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What I read: Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati

ClytemnestraThis dazzling debut is an imaginative retelling of Ancient Greece’s most infamous protagonist’s life and legacy. Clytemnestra is often condemned by history, regularly depicted as a fickle, devious, and murderous wife. Exploring the lore and mythology, the author reveals the story of a fascinating and complicated woman.

“But maybe this is how broken people keep living. They find someone as broken, fit them into the empty spaces of their hearts and, together, grow into something different.”

Growing up as a princess of Sparta, she was privy to the horrors of war and the brutality of men, especially that of her father and brothers. This trend continued in her marriage to Agamemnon, the king of Mycenae, who, to satisfy the gods before the Trojan war, sacrifices their daughter Iphigenia.

Deceived, raging and grieving, Clytemnestra plots her revenge against her husband, with the help of his nemesis and cousin Aegisthus. In Aegisthus she also finds love and passion.

“Human lives are based on pain. But to have a few moments of happiness, lightning tearing the darkness of the sky, that is worth it.”

The consequences of her actions will plague her remaining children, Orestes, and Elektra, as they try to retaliate their father’s death.

The author creates a graphic and immersive world, spanning decades and continents, filled with vivid descriptions of the setting and characters. Rich in cultural and historic details, she explores the folklore and stereotypes surrounding Clytemnestra. She is shown as an intricate and compassionate character, driven by desires, feelings, and emotions. She is a devoted friend, fierce warrior, and a loving mother.

ClytemnestraAs she challenges the views and rules of the era, she refuses to be an inert object of fate or the gods, confronting prejudices and labels forced on her by a patriarchal society.

“Gods do not care about us. They have other concerns. That is why you should never live in the shadow of their anger. It is men you must fear. It is men who will be angry with you if you rise too high, if you are too much loved. The stronger you are, the more they will try to take you down.”

The story is an exploration of the female spirit and power of women who refuse to be villains or preyed upon, but instead, take charge and be the heroes of their own tales.

“Kings and heroes drop like flies, but queens outlive them all.”

The reader experiences different perspectives and narration styles – Clytemnestra as first person, and third-person chapters from others such as Orestes, Elektra, Iphigenia and Aegisthus. Also included are passages from ancient literature, like the Odyssey and the Iliad, supplying contrast and/or completing her own point of view.

“It is unwise to let a man who isn’t king sit on a throne for too long.”

Clytemnestra’s story is that of catastrophe, adventure, and romance, exploring themes of dominance, integrity, destiny, love, family, and gender.

In paying meaningful homage to this misunderstood and maligned woman, the author created an in-depth, multi-layered, and original story.

I will recommend this book to anyone who loves history, myths or simply a well-written and absorbing story.

Read this if you enjoy books by Natalie Haynes and Jennifer Saint.  Also read my reviews of Natalie Haynes’s Stone Blind and Jennifer Saint’s Elektra

With thanks to Penguin Random House SA for the opportunity to read “Clytemnestra”.

Read an extract here:  Extract: Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati Penguin Random House South Africa

Q&A with Costanza Casti: Q&A with Clytemnestra Author Costanza Casati Penguin Random House South Africa

The Details:

ISBN 9780241554777

Format Trade Paperback

Recommended Price R330.00

Published April 2023

About the Author:

Costanza Casati