A review by jo_cbooks
A Spartan's Sorrow by Hannah Lynn

adventurous dark emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

A Spartan’s Sorrow is based on the story of Clytemnestra, as well as her son Orestes, from Greek mythology. It begins in the early years of the Trojan War, and follows the rippling of events after Agamemnon sacrifices their daughter to Athena. The book is a great fit for anyone seeking to dive deeper into Greek mythology retellings. 

It is not often that Clytemnestra’s story is told from her perspective. I have read numerous books where she is a character (and often vilified) yet this was my first where the story was from her point of view. I loved how Hannah Lynn created so much background and justification for Clytemnestra’s choices. Women in Greek mythology are often overlooked, abused, and used by the ‘heroes’ and gods. Lynn truly captures the brutality, emotional distress, and injustice that Clytemnestra had to suffer not just at the hands of her husband, but also those who looked up to and/or feared him—including her own daughter. 

*Thank you Sourcebooks Landmark and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review*