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A review by josisteacup
Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I was looking forward to this book for a while and it fulfilled all of my expectations.
Being familiar with Greek mythology and Clytemnestras story I knew what I was going into. I've also read a few other retelling of Greek mythology so I knew there would likely be a critical discussion of societal issues, deep and complex character work and graphic descriptions of the horror of these times.
Clytemnestra is a complex and not necessarily likeable character and the Author doesn't shy back from showing her flaws. As a "God forbid a women does anything" (sarcastic) enthusiast I love books which portray women as humans who have both positive and negative traits.
The book is also very well written and has a nice flow.
The side characters and their relationships with Clytemnestra are well developed.
All in all I enjoyed reading the book. It stands out amongst other retellings and I'm already looking forward to the authors next book.
Being familiar with Greek mythology and Clytemnestras story I knew what I was going into. I've also read a few other retelling of Greek mythology so I knew there would likely be a critical discussion of societal issues, deep and complex character work and graphic descriptions of the horror of these times.
Clytemnestra is a complex and not necessarily likeable character and the Author doesn't shy back from showing her flaws. As a "God forbid a women does anything" (sarcastic) enthusiast I love books which portray women as humans who have both positive and negative traits.
The book is also very well written and has a nice flow.
The side characters and their relationships with Clytemnestra are well developed.
All in all I enjoyed reading the book. It stands out amongst other retellings and I'm already looking forward to the authors next book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Violence, Child death, Death, Pregnancy, Rape, Murder, Sexual assault, War, Injury/Injury detail, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Blood, Classism, Grief, Sexual content, Slavery, and Domestic abuse