Clytemnestra is the 2023 debut Greek mythology novel by Costanza Casati. It’s a powerful retelling of the life of Clytemnestra, the fierce and often misunderstood queen of the ruthless King Agamemnon.
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Book Blurb
She is born to a king but marries a tyrant.
She watches helplessly as he sacrifices her child to the gods.
She bides her time. She plots revenge. She knows how to play this game.
If power will not be given to her, then she will take it for herself.
She is Clytemnestra.
Clytemnestra Book Review
I absolutely loved this book! Clytemnestra is a brilliant debut that breathes new life into one of Greek mythology’s most infamous women.
I’ve read a lot of books about Troy and Greek mythology and I’ve always found Clytemnestra a fascinating character. She was featured heavily in Elektra by Jennifer Saint but I knew very little about her life before she married Agamemnon so I enjoyed how this book explored her backstory.
It was interesting to read about her life before she became queen, from her upbringing as a Spartan princess to the events that shaped her into the fierce and complex woman she became.
The story beautifully captures the power struggles of the time, particularly for women, who had to fight for survival in a world designed to oppress them. Costanza Casati brings Clytemnestra to life as more than just a queen or a vengeful murderer. She’s intelligent, passionate and deeply human.
Her love, grief, and overwhelming need for justice leapt off the page, making her actions feel both understandable and heartbreaking. I could fully empathise with her fury and determination as she sought her own version of justice.
Constanza Casati does a brilliant job of exploring themes like betrayal, vengeance and the constant battle for power in a patriarchal society. She gives voice to a woman who has often been overshadowed by the men around her. Clytemnestra is such a fierce, uncompromising character, and I found myself completely drawn to her strength and determination.
Overall, I loved this book and couldn’t put it down. It’s bold, gripping and beautifully written and up there with some of my favourite Greek mythology novels.
What to read next
If you’re a fan of Greek mythology I’d definitely recommend A Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller as it’s one of my favourite books of all time. For other books about Troy I’d recommend The Silence of the Girls and A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes.
