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withlivjones's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
There were definitely parts I liked about this book! I thought the development of Orestes’ character was really interesting, how he is only ever wanted when he’s useful for something and he’s often tasked with doing the dirty work, and how that affects his perception of himself and the world. I also really liked the complex relationship between Clytemnestra and Electra, who are two characters with similar temperaments but very different beliefs and goals, and I wish we spent more time in their POVs.
Things I didn’t like so much? I thought that the pacing and the timeline was all over the place - it didn’t feel like ten years passed while Agamemnon was at war, and it was very unclear just how old Orestes is after everything happens to him, he is still portrayed as being very young after so many years have presumably passed. There is a lot of divergence from the original stories, which I typically wouldn’t mind with retellings, but I did mind the fact that Pylades is completely erased from the story :( according to Aristophanes the Grammarian Pylades is the best character in the myth, you can’t just get rid of him! I also just felt like there wasn’t any satisfying conclusion, the book just… ended.
Overall, the prose is lovely and the characters are developed and interesting, some parts of the book are very dark so check content warnings before reading. I just don’t think this is a book I’m going to be thinking about for weeks afterwards.
Things I didn’t like so much? I thought that the pacing and the timeline was all over the place - it didn’t feel like ten years passed while Agamemnon was at war, and it was very unclear just how old Orestes is after everything happens to him, he is still portrayed as being very young after so many years have presumably passed. There is a lot of divergence from the original stories, which I typically wouldn’t mind with retellings, but I did mind the fact that Pylades is completely erased from the story :( according to Aristophanes the Grammarian Pylades is the best character in the myth, you can’t just get rid of him! I also just felt like there wasn’t any satisfying conclusion, the book just… ended.
Overall, the prose is lovely and the characters are developed and interesting, some parts of the book are very dark so check content warnings before reading. I just don’t think this is a book I’m going to be thinking about for weeks afterwards.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
sofipitch's review against another edition
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
The first chapter from Clytemnestra's pov is good but the rest is punishingly slow, boring, and devoid of emotion.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore, Blood, and Murder
Minor: Rape and Grief
beingsimba's review against another edition
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
The most difficult part of finishing this novel was realizing it did not evoke much of an emotional response. This is a story that should be driven by emotion, considering the POV characters but it felt as though there was an emotional disconnect and a missed opportunity.
Despite this, it's still a decent read. Just left me feeling a little underwhelmed.
Despite this, it's still a decent read. Just left me feeling a little underwhelmed.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Gore