Reviews with content warning for Child death - Daughters of Sparta

Fuck, Agamemnon. Purr, Klytemnestra. I support women’s rights. But more importantly, I support women's wrongs.

I enjoyed this book a lot! It switches back and forth between the third person perspective of Helen and Klytemnestra in a way that wasn’t confusing and allows you to get a sense of what both sisters are going through as they navigate growing up into wifehood and motherhood. Really enjoyed!

Content Warnings

evemel's review against another edition

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challenging emotional sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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amobrien's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I'm a sucker for mythological retellings — though I will say that Daughters of Sparta is light on the magic that I normally expect from mythology and sticks more to realism. I found this to be really effective for this story as it delves into the Trojan War and its horrors, and I think it allows readers to connect with the characters as people more than as mythological figures. I really enjoyed the way the story focused on the two sisters Helen and Klytemnestra. Though separated by their responsibilities and geography, I loved seeing the ways in which the sisters were similar as well as how they were different, and how both of their choices affected each other and their communities. Though this book is heavy at times, I found it to be a rather quick read. If you love Greek mythology, I definitely think this is worth adding to your list!

Content Warnings

isusp_65's review against another edition

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emotional sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Het is interessant om de Griekse mythes te bekijken van een vrij ongekend perspectief, vooral zoiets bekends als de Trojaanse oorlog. het is een erg tragisch verhaal en je hebt medelijden met karakters terwijl je ze ook verwijt. De nederlandse vertaling was op sommige momenten wel storend maar de schrijfstijl was over het algemeen goed. Het leest gemakkelijk met een snel plot. Voorkennis van de karakters en mythes is wel nodig.

Content Warnings

indyjg's review against another edition

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challenging emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Follows the life of Klytemnesta and Helen, key figures from Greek mythology. However, in this retelling it highlights the struggles of women in a heavily patriarchal society, there is no such thing as winning or fulfilment for women, they are supposed to exist to serve men. This expectation is subverted especially by the ending. I was hesitant about another retelling but enjoyed this one more than I thought, despite some pacing issues! I especially enjoyed the juxtaposition between Klytemnesta as a 'dutiful daughter' and Helen who rebels against what is expected of her.

The ultimate contrast ending with Agamemnon's death at Klytemnestra's hand and Helen returning to Menelaus, fulfilling her duty.

Content Warnings

nisireads's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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