Clytemnestra is a brilliant retelling of Greek mythology that reclaims one of the most maligned women in Homer’s world. History remembers Clytemnestra as the murderous wife who killed Agamemnon on his return from Troy, yet that version conveniently overlooks the sacrifice of their daughter, Iphigenia, and the grief and rage that followed. Costanza Casati transforms a supposedly minor character into a compelling, complex heroine who must fight for power, agency, and survival in a society shaped and controlled by men. Richly written and emotionally charged, this is a story of loss, revenge, resilience, and the cost of being a woman who refuses to remain silent.
While not a book for children, Clytemnestra is highly recommended for older teens and adults interested in mythology, historical fiction, and strong female protagonists. The novel contains graphic depictions of violence, both domestic and political, reflecting the brutal realities of the ancient world. Rather than glorifying this violence, Casati uses it to explore the devastating consequences of power, ambition, and vengeance. One of the finest mythological retellings I have read.
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