Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati tells the story of the ancient Greek heroine, Clytemnestra. Best known as the wife of Agamemnon and eventually his murderer, this story dives into her entire life and the events that turned her into an infamous figure from Greek history. From her childhood and training in Sparta to her first tragic marriage to her final rise to power as queen of Mycenae, Clytemnestra is a story of love, loyalty, and vengeance.
It's hard to find historical fiction that feels real, but Clytemnestra fits the bill. Reading it felt like the author really lived in ancient Sparta, from the detailed palace descriptions to the examples of ancient Greek behavior. The bond between Clytemnestra and her sister Helen is clear from the start, which tugs at the heartstrings as their relationship fluctuates. As women in Ancient Greece, the sisters's lives are often determined by the men around them, but Clytemnestra always finds a way to take back some control. She finds love in her first marriage, and even after being trapped in a horrific second marriage, she finds joy in her children and establishes herself as a powerful, efficient ruler. Despite how women are viewed in her time, Clytemnestra always ensures that no one underestimates her.
This book really illustrated the differences between life back then and now. With every crime against her, I was appalled that no one came to Clytemnestra's aid. It seems unthinkable that women were ever viewed so lowly. It's a good reminder that even though we still have far to go in modern society, things could be much worse.
I rate Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati 5/5 stars. Any fan of Greek mythology and retellings such as The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller will enjoy this book.
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