mindfulnessmagpie's review against another edition
2.0
Like Ariadne it started out strong and then really petered out toward the end. If you took Cassandra's parts out I don't think it would make much of a difference to the core story of Elektra and may have been a more concise, stronger story for it. Waiting so long for Agamemnon to return from Troy meant my patience was lost by the time the important story beats arrived.
smithls819's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
kweziferguson's review against another edition
4.0
Beautiful and Heartbreaking
Greek tragedy at it’s best. Wow! This book was so beautifully written. Saint perfectly weaves the perspective of three iconic female characters from Greek mythology in a stunning tale of revenge, heartache and the impact of war so often overlooked when told from a male perspective.
If you love retellings of Greek myths then this book is right up there with The Song of Achilles and Circe by Madeline Miller as well as Mythos, Heroes and Troy by Stephen Fry. You will not regret reading this book. Loved it!
Greek tragedy at it’s best. Wow! This book was so beautifully written. Saint perfectly weaves the perspective of three iconic female characters from Greek mythology in a stunning tale of revenge, heartache and the impact of war so often overlooked when told from a male perspective.
If you love retellings of Greek myths then this book is right up there with The Song of Achilles and Circe by Madeline Miller as well as Mythos, Heroes and Troy by Stephen Fry. You will not regret reading this book. Loved it!
anuajit's review against another edition
3.0
Many thanks to Netgalley, Headline Audio and the author, for the ALC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I expected this story to be completely about Elektra and from her POV. But this book surprised me with the story being narrated by not only Elektra, but her mother Clytemnestra and Cassandra, the cursed princess of Troy. Three woman impacted by Agamemnon, the king of Mycenea.
Having been Greek mythology geek growing up, I knew the stories of these women obvious;y as said by the greek men who wrote history, buy Jennifer Saint spins the tale from the women, by the women with clear view of everything only they have to suffer because of the power and glory hungry men in thier life. The story starts with Clytemnestra and her twin sister Helen, and their betrothal to the brother of Mycenea and then progresses into their lives with family and children. We also at the same time witness the birth of Paris of Troy and the prophecy of the downfall of the great Trojan empire by him through the eyes of Cassandra, his sister.
This is a complete book of Greek tales, we have Gods and Godesses being ruthless, Powerhungry men who couldn't care any less for their people except for the glory war and blood would bring, curses, violence, murder, war, death and carnage. The whole story is clouded by the tragedic atmosphere of the impending doom.
I really enjoyed the audiobook and the narrators were perfect. Every characters ire, pain and joy was well communicated in the narration. Just from the story, I do not think I sympathasised with Elektra for a minute and I don't think I was supposed to either. She was a stubborn, coddled, princess that represented the female flag bearers of patriarchy. I loved how the story gradually moved and advocated actions by everyone except for Elektra.
TW: Sexual Assault, Death, Murder, Cranage, Blood, Gore, Cannibalism, Misogyny, Slavery
I expected this story to be completely about Elektra and from her POV. But this book surprised me with the story being narrated by not only Elektra, but her mother Clytemnestra and Cassandra, the cursed princess of Troy. Three woman impacted by Agamemnon, the king of Mycenea.
Having been Greek mythology geek growing up, I knew the stories of these women obvious;y as said by the greek men who wrote history, buy Jennifer Saint spins the tale from the women, by the women with clear view of everything only they have to suffer because of the power and glory hungry men in thier life. The story starts with Clytemnestra and her twin sister Helen, and their betrothal to the brother of Mycenea and then progresses into their lives with family and children. We also at the same time witness the birth of Paris of Troy and the prophecy of the downfall of the great Trojan empire by him through the eyes of Cassandra, his sister.
This is a complete book of Greek tales, we have Gods and Godesses being ruthless, Powerhungry men who couldn't care any less for their people except for the glory war and blood would bring, curses, violence, murder, war, death and carnage. The whole story is clouded by the tragedic atmosphere of the impending doom.
I really enjoyed the audiobook and the narrators were perfect. Every characters ire, pain and joy was well communicated in the narration. Just from the story, I do not think I sympathasised with Elektra for a minute and I don't think I was supposed to either. She was a stubborn, coddled, princess that represented the female flag bearers of patriarchy. I loved how the story gradually moved and advocated actions by everyone except for Elektra.
TW: Sexual Assault, Death, Murder, Cranage, Blood, Gore, Cannibalism, Misogyny, Slavery
cathuluu's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
saarah662's review against another edition
4.0
This was an amazing retelling of the play. I love the added dialogue and the switch between Clytemnestra, Elektra, and Cassandra for added context!
peyyyyton23's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25