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A review by savvylit
Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati
adventurous
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.0
"Gods do not care about us. They have other concerns. That is why you should never live in the shadow of their anger. It is men you must fear. It is men who will be angry with you if you rise too high, if you are too much loved. The stronger you are, the more they will try to take you down."
Clytemnestra is a fascinating glimpse into the life of a lesser-known yet significant figure from Greek mythology. Clytemnestra was closely connected to so many other famous Greeks: Helen, Penelope, Agamemnon, Odysseus. In telling Clytemnestra's story, Casati weaves a compelling tale of a woman who is fierce, determined, and powerful.
Ultimately, though, I felt that this novel was simply too long. I loved the dynamic between Helen & Clytemnestra at the novel's beginning. I loved Clytemnestra's interactions with her children towards the end. However, everything in between felt like filler and did not keep my interest. As aforementioned, Clytemnestra is compelling as a whole - but the story could've been told in a more concise fashion.
Clytemnestra is a fascinating glimpse into the life of a lesser-known yet significant figure from Greek mythology. Clytemnestra was closely connected to so many other famous Greeks: Helen, Penelope, Agamemnon, Odysseus. In telling Clytemnestra's story, Casati weaves a compelling tale of a woman who is fierce, determined, and powerful.
Ultimately, though, I felt that this novel was simply too long. I loved the dynamic between Helen & Clytemnestra at the novel's beginning. I loved Clytemnestra's interactions with her children towards the end. However, everything in between felt like filler and did not keep my interest. As aforementioned, Clytemnestra is compelling as a whole - but the story could've been told in a more concise fashion.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Homophobia, Infidelity, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Lesbophobia, Alcohol, War, and Injury/Injury detail