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A review by spellbindingtomes
Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I have so many thoughts on this. It started off great. I loved the first half in Sparta and getting to know Clytemnestra and her family dynamics. My heart broke for her circumstances and I felt her rage. But then the second half in Mycenae really dragged on with very little character development.
What bothered me the most was that we see little evidence of Clytemnestra's supposed political acumen or leadership abilities during Agamemnon's decade-long absence at Troy. Instead of showcasing her capabilities as a ruler, the story focuses on her insecurities and violent responses to anyone who opposes her.
I also would've loved to see more of her with Electra. 9 years have passed, and we see nothing of their complex mother-daughter relationship during this entire period?? I really wanted to root for Clytemnestra, but there was just something missing from her character beyond her desire for vengeance that made it really hard for me to do so.
What bothered me the most was that we see little evidence of Clytemnestra's supposed political acumen or leadership abilities during Agamemnon's decade-long absence at Troy. Instead of showcasing her capabilities as a ruler, the story focuses on her insecurities and violent responses to anyone who opposes her.
I also would've loved to see more of her with Electra. 9 years have passed, and we see nothing of their complex mother-daughter relationship during this entire period?? I really wanted to root for Clytemnestra, but there was just something missing from her character beyond her desire for vengeance that made it really hard for me to do so.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Animal death, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Gore, Incest, Infidelity, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Slavery, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Alcohol, and War