A review by nicole_bazza
Elektra by Jennifer Saint

adventurous challenging sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This is a take on the tale of Paris and Helen, Agamemnon’s call to war, and the war between the Trojans and the Greeks. The tale is told from the perspective of the women involved in the tale, Elektra daughter of Agamemnon left in Mycenae, Cassandra Princess of Troy and cursed by Apollo to see the future but have no one believe her. And Clytemnestra, the sister of Helen and wife of Agamemnon. 

Saint fleshes out these characters often forgotten in history, it gives them and their lives colour, pain and meaning. I love feminist retellings of great legends, where the men are made into minor characters and the women are the key drivers of the story. Jennifer Saint does this well. Her writing is descriptive and engaging, allowing you to feel all of the characters emotions. I felt Clytemnestra’s mourning and pain as well as Elektra’s anger and vengeful grief.