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A review by natashaleighton_
Elektra by Jennifer Saint
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Jennifer Saint returns with another exceptionally crafted retelling, a fantastically detailed and feminist take on The House of Atreus—focusing on three interconnected, long overlooked and powerfully rebellious women whose lives are plagued by grief, anger, war and vengeance.
The House of Atreus is cursed, a bloodline tainted by the cycle of violence and death. Following the lives of three women whose fates are entwined by the fickle nature of men and gods : Clytemnestra—sister of Helen and wife of Agamemnon, Cassandra—Trojan Princess cursed by Apollo to see the future but is never believed when she speaks it and Elektra—the youngest daughter of the House of Atreus, whose own destiny will also be bound by the cycle of violence that plagues her family, unless she can find a way to break it.
I really enjoyed reading Saint’s debut, Ariadne last year so was really excited to read Elektra. And I have to say, I absolutely loved it! It’s definitely her best book to date with a darker, more intricately detailed,evocative (and dare I say bloodier) story that I couldn’t put down. Honestly the first 100 pages alone had me an emotional wreck—I literally SOBBED but, the skillfull portrayal of grief, pain and festering anger was absolutely phenomenal.
It is told through three POVs and each chapter alternates between each woman as they tell their (often tragic) version of events. As far as characters go,Clytemnestra, Elektra and Cassandra were all deliciously complex and experiencing all of their (somewhat varied) perspectives was really fascinating. I did find myself drawn more to Cassandra and Clytemnestra than Elektra who I personally didn’t feel any emotional attachment too her (but that’s probably due to my soft spot for Clytemnestra and my absolute dislike of Agamemnon.)
As one of the main perspectives we encounter, Clytemnestra is probably the one I was the most hesitant about as soo much of her story (in Greek mythology) revolves around her seeking revenge, which could’ve so easily fallen into the villainous caricature category. But, I can safely report that she’s a phenomenally crafted character and the depth of emotion conveyed through her POV chapters was both endearing heartbreaking.
She also (alongside a couple scenes from Cassandra’s POV) provides insight into the elusive and often vilified Helen whose brief appearances portray her as a rather enigmatic and rather kind person, who makes some very human mistakes—which is very different to the sinful temptress she’s usually visualised as, which I really loved.
The entire plot does revolve heavily around the theme of vengeance and the psychological aspects of each woman’s rage towards or on behalf of the men and gods in their lives was utterly fascinating, though there is Trigger warnings for: death (including child death), murder, rape, slavery, animal cruelty and war.
Overall, Elektra is a truly rebellious and feminist take that fans of Madeline Miller are bound to enjoy.
The House of Atreus is cursed, a bloodline tainted by the cycle of violence and death. Following the lives of three women whose fates are entwined by the fickle nature of men and gods : Clytemnestra—sister of Helen and wife of Agamemnon, Cassandra—Trojan Princess cursed by Apollo to see the future but is never believed when she speaks it and Elektra—the youngest daughter of the House of Atreus, whose own destiny will also be bound by the cycle of violence that plagues her family, unless she can find a way to break it.
I really enjoyed reading Saint’s debut, Ariadne last year so was really excited to read Elektra. And I have to say, I absolutely loved it! It’s definitely her best book to date with a darker, more intricately detailed,evocative (and dare I say bloodier) story that I couldn’t put down. Honestly the first 100 pages alone had me an emotional wreck—I literally SOBBED but, the skillfull portrayal of grief, pain and festering anger was absolutely phenomenal.
It is told through three POVs and each chapter alternates between each woman as they tell their (often tragic) version of events. As far as characters go,Clytemnestra, Elektra and Cassandra were all deliciously complex and experiencing all of their (somewhat varied) perspectives was really fascinating. I did find myself drawn more to Cassandra and Clytemnestra than Elektra who I personally didn’t feel any emotional attachment too her (but that’s probably due to my soft spot for Clytemnestra and my absolute dislike of Agamemnon.)
As one of the main perspectives we encounter, Clytemnestra is probably the one I was the most hesitant about as soo much of her story (in Greek mythology) revolves around her seeking revenge, which could’ve so easily fallen into the villainous caricature category. But, I can safely report that she’s a phenomenally crafted character and the depth of emotion conveyed through her POV chapters was both endearing heartbreaking.
She also (alongside a couple scenes from Cassandra’s POV) provides insight into the elusive and often vilified Helen whose brief appearances portray her as a rather enigmatic and rather kind person, who makes some very human mistakes—which is very different to the sinful temptress she’s usually visualised as, which I really loved.
The entire plot does revolve heavily around the theme of vengeance and the psychological aspects of each woman’s rage towards or on behalf of the men and gods in their lives was utterly fascinating, though there is Trigger warnings for: death (including child death), murder, rape, slavery, animal cruelty and war.
Overall, Elektra is a truly rebellious and feminist take that fans of Madeline Miller are bound to enjoy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Animal cruelty, War, Death, Child death, and Rape
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Abandonment