This was a great book and I enjoyed reading it! I look forward to seeing what this author comes out with next.

WOW! What a fantastic read. Clytemnestra is filled with feminine rage, tragedy, complex characters, and elegant prose. This novel was brutal yet compelling and a fantastic choice for anyone interested in Greek mythology. The pacing of this story was fantastic. It’s a story I will think about for awhile and recommend to many.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

A huge thank you to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark, and Costanza Casati for the opportunity to read and review this amazing book.

From the synopsis: "A blazing novel set in the world of Ancient Greece, this is a thrilling tale of power and prophecies, of hatred, love, and of an unforgettable Queen who fiercely dealt out death to those who wronged her."

The Trojan War period of Ancient Greece has always been fascinating to me. The men are celebrated - Achilles, Odysseus, Agamemnon, Menelaus.... and the women are essentially demonized. Helen's is the face that launched a thousand ships and sent thousands of men into a ten-year war. Clytemnestra is the vengeful queen who murdered her husband. Women are taken as "prizes" from vanquished lands. Men are praised for their conquests. Women are harlots and whores for leaving their husbands. Men are celebrated for taking women to their bed. The double-standard that existed for the behaviors of men and women in ancient times is one that has been discussed at length by historians and English teachers alike (I fall into the latter category). This novel also explored that double-standard, but from the point of view of a woman who has been severely wronged, in general and by the warped expectations that existed of her. Clytemnestra is a figure in Greek mythology who in my opinion deserves to have her story told more often, which is why I was so excited to read this novel. Clytemnestra's story is a horrifyingly sad one - the amount of unfairness, loss, grief, pain, and suffering she had to go through is staggering. And still, she's largely a "hated" figure - too loud, too stubborn, too controlling, too violent. She is a product of the pain and suffering that was brought upon her largely by the men in her life. This novel told her story beautifully and did it great justice. Clytemnestra is a strong woman in a time period where strong women were hated, and she retained her strength regardless. I will happily recommend this book to those who enjoy women-centric mythology stories... and honestly, to anyone, for Clytemnestra's story is one that should be told, and read.

I find Clytemnestra to be such an interesting character in Greek mythology, After reading this book, she has locked in being one of my favorites. I have read a few books lately that include Clytemnestra's story and this one is by far the best. It does such an amazing job of diving into her mind and also what drives her to make a lot of the decisions she makes in her life. All of her relationships and the things that have happened to her are wild, and this book highlights some that I hadn't heard of before. Clytemnestra coming from a Spartan mindset and using a lot of the values she grew up with as she got older along with being a just ruler was so interesting. At times when you feel like she is losing control, she somehow gains the upperhand. As much as I admire her character, I feel bad for her too. A lot of the heartache she goes through as a mother is nothing you wish on anyone. As a woman in Greek mythology, she somehow still triumphs and challenges every man that comes into her path. She is just an astounding character and I love reading about her. This was amazing!

I didn't finish Clytemnestra. I found the writing to be boring and straightforward to a fault. There was nothing interesting to keep me going and no reason for me to be invested in Clytemnestra as told by Casati. This book was compared to Madeline Miller's novels and while I can see the comparison here between Circe and Clytemnestra, ultimately Clytemnestra lacks the lyrical storytelling that lovers of Circe crave. Clytemnestra was a retelling in the literal sense of the word, despite being from our main character's POV the story felt sterilized and lacked emotion. Even the strongest of Spartan women have vulnerabilities and desires and dreams but Clytemnestra was a cardboard cutout of all that Casati could have made her.

I was drawn to this book by the cover and the ancient Greek premise, but stayed for the woman at the center, Clytemnestra. Casati breathes life into Clytemnestra and the choices that made her legendary. If you grew up reading Greek inspired fiction this is a brilliant entry point into the wonderful world of adult Greek myth explorations. Casati presents a layered woman who is strong who remains "unbowed, unbent" throughout the schemes and legendary efforts of the men around her. Strength of will, strength of character, strength of love, these all describe our brilliant heroine. I heartily recommend this novel to all! Happy Reading!

This is probably my favorite Greek myth retelling I've ever read. The rage and vengeance from a female protagonist was both powerful and brutal to experience.

Clytemnestra is such a wonderful, strong character who endures so much. The things she survives are heart-rending. So many parts of this book were incredibly hard to read, but it was so worth it for this amazing piece of storytelling.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Started off a little slow, but well written. Not quite what I expected based on the description. Worth it in the end.

Title: Clytemnestra: A Captivating Retelling of Ancient Greece's Legendary Queen

Costanza Casati's debut novel, Clytemnestra, offers readers a riveting journey into the tumultuous life of the most notorious heroine of the ancient world. Drawing inspiration from Madeline Miller's Circe and the complexity of Cersei Lannister from the Game of Thrones series, Casati weaves a stunning narrative that explores the transformation of Clytemnestra into a legendary queen.

From the very beginning, the novel grabs hold of the reader's attention, immersing them in a world where queens are either despised or forgotten. Clytemnestra's heartbreaking journey unfolds before our eyes as she endures a life not of her choosing—an arranged marriage to a tyrant and the heart-wrenching loss of her child sacrificed in the name of appeasing the gods. As her husband wages war on foreign shores, Clytemnestra finds solace in her own violent thoughts, understanding that her life was never meant to be one of subjugation.

Driven by a burning desire for justice, Clytemnestra begins to meticulously plot her revenge. She understands that acceptance and vengeance both come with their own price—infamy. Thus, she patiently waits, manipulating the gods and orchestrating a game of retribution. Casati brilliantly captures the essence of power and prophecies, painting a picture of a queen who fearlessly administers death to those who wronged her.

This debut novel proves to be a powerful exploration of Greek mythology and historical fiction. Readers who have been captivated by Jennifer Saint's Ariadne and Natalie Haynes' A Thousand Ships will find themselves engrossed in Casati's tale. The author skillfully intertwines the intricate threads of ancient Greece, breathing new life into Clytemnestra, the sister of Helen of Troy.

The pacing of the narrative is relentless, making Clytemnestra a very fast read. Each page turn reveals new layers of intrigue and captivating storytelling. As readers delve deeper into the world of Ancient Greece, they are enveloped in the profound emotions of anger and hatred that Clytemnestra harbors towards her husband, Agamemnon. The unforgivable act of sacrificing their daughter to the goddess Artemis fuels Clytemnestra's unyielding determination for vengeance.

Overall, Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati is a remarkable debut novel that seamlessly blends Greek mythology, historical fiction, and a compelling exploration of a formidable queen. With its intriguing and captivating narrative, it will undoubtedly leave readers eagerly awaiting Casati's future works.

Book was interesting, but in a saturated market of Greek myth retellings it did not stand out the way others have.

This is such a strong book. It is well written, and does not feel like a debut novel.

My only qualm is it also doesn't feel very unique. It lacks the ability to be memorable and that may come from the choice of POV.

Thank you to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for an early copy of this in exchange for an honest review.

I have been disappointed by many of the Greek retellings of the last few years, so I did not have high hopes for this one. Especially for a story so steeped in tragedy and violence, Clytemnestra manages to be engaging the entire way. I found myself hoping that somehow she would get out of it, that she would be able to save them this time, that it wouldn't go the way it does. I really think that Casati manages to flush out the best parts of these myths -- the people who are mentioned once and never again -- and makes the entire landscape of Clytemnestra's life layered and tragic but not so much so that I couldn't continue. In fact, I found myself reading with rage and hoping to get to the end so I could see her get her revenge.

4.5 stars.

Absolutely incredible - the story itself (I vaguely knew it), the retelling of it and the writing. When I saw a recommendation, saying for fans of Madeline Miller (Circe, Song of Achilles), I was like ok - that’s a tall comparison. But it was so accurate!

It is a heavy read, as it is a feminist retelling of a myth that has always painted the woman, Queen Clytemenstra, in a very unfavorable light. But that woman SUFFERED. And with Casati’s telling, I can absolutely see the reason she made the choices she did.

Cannot recommend enough.

I originally DNF’d this book. I tried twice to get into it and didn’t make it but a few chapters in. Then I read another book that mentioned Clytemnestra and I decided to give it one more try.

The third times the charm! I finally finished the book. Also, instead of trying to read the ebook, I listened to the audiobook this time. It definitely helped and made it feel like it wasn’t as long. (That is one of my complaints in reading it vs listening. Reading it felt like it was never ending)

This book will make you feel a lot of emotions. Including anger. What some of the women in Greek mythology go through is just awful.

I did feel like this one had some confusing moments. Time jumps that threw me off. I think this would be one I would refer to someone who really enjoys Greek mythology and is more familiar with it than I am.

I loved this dang book. Yes, a few times it was slow moving and at first all the dang weird names had me confused but who cares? IT WAS the BEST!

<i>Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review</i>

This is perfect for fans of Madeline Miller and Jennifer Saint. I think soon enough lyrical myth retellings centering women will have the tagline "perfect for fans of Costanza Casati." Casati has forged a delightful entry into the myth retelling subgenre. I am excited to read about the women she will recenter in future works.

Clytemnestra is such a fascinating story and I enjoyed Casati's approach to a heavy and busy tale. There are so many details and layers within Homer's works that get left out due its centering and I enjoyed reading the gaps get filled in and really wade through Clytemnestra's feminine rage alongside her.

This historical fiction was a very good read. The writing and story kept me intrigued. Will be recommending it in my bookclub.

While I enjoy the fact that we are getting more Greek retellings with Greek Heroines this one was not my favorite. But I still enjoyed it, and I hope to see more Greek retellings in the future.

Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebook Landmark for an E-arc copy of Clytemnestra. I love Costanza Casati's portrayal of Clytemnestra. Not only is this book about her but Helen and Penelope are important characters in the story as well. When one reads about Clytemnestra, it's filled with a scorned woman filled with hatred. She is the murderess of her husband with the help of her love who is related to him and nothing more. Helen is just this ethereal looking mortal who launched a thousand ships and helped cause many to die. Penelope was the faithful wife of the warrior Odyessus waiting for him to come home. But in this story, theyre so much more. Clytemnestra and Helen are provided with backstories, childhood, and more. They are so much more than the myths tell us. The girls are spartan warriors who know how to fight, they are cunning women. Clytemnestra is an amazing character.

I knew very little of her and read this story with a fresh mind. I was astounded to read that Clytemnestra might have had a husband before Agamemnon, and what befallen the first family she created. The Spartan women aren't seen or raised as weak women. They are a united front, they reminded me of Amazons, safe for the fact that when theyre married off theyre expected to act dutiful and docile. What happened to Clytemnestra, what caused her to do what she did was justified with the heinous acts Agamemnon has done. I've said before when I read "Elektra" By Jennifer Saint that I was a Clytemnstra apologist, and I still stand by my statement. She hasn't done any wrong in a men-dominated world.

I loved reading this book and I hope Casati makes more retellings of women behind the myths. I have no doubt it will be as great as this story. The writing was beautiful. When introduced to the next part of the story you read a small introduction. The first one really invites you into the story, wanting to read more because what's said is so true.

Where do I even begin with this book? Costanza Casati is definitely going to the author who gets me to read more books set in this time period. I find that in many of these books, many authors go into too much detail but she gave the perfect amount. Just enough to set the scene and then let the interactions speak for themselves. I recommend this book to everyone now. Can't wait to see what she does with book number 2!