unfortunately I’m not that good and I was confused, and annoyed. And as my misophonia had me well and truly distracter, I almost stopped listening at this point. Eventually I got the hang of who was who, and got into the story. It definitely took me a while, though.
Overall, the story was interesting. It was perhaps a bit over-long for my taste. I hope there is a final edit to smooth out the ‘mouth noises’ for future listeners’ enjoyment!
Spice: 1/5
Trigger warnings: Animal death, Blood/Gore, Cheating, Death, Death of a family member, Kidnapping, Murder, Physical or mental abuse, Pregnancy, Rape, Self Harm, Sexism, Sexual abuse/assault/harassment, Slavery, Suicide, Torture, Violence, War
Rating
Story: 3.5/5
Audio: 3/5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Slavery, and Murder
Moderate: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Pregnancy, Abandonment, and War
Minor: Animal death, Gore, Self harm, Sexism, and Death of parent
anapthine's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Thank you Net Galley and Headline Audio for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book follows Elektra, the daughter of Agamemnon, who greatly looks up to her father. When he leaves for Troy she is heartbroken and for years longs to be near him. Along with her mother Clytemnestra and the sister of Paris (the Trojan Prince who fell in love with Helen) called Princess Cassandra, this incredibly clever novel tells the story of Troy from many different points of view.
Because I love Song of Achilles with all my heart, I was worried this book would just be another tale about Troy, not really adding anything - but how wrong I was. Elektra adds so much to the story of the Trojan War, with how Princess Cassandra feels watching the war unfold beneath her.
Princess Casandra got the gift of prophecy from Apollo, but no one believes her when she speaks of the dangers.
My favourite point of view was Clytemnestra’s, as it was full of humility, grief, revenge, anger and sorrow.
The audiobook itself was incredibly well done, showcasing the emotions of the characters beautifully.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Misogyny, Sexism, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, Abandonment, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Pregnancy and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual harassment
mokiethe_dog34's review against another edition
challenging
dark
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Everyone… sucked. They were all horrible people, but I guess in those days, that was considered normal? Slow-paced but well detailed and written. It’s hard to describe considering the situation at hand was very extensive, but overall it was a good book. Though I’d definitely re-read it to get a better grasp of it.
-SHOUTOUT TO MY BOI, ORESTES. he was chill-
-SHOUTOUT TO MY BOI, ORESTES. he was chill-
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual violence, Grief, Death of parent, Abandonment, Colonisation, and War
natashaleighton_'s review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Jennifer Saint returns with another exceptionally crafted retelling, a fantastically detailed and feminist take on The House of Atreus—focusing on three interconnected, long overlooked and powerfully rebellious women whose lives are plagued by grief, anger, war and vengeance.
The House of Atreus is cursed, a bloodline tainted by the cycle of violence and death. Following the lives of three women whose fates are entwined by the fickle nature of men and gods : Clytemnestra—sister of Helen and wife of Agamemnon, Cassandra—Trojan Princess cursed by Apollo to see the future but is never believed when she speaks it and Elektra—the youngest daughter of the House of Atreus, whose own destiny will also be bound by the cycle of violence that plagues her family, unless she can find a way to break it.
I really enjoyed reading Saint’s debut, Ariadne last year so was really excited to read Elektra. And I have to say, I absolutely loved it! It’s definitely her best book to date with a darker, more intricately detailed,evocative (and dare I say bloodier) story that I couldn’t put down. Honestly the first 100 pages alone had me an emotional wreck—I literally SOBBED but, the skillfull portrayal of grief, pain and festering anger was absolutely phenomenal.
It is told through three POVs and each chapter alternates between each woman as they tell their (often tragic) version of events. As far as characters go,Clytemnestra, Elektra and Cassandra were all deliciously complex and experiencing all of their (somewhat varied) perspectives was really fascinating. I did find myself drawn more to Cassandra and Clytemnestra than Elektra who I personally didn’t feel any emotional attachment too her (but that’s probably due to my soft spot for Clytemnestra and my absolute dislike of Agamemnon.)
As one of the main perspectives we encounter, Clytemnestra is probably the one I was the most hesitant about as soo much of her story (in Greek mythology) revolves around her seeking revenge, which could’ve so easily fallen into the villainous caricature category. But, I can safely report that she’s a phenomenally crafted character and the depth of emotion conveyed through her POV chapters was both endearing heartbreaking.
She also (alongside a couple scenes from Cassandra’s POV) provides insight into the elusive and often vilified Helen whose brief appearances portray her as a rather enigmatic and rather kind person, who makes some very human mistakes—which is very different to the sinful temptress she’s usually visualised as, which I really loved.
The entire plot does revolve heavily around the theme of vengeance and the psychological aspects of each woman’s rage towards or on behalf of the men and gods in their lives was utterly fascinating, though there is Trigger warnings for: death (including child death), murder, rape, slavery, animal cruelty and war.
Overall, Elektra is a truly rebellious and feminist take that fans of Madeline Miller are bound to enjoy.
The House of Atreus is cursed, a bloodline tainted by the cycle of violence and death. Following the lives of three women whose fates are entwined by the fickle nature of men and gods : Clytemnestra—sister of Helen and wife of Agamemnon, Cassandra—Trojan Princess cursed by Apollo to see the future but is never believed when she speaks it and Elektra—the youngest daughter of the House of Atreus, whose own destiny will also be bound by the cycle of violence that plagues her family, unless she can find a way to break it.
I really enjoyed reading Saint’s debut, Ariadne last year so was really excited to read Elektra. And I have to say, I absolutely loved it! It’s definitely her best book to date with a darker, more intricately detailed,evocative (and dare I say bloodier) story that I couldn’t put down. Honestly the first 100 pages alone had me an emotional wreck—I literally SOBBED but, the skillfull portrayal of grief, pain and festering anger was absolutely phenomenal.
It is told through three POVs and each chapter alternates between each woman as they tell their (often tragic) version of events. As far as characters go,Clytemnestra, Elektra and Cassandra were all deliciously complex and experiencing all of their (somewhat varied) perspectives was really fascinating. I did find myself drawn more to Cassandra and Clytemnestra than Elektra who I personally didn’t feel any emotional attachment too her (but that’s probably due to my soft spot for Clytemnestra and my absolute dislike of Agamemnon.)
As one of the main perspectives we encounter, Clytemnestra is probably the one I was the most hesitant about as soo much of her story (in Greek mythology) revolves around her seeking revenge, which could’ve so easily fallen into the villainous caricature category. But, I can safely report that she’s a phenomenally crafted character and the depth of emotion conveyed through her POV chapters was both endearing heartbreaking.
She also (alongside a couple scenes from Cassandra’s POV) provides insight into the elusive and often vilified Helen whose brief appearances portray her as a rather enigmatic and rather kind person, who makes some very human mistakes—which is very different to the sinful temptress she’s usually visualised as, which I really loved.
The entire plot does revolve heavily around the theme of vengeance and the psychological aspects of each woman’s rage towards or on behalf of the men and gods in their lives was utterly fascinating, though there is Trigger warnings for: death (including child death), murder, rape, slavery, animal cruelty and war.
Overall, Elektra is a truly rebellious and feminist take that fans of Madeline Miller are bound to enjoy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Child death, Death, Rape, Slavery, and War
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Abandonment
thereadinglemon's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I’m in a lot of pain right now. This book oh my gosh. It was so intricately written, each character woven into the story so carefully, the emotions written so well i felt them too. I’m still internally sobbing. A page turner that i could hardly bear to put down.
Each perspective shown in the chapters flowed into one another with such ease and at the same time it was easily distinguishable from the language and tone, which woman was speaking. There were many complex themes surrounding the characters in the book and i liked how they were explored instead of glossed over.
It was beautiful to hear from the viewpoints of both sides of the war, and an important reminder that there is always destruction on both sides. Almost every line was filled with so much feeling and wisdom. Immediately a five star read.
Each perspective shown in the chapters flowed into one another with such ease and at the same time it was easily distinguishable from the language and tone, which woman was speaking. There were many complex themes surrounding the characters in the book and i liked how they were explored instead of glossed over.
It was beautiful to hear from the viewpoints of both sides of the war, and an important reminder that there is always destruction on both sides. Almost every line was filled with so much feeling and wisdom. Immediately a five star read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Abandonment, and War
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, and Trafficking