Clytemnestra’s presence in ancient texts such as Homer’s Odyssey and the tragic playwright Aeschylus’ Agamemnon made Casati believe that she was “the stand-out character of the Greek myth,” because despite being an ancient character, “she is a very modern woman.” Clytemnestra’s first mention in the Western literary tradition is in the Odyssey, where the spirit of her husband, Agamemnon, describes her as “deadly,” “bestial” and “monstrous,” but Casati argues that in other ancient texts, it is clear that “she was an extraordinary heroine.” This is most visible in Aeschylus’ tragedy Agamemnon, which became the “starting point” for the novel.

'Crackles with vivid fury, passion, and strength.' -Jennifer Saint, bestselling author of Elektra and Ariadne. If power isn't given to you, you have to take it for yourself.Ī blazing novel set in the world of Ancient Greece, this is a thrilling tale of power and prophecies, of hatred, love, and of an unforgettable Queen who fiercely dealt out death to those who wronged her. For you understood something long ago that the others never did. So, you bide your time and force the gods' hands in the game of retribution. Slowly, you plot.īut when your husband returns in triumph, you become a woman with a choice.Īcceptance or vengeance, infamy follows both. Because this was not the first offence against you. You watch him wage war on a foreign shore, and you comfort yourself with violent thoughts of your own. You stand by helplessly as he sacrifices your child to placate the gods. You were born to a king, but you marry a tyrant.

She already knows which option suits her best… 'Fans of Circe and Elektra should pick up this powerful Greek myth retelling.' -Cosmopolitan For fans of Madeline Miller, a stunning debut following Cl 'Fans of Circe and Elektra should pick up this powerful Greek myth retelling.' -Cosmopolitanįor fans of Madeline Miller, a stunning debut following Clytemnestra, the most notorious villainess of the ancient world and the events that forged her into the legendary queen.Īs for queens, they are either hated or forgotten.

Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati