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A review by nastjarchive
House of Names by Colm Tóibín
3.0
see, this book isn't bad, but I set myself up due to my excitement. it revolves around one of the most fascinating families in greek myth, and Clytemnestra has long been one of my favorite figures. unfortunately, the narrative did not live up to my imagination.
among the three perspectives— Electra, Orestes, and Clytemnestra— i only felt a genuine emotional connection to Orestes and his journey. the female characters, who I believe are the true heart of the myth, were disappointingly underdeveloped. we barely get a glimpse at Clytemnestra's profound pain from loss and betrayal; her suffering and rage that drive her to kill Agamemnon are largely absent. & the she just reverts back to a powerless and passive figure.
Electra's perspective is similarly lackluster; she comes across as passive, making her storyline feel dull and uninspired. While I hesitate to attribute this solely to the author being male, it’s evident that crucial themes surrounding femininity—such as motherhood, female rage, and resistance —were not explored with the depth they deserved. In contrast, Orestes' story was conveyed with clarity and emotion.
among the three perspectives— Electra, Orestes, and Clytemnestra— i only felt a genuine emotional connection to Orestes and his journey. the female characters, who I believe are the true heart of the myth, were disappointingly underdeveloped. we barely get a glimpse at Clytemnestra's profound pain from loss and betrayal; her suffering and rage that drive her to kill Agamemnon are largely absent. & the she just reverts back to a powerless and passive figure.
Electra's perspective is similarly lackluster; she comes across as passive, making her storyline feel dull and uninspired. While I hesitate to attribute this solely to the author being male, it’s evident that crucial themes surrounding femininity—such as motherhood, female rage, and resistance —were not explored with the depth they deserved. In contrast, Orestes' story was conveyed with clarity and emotion.