Publisher: 13th September 2022 by Hachette Australia
Pages: 400 pages
Genre: historical fiction, Greek mythology, retellings
My Rating: 4 cups
Synopsis:
This is the story of Penelope of Ithaca, famed wife of Odysseus, as it has never been told before. Beyond Ithaca’s shores, the whims of gods dictate the wars of men. But on the isle, it is the choices of the abandoned women—and their goddesses—that will change the course of the world.
"North brings a powerful, fresh, and unflinching voice to ancient myth. Breathtaking." —Jennifer Saint, author of Ariadne
Seventeen years ago, King Odysseus sailed to war with Troy, taking with him every man of fighting age from the island of Ithaca. None of them has returned, and the women of Ithaca have been left behind to run the kingdom.
Penelope was barely into womanhood when she wed Odysseus. While he lived, her position was secure. But now, years on, speculation is mounting that her husband is dead, and suitors are beginning to knock at her door.
No one man is strong enough to claim Odysseus' empty throne—not yet. But everyone waits for the balance of power to tip, and Penelope knows that any choice she makes could plunge Ithaca into bloody civil war. Only through cunning, wit, and her trusted circle of maids, can she maintain the tenuous peace needed for the kingdom to survive.
From the multi-award-winning author Claire North comes a daring reimagining that breathes life into ancient myth and gives voice to the women who stand defiant in a world ruled by ruthless men. It’s time for the women of Ithaca to tell their tale . . .
My Thoughts
‘Let us therefore to Ithaca go, in that warm late summer when the leaves begin to crinkle and the ocean clouds tumble in too mighty to be bothered by the little land below.’
Ithaca is a wonderful addition to the various Greek mythological classic retellings of recent years. Author, Claire North, aims to provide a feminist perspective and voice to her book - from the power of its Queens, to the goddesses of Mount Olympus. Ithaca is the first book in a trilogy telling the story of Penelope, left to rule when Odysseus went to war.
I love a good retelling of Greek Mythology. This one follows the classic story of Penelope and the women of Ithaca, staying true to the original myth. It’s more character driven than plot which I believe adds to the feel of the book. Adding in the voice of the goddess Hera as the narrator, brings a whole new perspective to this particular retelling. Her sarcasm and humour may not sit well with some readers but being the goddess of women makes it perfect to my mind - how women can be strong, struggling for a balance between being a Queen, a mother and having some feminine freedom. There is a large cast of characters, sharp dialogues and much reflective writing.
‘Of these maids of Ithaca - these slave women and sold girls, these indentured daughters - so much more of them will I have to say. I am the goddess of queens, wives and women; my tasks may be thankless, but I perform them nonetheless.’
All up, Ithaca is a well written feminist take on the Greek myth giving voice to women as deserved. I look forward to reading the remaining books in this trilogy. If you love Greek mythology retellings with unique narrative voices, I recommend reading Ithaca.
‘This is the world we live in. We are not heroes. We do not choose to be great; we have no power over our destinies. The scraps of freedom that we have are to pick between two poisons, to make the least bad decision we can, knowing that there is no outcome that will not leave us bruised.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
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