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4.34 AVERAGE
4.34 AVERAGE
adventurous
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Can't resist a Greek retelling, and this was the perfect cap to the series. Loved how it subverted expectations, presenting Telemachus as a complete wet blanket while elevating Penelope to the status of ultimate puppet master.
What a gorgeous conclusion to the series!
This trilogy has very easily joined the ranks of Circe and A Thousand ships as my all time favourite myth retellings. All of the emotional groundwork laid out in the previous books comes to a head in this one, which is all about CONSEQUENCES.
Narrated by Athena, we get a look inside the minds of both Odysseus and Penelope as they are confronted with their spouse after twenty years apart, and all of the emotional damage and personality shifts caused by a separation of that long.
I adored how North expands out the final confrontation, turning the Odyssey’s (rather baffling) final book into a tense, blood-soaked conflict that echoes the internal chaos of our protagonist’s inner thoughts.
There are a few moments that felt a BIT on the nose, but overall, the emotional beats are incredible, and the reunion is so well done. I was completely on the edge of my seat. North goes in some unexpected directions, but MAN ARE THEY GOOD!
I adored my time with this series. Definitely a big favourite.
This trilogy has very easily joined the ranks of Circe and A Thousand ships as my all time favourite myth retellings. All of the emotional groundwork laid out in the previous books comes to a head in this one, which is all about CONSEQUENCES.
Narrated by Athena, we get a look inside the minds of both Odysseus and Penelope as they are confronted with their spouse after twenty years apart, and all of the emotional damage and personality shifts caused by a separation of that long.
I adored how North expands out the final confrontation, turning the Odyssey’s (rather baffling) final book into a tense, blood-soaked conflict that echoes the internal chaos of our protagonist’s inner thoughts.
There are a few moments that felt a BIT on the nose, but overall, the emotional beats are incredible, and the reunion is so well done. I was completely on the edge of my seat. North goes in some unexpected directions, but MAN ARE THEY GOOD!
I adored my time with this series. Definitely a big favourite.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Brilliant book. I devoured it in 3 hrs. All three of North’s books have been incredibly. So well written. Beautiful brutal. I can’t recommend them all enough.
4.75 ⭐ rounded up
There is nothing so dangerous as the need to be loved, as the desire to be seen, to be held, to be known in all your failings and loved despite them all.
I am not someone who typically reads this genre. I actually need to be in the mood for it. However, when I do explore it, it never lets me down, and this book was no exception.
It was such a pleasure to catch up with Penelope and the people of Ithaca. This story was definitely an intriguing one. Odysseus' return and his struggle to regain control of his family, palace and home. Claire North crafted this story so brilliantly, complete with beautiful prose.
It's quotable and I really have a deep appreciation for the way it was written. Previously, in House of Odysseus. I struggled with that one a bit, finding it to be a bit slow in the middle. However, with this one, I was unable to put this one down. The story immediately grips you and you will find it hard to look away. I also really appreciate the little moments of humor to lighten the mood, in an otherwise very heavy book.
This is a tale not just of Odysseus' return but also of female strength, perseverance and unity. I got goosebumps reading this one and can say that is my favorite book in the series. A truly spectacular read.
Thank you to Netgalley, Little Brown Book Group UK and Claire North for my eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
There is nothing so dangerous as the need to be loved, as the desire to be seen, to be held, to be known in all your failings and loved despite them all.
I am not someone who typically reads this genre. I actually need to be in the mood for it. However, when I do explore it, it never lets me down, and this book was no exception.
It was such a pleasure to catch up with Penelope and the people of Ithaca. This story was definitely an intriguing one. Odysseus' return and his struggle to regain control of his family, palace and home. Claire North crafted this story so brilliantly, complete with beautiful prose.
It's quotable and I really have a deep appreciation for the way it was written. Previously, in House of Odysseus. I struggled with that one a bit, finding it to be a bit slow in the middle. However, with this one, I was unable to put this one down. The story immediately grips you and you will find it hard to look away. I also really appreciate the little moments of humor to lighten the mood, in an otherwise very heavy book.
This is a tale not just of Odysseus' return but also of female strength, perseverance and unity. I got goosebumps reading this one and can say that is my favorite book in the series. A truly spectacular read.
Thank you to Netgalley, Little Brown Book Group UK and Claire North for my eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A beautiful, stunning ending to a wonderful trilogy
Perhaps the most memorable of the three
Perhaps the most memorable of the three
Yes Penelope, walk him like a dog!
This series is probably one of my favorite interations of the sisters of Sparta that I have read.
This series is probably one of my favorite interations of the sisters of Sparta that I have read.
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Claire North’s The Last Song of Penelope offers a retelling of the classic story of Penelope, the wife of Odysseus, as the trilogy reaches its conclusion with the hero's long-awaited return. The premise of diving into Penelope’s perspective is compelling, allowing for a fresh examination of familiar themes of loyalty, longing, and the complexities of love amidst the backdrop of epic myth.
While North crafts a rich tapestry of emotion, the narrative at times borders on repetitiveness, leading to a sense that the trilogy could have been effectively condensed into a single, more streamlined volume. Certain themes and motifs are revisited frequently, which may frustrate readers seeking a more dynamic progression of the plot. This pacing sometimes makes the reading experience feel like a slog, requiring patience to push through sections that feel redundant.
However, what shines through in this novel is North's ability to deeply invest readers in Penelope’s inner world. As the titular character grapples with the uncertainties of her husband’s fate and the societal expectations placed upon her, her voice becomes increasingly resonant. North excels in portraying Penelope’s strength, resilience, and vulnerability, allowing readers to connect intimately with her struggles and desires.
Ultimately, The Last Song of Penelope serves as a reflective meditation on the often-overlooked narratives of women in mythology.. Readers who appreciate character-driven storytelling and the nuances of emotional battles will find value in Penelope’s journey, even as the narrative lingers in places.
While North crafts a rich tapestry of emotion, the narrative at times borders on repetitiveness, leading to a sense that the trilogy could have been effectively condensed into a single, more streamlined volume. Certain themes and motifs are revisited frequently, which may frustrate readers seeking a more dynamic progression of the plot. This pacing sometimes makes the reading experience feel like a slog, requiring patience to push through sections that feel redundant.
However, what shines through in this novel is North's ability to deeply invest readers in Penelope’s inner world. As the titular character grapples with the uncertainties of her husband’s fate and the societal expectations placed upon her, her voice becomes increasingly resonant. North excels in portraying Penelope’s strength, resilience, and vulnerability, allowing readers to connect intimately with her struggles and desires.
Ultimately, The Last Song of Penelope serves as a reflective meditation on the often-overlooked narratives of women in mythology.. Readers who appreciate character-driven storytelling and the nuances of emotional battles will find value in Penelope’s journey, even as the narrative lingers in places.
I really enjoyed this conclusion to the series and felt it had a good ending, which are two tricky things to achieve! This book charts the return of Odysseus, the actions he takes against the suitors that have been living in his house whilst he has been gone and how Penelope in turn handles his return. I like how the emotions of Penelope were expressed and how things from the other books were shared with Odysseus. I didn't however feel the voice of the goddess was as strong in this story as it was in the others.
Having finished the series I will be looking out for more books by Claire North.
Having finished the series I will be looking out for more books by Claire North.