Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book!

I first heard about this book because of ads on Instagram stories and was immediately drawn to the cover art. I love Greek mythology so I was very excited to see a retelling centered on Clytemnestra. While there are other retellings I prefer, I still enjoyed this one. It sticks pretty close to the original myth everyone knows, but we get to know the women better and how all the events play out from their view. Often the stories glaze over how the women feel, so it's nice to see their thoughts and feelings on the page. I also enjoyed the fact that we start the story when Clytemnestra is younger and we get to see their daily life before shit hits the fan. Another good adaptation to add to TBRs.

As for queens, they are either hated or forgotten. She already knows which option suits her best...

Beautiful writing and a lovely story full of Greek mythology and life lessons.

Are you looking for a book that embodies feminine rage? Look no further.

There were so many things I loved about this book: from the Greek mythology of a hated and misunderstood queen to the small stories that build each character. It took me a little while to get used to the kind of discrete writing style, requiring me to read into the meanings of some dialogue and opening the interpretation of some scenes. However, the character development was impressive and the way there was so much grey area in each character. Sometimes characters were evil and sometimes they will purely good. But many of them fell in the grey area. It also brought up a lot of ethical/moral questions on ruling and leadership.

5/5 stars
ARC provided on Netgalley

This books is phenomenal. Greek tragedy at its finest. I love myths retellings and Constanza Casati manages to bring something new to the table in a majestic way. What I love most about retellings in general and this one in particular, is the modern perspective. They're written by women that lived through feminist movements and that are witnesses of the empowering of women and queer people. And they take these fascinating stories and reshape them through a new lens. And that is refreshing, as long as the plot is interesting and the characters don't lose their multiple dimensions.
Casatti does all that perfectly, whit an impecable prose and a deep knowledge on the subject.
Again, another retelling that manages to stand out and I would highly recommend, especially to those interested in the Trojan War.

I’ve always been a fan of stories that take a new approach on old stories, especially Greek mythology. This story was a nice read - it did take me a bit to get into, but once I did I couldn’t put it down.

I just could not finish this book. I was so incredibly bored with it. The book was obviously just not for me at this time which is so disappointing because I love mythology and retellings that are so popular right now. The story just moved to slowly for me. Maybe someday I can come back to this and read it.
I just reviewed Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati. #Clytemnestra #NetGalley

And my interest in novels reexamining Greek myths from new (often female) perspectives continues. At this point, I’ve read a few books that have included Clytemnestra as a key figure and the Trojan War as a backdrop – Daughters of Sparta by Claire Heywood, A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes, and The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller to name a few. I was a little hesitant about reading yet another novel that covered such familiar territory but Costanza Casati’s upcoming Clytemnestra presents such a different version of the infamous woman that it feels anything but overly familiar and demonstrates precisely why I’ve been so drawn to new explorations of these ancient tales.

Clytemnnestra excels in the fighting skills trained into both the men and women of Sparta and, as her father’s favorite, she is drawn into learning about the politics of ruling as she observes and weighs in by his side. Her marriage to Tantalus, the king of distant Maeonia, Clytemnestra and the departure of her brothers to pursue glory sailing with Jason’s famous crew mark the beginning of a crucial shift in her life in Sparta. When Agamemnon and Menelaus arrive seeking shelter and an alliance with her father, Clytemnestra dislikes them immediately and does what she can to avoid them, but it is too late. She has caught Agamemnon’s attention and when he decides he wants something – or someone – he will stop at nothing to get what he wants. In the face of his cruel determination to dominate her, Clytemnestra lets patience and cunning nurture her desire for vengeance. As she waits and plots, Clytemnestra must wrestle with whether or not vengeance is worth the what it will cost her to achieve it… and what it would cost her to let her vengeance go.

What I appreciated most about Clytemnestra was just how different this portrayal of the figures was from the other versions I’ve read. It is incredible to see the range of possibilities for interpretation of the same characters and basic series of events. Casati’s version of the tale delves deeper into variations on Clytemnestra’s family in Sparta, featuring more siblings than I was familiar with and a far more antagonistic origin to her history with Agamemnon – one that traces the seeds of her later vengeance back much further than I’d ever read about or seen. It was also fascinating to see another spin on the relationship between Clytemnestra and Helen – especially in contrast to how that relationship is portrayed in Heywood’s Daughters of Sparta.

I feel like the way Clytemnestra’s role as a mother gets explored in Casati’s novel delves into the nuances of motherhood in intriguing, particularly the relationship between Clytemnestra and Electra (and how it contrasts to her relationships with Iphigenia and to her own mother, Leda). Where Daughters of Sparta revolved around sisterhood and womanhood a lot, Clytemnestra feels like it focuses as much or more on motherhood. The differences in the portrayal of Sparta and womanhood between Casati’s novel and the others also make its examination of womanhood and how Clytemnestra defies the societal norms in her role as Queen of Mycenae sharply different.

Clytemnestra will be available May 2, 2023.

An absolutely beautiful re-telling of Clytemnestra, the queen married to the monster Agamemnon, who sacrifices his first child for fair winds in the Trojan War. But this is no meek bystander of fate and the power and majesty harnessed by Clytemnestra will leave you breathless.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for this e-arc.*

I love Greek mythology but have honestly never known much about Clytemnestra outside of the basics, so getting approved for this ARC had me excited to learn! While I did do a bit of research beforehand so that I could have a more thorough understanding of her history, I don’t think it’s necessary to still fully enjoy this book. This was a beautiful novel with a powerhouse for a protagonist, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up!

I could not finish this book, honestly I was just a bit bored! There were no specific flaws or issues I could find with it, it just didn’t work for me. I had a hard time following the story (even though it was a familiar one) and the characters didn’t click for me.
I believe this will be popular for passionate Greek mythology retelling fans, but I’m more of a casual reader in that genre and this one wasn’t for me.

Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for an eARC.

This debut author is going to go far! Clytemnestra is an absorbing tale of so much loss and grief and sweet sweet revenge! I’ve read a few retellings and this one is up there with Song of Achilles for me. I hadn’t heard of Clytemnestra before I had read this book, but she is a fighter, warrior, Queen and all around bad ass. If you are looking for an accessible retelling with gorgeous prose and is an absolute page turner, pick up a copy of Clytemnestra. You will not be disappointed.

Who needs men!? Clytemnestra finally gets her due! This was a well written book that was very faithful to one version of the original myth. I was actually less familiar with this version but enjoyed it nonetheless. You really felt for Clytemnestra as even though she was strong she has little control over her fate. The side characters surrounding her were also interesting and I particularly liked this version of Helen. If you're looking for an immersive story than this one is for you!

A big thank-you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for giving me a copy of this book for an unbiased review.

4/5 - Really liked it.

There have been many retellings of classic Greek myths from a specific character's perspective as of late. Some are better than others, and this definitely falls into the category of "better." Casati's Clytemnestra is deeply researched and canonically accurate, but also realistic and captivating. This story breathes new life into an ancient character, whilst keeping true to the story and the historical context down to the most minute details (such as Iphegenia dressing like a bear for a festival or the details of fighting culture in Sparta).

Casati does not take liberties with the story, which is refreshing, given how many retellings also re-create the narrative to fit their needs. However, Casati does do something interesting - she excludes the gods from the narrative. It seems like something that wouldn't work, as the gods are so integral to the story. However, the absence of involved gods creates a more terrifying and tragic narrative. If the gods aren't demanding sacrifice, is it human nature to violate and kill? In a world without divine interference, the full horror of human depravity and the consequences of individual choice are on full display.

The only negatives are - the story does get confusing sometimes due to the sheer amount of characters, and it helps to have prior knowledge of the storyline to follow along. Moreover, the characters sometimes seem a bit cold and their motivations aren't fully justified, perhaps with the narrative relying on the reader having prior knowledge of some of the side cast. But the important feelings - rage, impotence, love, despair - come through clearly, as hallmarks of a Greek tragedy.

Overall, I think this is a great retelling for those who enjoy Greek mythology, tales of the Trojan war, or simply stories of strong women.

I had never heard of Clytemnestra before I read this book. A retelling of Greek mythology is not what I usually read. Following Clytemnestra's life from girlhood to queen, we learn that she was raised to be a warrior. She showed this strength and grit throughout her difficult life. There is a lot of violence in this book that is not always easy to read. This book is very well written. The descriptions are vivid.

Thank you, Sourcebooks Landmark and Net Galley for the ARC of this book. I can now say that I have read a feminist retelling of Greek mythology.

**Thank you, Netgalley and publisher, for giving me an electronic ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**

Clytemnestra was viewed as cold and power hungry and I'm grateful to see a story told through her eyes and experience the calculating strength of a woman who holds onto her rage and when it overflows she takes her revenge.

It's nice to see more Greek myths retellings focusing on the females from the myths and bringing them alive for a new generation.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wow. This was an incredibly sweeping tale and it surprised me that this is the author’s debut novel. I will definitely be looking for more from this author.

I loved how morally grey our main character is, though I do wish we’d heard more about some of the fates of the people around her. I wish I knew Leon’s fate, as well as Timandra’s and both of her daughters. I now will need to delve into Greek history I suppose!!

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher (Sourcebooks) and author for allowing me an advanced copy of this book to read and review with my honest opinions. I took a chance on this book as it is not my typical type of reads, but I’ve always been interested in Greek mythology - and wow, I was not disappointed. Constanza Casati made this have more of a focus on the women of this time and events. Everything I’ve know about Clytemnestra was cold, tragic, and villainous and I appreciated that this book showed a more in depth account of her life from the beginning with the trials she went through, the relationship with her sister and family.. it made you see her in a difficult light and truly sympathize with her. This book was beautifully written and something I can see myself rereading in the future.

Clytemnestra by Constanza Casati takes one of the most reviled women in Greek mythology and gives her back control over her narrative. Clytemnestra is a complex character, with nuanced motivations and enmeshed in a system that would completely crush her, so Casati takes her story and fills it with the anger of every woman hurt by the world.

I love a retelling steeped in feminine rage and this epitomises that. This is a book that really digs into the fury evoked by patriarchal oppression and the impact of warfare on women. So often, the histories we know are based on the victors, erasing those they harmed on the way. These heroes are built on the backs of broken women, with bloodshed and acts of barbaric violence. Casati does not hold back in a bloody, brutal depiction of the position of women in this landscape—political pawns, easily destroyed and discarded.

On top of this, Casati’s imagery was so expansive and imaginative. It utterly swept me into the story, conjuring the poetic epics of the original myths. The writing is lush and immersive, allowing you to lose yourself in this ancient world. These types of stories will always bewitch me. I always love a story that makes me rethink what I thought I knew about established characters in our social consciousness. The Greek myths are ingrained in our psyche, but they are the tales of the victors and particularly the men. I for one have massively enjoyed this influx of feminist retellings and am excited to see it begin to expand to less well-known narratives and particularly less Western myths.

Known for murdering her husband Agamemnon after he returns from Troy, Clytemnestra is often painted as the villain. Agamemnon’s sacrifice of their daughter is such a deep trauma that fractures through the entire book. It is a sickening moment, made all the worst because you know it is coming. The build-up of everything before heightens the emotional intensity and impact. Casati also delves into Clytemnestra’s backstory. This was an aspect I sadly knew little about and so enjoyed the expansion of my knowledge through this story. For me, this embodies the role of women in Greek mythology. They are pretty set pieces, narrative devices for moving the story along that are not worthy of their own story or desires. Casati establishes her first husband as a complete foil to Agamemnon, leading us along another set up to fall into the pits of despair. The usually lauded hero reveals unfathomable depths of cruelty and violence in scenes that made my stomach spin. Casati does not hold back in showing the evils to which humans will go to get what they want.

Casati’s writing is beyond stellar. I was so deeply invested in these rich, nuanced characters that I will not be forgetting any time soon. Like her sister, Helen was a character given so much more depth and nuance than in the original tale. The abuse she suffers is heart-breaking and reveals those sickening depths of depravity in other revered mythological men. I liked how Casati moved away from the vain, vapid airhead Helen is often presented as. Instead, we see her as a political pawn in a much larger game. She is a plaything of men and gods alike, creating questions around fate, agency and control over one’s narrative.

Clytemnestra proves why this subgenre of feminist reexaminations of classical myths is booming. It is incisive, thought-provoking and complex, allowing room for nuance and complicated characters.

Clytemnestra, a princess of Sparta and sister of Helen, has faced much heartache in her life. Forced to marry Agamemnon, the man who murdered her husband and infant son, and then witnessing the sacrifice of her daughter to bring about a strong wind, Clytemnestra must make an important decision when Agamemnon returns after a long war in Troy to retrieve Helen. Should she sit back and be the obedient wife she is expected to be, or will she take back the power that she has been robbed of and take her life into her own hands? Will she avenge those taken from her, or accept her position?

I really enjoyed this retelling of the life of Clytemnestra. Clytemnestra, as well as many of the other characters, is very well developed and well written. I could really understand why someone put through the things that it is said she went through would resort to the actions that she did. I also like how strong she is in this novel, especially during this period of time. The story had me hooked right from the beginning, and the action and pace of the novel kept me intrigued and wanting to read more; even though I know the story of Clytemnestra, as well as many of the other characters, I still found myself at the proverbial edge of my seat many times. Overall I greatly enjoyed this page-turner.