Skip to main content

Member Reviews

In this book, Costanza Casait does a wonderful job writing stories about or with mythological figures in a way that breathes life into them and makes them feel so real. This book is no different; the way the plot is woven and the characters made treat to read. Perfect for any reader who enjoys a mythological/ancient world retelling.

Was this review helpful?

Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati is a powerful retelling that really brings her voice to life. The writing is vivid, the characters feel layered, and I loved how it gave space to Clytemnestra’s perspective in a story usually dominated by others. It’s dark at times, but also moving and beautifully written. A great read if you enjoy Greek mythology retellings.

Was this review helpful?

Clytemnestra has always been one of the most complicated figures in Greek myth, and this novel captures that beautifully. She’s flawed, calculating, brave, and heartbroken all at once. I was completely absorbed in her rise from vulnerable girl to formidable queen. The atmosphere was dark and immersive, and the sense of looming tragedy kept me turning pages. I did feel the pacing could drag at times, but I loved how human she felt—this wasn’t just myth retold, it was myth re-lived.

Was this review helpful?

This is a fairly solid novel about someone trying to look at the tale of Clytemnestra from her point of view a la Greek myths but feminism as has been the trend the last few years, and while the story is willing to lean into her emotional estrangement from her children and her trauma, it isn't willing to look much further than that. Overall it's a good POV writing exercise, but doesn't delve too much deeper than that.

Was this review helpful?

This is a fierce, feminist retelling. The writing is vivid and immersive, and the pacing actually moves (not always a given with Greek myth retellings). If you liked Circe but wanted it with more vengeance, this one delivers.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati. I am a huge fan of all things Greek and mythology and this one did not disappoint. It presents a moving, realistic view of the pain suffered by a great Queen in the era of male-dominated life. Somehow she makes it out the other side made stronger by all the strife. I thoroughly enjoyed it start to finish!

Was this review helpful?

This novel is an absolute powerhouse—fierce, lyrical, and utterly unflinching. Set in the brutal, beautiful world of Ancient Greece, it gives voice to a queen long overshadowed by myth and history, turning her into a force of reckoning. The writing crackles with tension and emotion, and the journey from silenced wife to calculating queen is as gripping as it is cathartic. Perfect for fans of myth retellings with teeth, this is a story of vengeance, power, and the unbreakable will of a woman who refuses to be forgotten.

Was this review helpful?

I found this retelling of Greek mythology quite engaging. It is full of pain, violence, betrayal, and rage, but somehow it felt like a pleasant summer read. Summer seems like a good time to (re)visit some of the Greek myths.

Was this review helpful?

I wanted so badly to like this one. It had everything I should love, everything I usually devour so quickly, but I found it really hard to get into and really hard to stay into. It's not to say the writing is bad or anything; on the other hand, I love Casati's writing! The narrative itself is where I got bogged down and stayed bogged down. The book never quite lived up to its hype for me, but I know many, many others will enjoy this one! Thank you to the publishers and to NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Modern and reimagined tellings of mythological stories is one of my favorite genres. So I really enjoyed this tale. The Iliad and the odyssey have so many amazing female characters, so it was great to get more of the perspective of Clytemnestra.

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed Costanza Casati's Clytemnestra. I really didn't know much about the most notorious heroine of the ancient Greece world but I do now. And I found her story quite fascinating. If you enjoyed Circe, you will enjoy Clytemnestra.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy! I just couldn't get in the mood for this one, but I do love this author!

Was this review helpful?

I cannot believe this was a debut novel, it was so so so well done. Greek mythology is so interesting and Clytemnestra did it perfectly. Would definitely recommend to anyone who likes Greek Mythology or was a fan of Circe. Will definitely continue to read book by Costanza Casati.

Was this review helpful?

You need to read this remarkable take on Clytemnestra's story. It's not just another Greek myth retelling - it's a raw, powerful exploration of a mother's grief and a woman's rage. The author transforms the infamous queen from a one-dimensional villain into someone whose choices, however dark, make terrible sense. If you loved "Circe" or can't resist stories about fierce women refusing to play by the rules, this book will keep you up all night. Trust me, you won't look at Greek mythology the same way again.

Was this review helpful?

A reimagining of the Greek myth, offering a fresh and nuanced perspective on the infamous queen of Mycenae. I am all got theses update being made the tell ancient myths from the female perspective.

Was this review helpful?

I love Greek mythology and modern retellings, and this one didn’t disappoint. Rich and atmospheric, this is a retelling about a misunderstood character. I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys Jennifer Saint and Madeleine Miller!

Was this review helpful?

Give me all the feminist Greek mythology retellings! CLYTEMNESTRA is probably one of the best books I've read in this subgenre in a long while -- I can't wait to read more from Constanza Casati!

Was this review helpful?

Greek mythology retelling + a powerful woman hell-bent on revenge = instant five stars. Clytemnestra takes us on a journey through the lead up to the Trojan War. Casati’s beautiful, gripping writing was addictive and had me right until the very end. Masterpiece!

Was this review helpful?

Absolutely loved this retelling of Clytemnestra, the Greek’s tragic and vengeful queen. She was such an impactful character with so many connections to the major Greek players: Helen, Agamemnon, Leda, Orestes and Odysseus. I found myself rooting for her and completely empathetic to her plight, even though I was well aware of her fate. Ready to read more from this author!!

Was this review helpful?

If you are a mythology retelling fan, this one is for you!
I have not read from this author before, but I will pick her work up again.
This is a highly readable and immersing story about a mythological story. Well written and engaging. Highly recommend.
And, the cover is stunning so I have a physical copy as well!
#Clytemnestra #NetGalley #SourcebookLandmarks

Was this review helpful?