Y’all freaked out about Song of Achilles, so I anticipate Clytemnesta is going to be a huge - if you read SOA - loved it or hated it - you need to add this one to your list. Imagine SOA, but a slightly more depressing version (yes, shockingly, that is possible) from a woman who stayed on the Grecian home front during the Trojan War, suffered a terribly abusive marriage to Agamemnon, and experienced unimaginable losses throughout her life. This book is SAD. But this book is also GOOD.

Costanza Casati's writing is beautiful, and is the real jewel of this retelling. Even through the lulls of the plot in this book, the characters and her prose kept me turning the pages. Among the mythological retellings I’ve read, I would categorize this one among the higher tier. Compelling and imaginative, yet devastating and raw.

Simply stated, I cannot wait to see how the bookish community receives Clytemnesta, and I hope it gains the traction is deserves.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for this opportunity.

A bit of a slow start, but once it picks up, wow. Love the trend of retelling a myth from the woman’s perspective and this one is lovely; she was not loved in mythology, but this really gives great insight into why she does want she does. Basically, everyone betrays her and she gets to burn it all down for a while.

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for a complimentary copy of this novel! Clytemnestra is not as well known as other mythological characters! This novel does an amazing job to give us a look into how her life may have played out. She became the wife of Agamemnon. She was a very strong queen, hence why he had his sights set on her even though she was already married and has a son. That did not stop Agamemnon! Clytemnestra kinda reminds me of Cersei Lannister from Game of Thrones! This book is very well written! I felt like I was right there along side of her. She lived in getting revenge for so many that were heartlessly ripped out of her life. Growing up she was taught to fight and hunt. She was a fierce warrior, but also a mother and queen. She demanded loyalty! Those who were not loyal to her were executed! The author did a great job portraying this strong female protagonist!

An epic historical novel by debut novelist Constanta Casati.

Rarely is my breath taken away by a book. This one swept me off my feet and carried me to Ancient Greece for an adventure of the ages.

Casati’s soaring tale of the life of the famed queen Clytemnestra is astounding. It is rich and decadent and juicy and cruel and wondrous. It reads like the movie “The Ten Commandments” views. It is Herculean in its style, and so incredibly approachable at the same time.

It bring to light how we glorify tales of the ancients, but in fact is filled with mysogeny and cruelty and ugliness. It is an era that is no friend to women, and Clytemnestra must do anything she can to survive.

And survive she does. With descriptive writing that gives us not only the look and feel, but the smell and taste of the era, Casati is brilliant in her writing style. She layers her writing to ignite our senses, and evoke our emotions.

This is a truly “must read” novel.

I really can’t get enough of myth retellings and after being disappointed by recent publications I was hesitant to start this one. But Casati masterfully brings these characters to life putting them in a historically accurate backdrop, and weaving together different versions of the myths together. Our titular character was so well realized that I found myself slowing down when I knew tragedy was doing to hit, not wanting to see her suffer. Casati is able to show, not tell, how Clytemnestra’s rage consumes her and her fighting with her perception. Overall, I enjoyed this novel and am excited to see what Casati works on next.

I'm happy to see another book that takes a reviled woman in Greek mythology, gives her agency, and makes her a powerful but sympathetic character. Clytemnestra is one of those figures I'd read about on the periphery of several myths but didn't know much about; reading about her (justified) rage against Agamemnon and her father and the other terrible men in her life fleshed her out more while also aptly demonstrating how revenge can eat away at one over time.

The first half of the book flows well and has strong follow-through; the second half has chunks of time missing and falls apart toward the end, but overall it's a fascinating, well-written read.

“But Clytemnestra doesn’t care: she knows that kings tend to become heroes to future generations. Heracles, Perseus, Jason, Theseus…songs about them are sung, and their cruel deeds are turned into sunlight. As for queens, they are either hated or forgotten.”

The writing throughout Casati’s debut novel is stunning. She balances beautiful phrasing with cutting commentary to give us a story that humanizes a myth with nuance, subtlety, and perspective. All of which were gorgeous.

The classic revenge tale complicated by matters of femininity, faith, and family, Casati breathes life into a character many love to hate. Her work humanizes Clytemnestra by incorporating a lesser told version of the original myth while also confronting the truths of the original in new ways.

The book, like many Greek retellings, is a little less accessible because Casati’s writing does read a little higher. She worked to keep the classics in mind while using modern language, which worked to transport readers to the right place and time but kept everything pretty understandable. However, to accomplish the whole vibe, it does get a bit wordy and can be difficult to read.

My only complaint about the book is that at times it does feel a bit too long as we read about day-to-day events that establish almost too much of a timeline. Readers new to the events of the book and the figure behind it might get more out of those sections than I did, though.

Like I said before, it was a gorgeous book. Seeing the foreshadowing, the mirrors, and Clytemnestra’s own internal conflict was amazing. We see nuance and perspective in her actions and reactions that really play into themes of women in power, societal expectations, and the nobility of revenge. Casati takes it a step further by also tying in the complications love and understanding have on these themes and decisions within the book.

I loved this from a literary perspective and think it would make an amazing discussion book for English classes. If you sympathize with Medusa or like Greek mythology and the classics, this would be great for you!

Clytemnestra crackles with vivid fury, passion, and strength. This powerful and thought-provoking portrayal of a fascinating and complicated woman is framed in beautiful prose. The author's masterful use of language brings to life the complex emotions and motivations of Clytemnestra, making her a truly compelling character. Through Casati's writing, readers are transported to ancient Greece, where they witness the struggles and triumphs of one of its most intriguing figures.

eh. this was...okay. but my brain couldn't turn off the love of greek mythology so. i probably won't be purchasing this one.

Clytemnestra by Constanza Casati is a powerful retelling of the classic Greek myth of the same name. The novel is a gripping portrayal of the woman who famously murdered her husband, Agamemnon, and his concubine, Cassandra, upon his return from the Trojan War.

Casati's writing is captivating, and she skillfully weaves together the different threads of the story to create a complex and multifaceted character in Clytemnestra. The novel is narrated from her perspective, giving readers an intimate look into her thoughts and motivations.

One of the most striking aspects of the book is the way Casati explores the themes of power, revenge, and justice. The author delves deep into the psychology of Clytemnestra, showing how her actions were driven by a desire for vengeance against the man who had sacrificed their daughter and betrayed her trust.

The novel also sheds light on the political and social context of ancient Greece, particularly the role of women in society. Clytemnestra's struggle for power and autonomy in a world dominated by men is a compelling and thought-provoking element of the story.

Overall, Clytemnestra is a masterful retelling of a classic myth. Casati's writing is rich and evocative, and her portrayal of this iconic character is both nuanced and powerful. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Greek mythology, feminist literature, or just a well-written and engaging story.

A fabulous and fascinating retelling of the story of one of Greek mythology's lesser known heroines - Clytemnestra, sister to Helen of Sparta and wife of Agamemnon. Most of the stories of the Trojan war are centred around the beautiful Helen. It was a breath of fresh air to read this beautifully rendered story about her other sister, a strong, independent-willed woman who went on to become Queen in her own right. The story is told from the perspective of the women in the myth and gives an interesting insight into the events leading up to the start of the Trojan war. If you are a fan of Greek mythology or stories of powerful women in general, this book is for you. It is written in an easy-to-read style and is simply unputdownable. I will definitely be reading more retellings of Greek myths after this one.

Thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the ARC.

This book was hard for me. It was very slow paced, and the male entitlement bothered me, even though I know that men deemed woman lesser during this time period, it still got to me. I love Greek mythology and I love the idea of Clytemnestra getting revenge, but it did take her some time. To be fair revenge is not always swift, but this poor woman had to lose way too much before she could even get close to getting back at her heinous husband. If you are looking for a Greek tragedy you have found the perfect book.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.

What I love about Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati:
• I fell in love with the powerful heroine
• I don’t usually like romantic moments in books/movies, but the few that are here are poetic, rich with sensory detail and a refreshing juxtaposition to the violence of daily life in ancient Greek mythology
• The details and dialogue illuminate beliefs and traditions that built these complex mythologies
• This book was quick read that I thoroughly enjoyed, and I also learned about a subject that can be somewhat inaccessible without a skilled guide
• Beach book for feminist smarties, dark academia/Classics vibes that remind me toppling the patriarchy is a daily task

Throughout the politics and power struggles were gorgeous descriptions of daily life, romance, terrible tragedy, and inner struggles amongst the Greeks. Detail and dialogue pulled me into the characters complex existence.

When she turns to him, he is staring at her, motionless. He has the stillness of animals about him. She wants to lean forward and trace the scar on his cheekbone. The desire is so strong that she can almost feel it under her finger—it is like a crumpled leaf. “My queen,” he says. Nothing else. The morning sun falls on his olive skin, makes his eyes glisten like snow in the sunlight. She is breathless, and she can’t bear it. She picks up her dagger and walks away.

Clytemnestra herself is someone who was raised to be a fierce warrior (which Spartans had a very specific definition of, but she was a warrior in every senses of the word), and yet she still had to suffer through patriarchal oppression and violence. Her power didn’t save her from being a pawn, sacrificed by her own family. In ways, she fought against the inequality inflicted upon her, but she did not escape its effect on her worldview and self-image. When a man discussed his failings with her for the purpose of connection and intimacy, she was disgusted by his vulnerability.

“It shocks her, when he speaks of his failings and weaknesses. The only other men she has known to do that were Tantalus and Odysseus, but they would do it in a way that asserted their power. They spoke of their mistakes to achieve something, to soften and bend the world to their will. That was what Tantalus had done to win her over. Aegisthus doesn’t speak of his failures to gain a reward. His purposelessness appalls her.”

Because Clytemnestra held all of the qualities of a great leader, within the paradigms which she was born, she saw vulnerability as a poor choice, a lack of skill, weakness. It was a necessity to keep iron walls around one’s tender spots, and she showed us how this was done again and again. There are plentiful insights throughout the story that give the reader a deeper sense of the world and struggles in which the characters live.

“It is noble to be gentle, to save others from pain. But it is also dangerous. Sometimes you have to make life difficult for others before they make it impossible for you.”

“Your hatred consumes you,” Castor says gently. “But it also keeps you alive.”

Clytemnestra stops pacing. She can’t help smiling. “You say you don’t understand politics, Aileen, but you understand people. They are one and the same.”

If I were to change the novel, it would be to add more scenes in different locations, additional insights into the development of various relationships, and filling in the jump in time between Clytemnestra leaving her home of Sparta and becoming the captured wife of a tyrant. I wanted to see more of what was happening in detail in other characters lives at times. I wanted to travel to other locations and meet more magical enemies, but the story centered mostly on Clytemnestra’s home bases. I’m sure this is following the actual origins of her story, but I found myself wishing for more, more, more.

I absolutely recommend this book to lovers of retellings of Greek and Roman mythology, fans of dark academia (afterall, I always imagine myself studying the Classics while reading The Secret History), and readers who enjoys beautiful, descriptive writing.

4.5 stars. An astonishing debut. Well-written and compelling. A novel about the making of Clytemnestra. Love, hate, and power, and inextricably intertwined.

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

You were born to a king, but you marry a tyrant. You stand by helplessly as he sacrifices your child to placate the gods. You watch him wage war on a foreign shore, and you comfort yourself with violent thoughts of your own. Because this was not the first offence against you. This was not the life you ever deserved. And this will not be your undoing. Slowly, you plot.

But when your husband returns in triumph, you become a woman with a choice.

Acceptance or vengeance, infamy follows both. So, you bide your time and force the gods' hands in the game of retribution. For you understood something long ago that the others never did.

If power isn't given to you, you have to take it for yourself."

Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the free ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

A feminist retelling of the myth of Agamemnon’s wronged wife and her family. Clytemnestra struggles to understand her own desires, even knowing the control and freedom she wishes she had over her own life.

I enjoyed the feminist rewrite of a lot of aspects of the story, but the tone was incredibly dry. It made me feel like I was reading a textbook instead of a dynamic story.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my free copy. These opinions are my own.

Not all Greek retellings are created equal. Clymenestra is a very good one. In the same vein as Circe by Madeline Miller, this novel offers insight in our modern world by reexamining the myths of the ancient one.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for gifting me with an ARC of Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati. In exchange I offer my honest review.


Wow! What a gorgeous story - tragic and powerful written with lush lyrical prose and strong descriptive imagery. While I was already very familiar with Clytemnestra’s story, I was completely riveted by Costanza Casati’s retelling. I felt and ached on every page from the tragedies that befell Clytemnestra, her daughters and the other women of Greece. Clytemnestra is a character worth rooting for, she embodies a mother’s love and a femme fatale who will not be forgotten. There were so many plot lines and side stories which I found equally compelling.

I can’t wait to see what the author writes next. Highly recommend this book, which is available May 2, 2023.

Did Taylor Swift write "there is nothing I do better than revenge" for Clytemnestra?

3.5 This book was such a good debut! The author did a wonderful job of showing the WHY of Clytemnestra's anger and longing for revenge. The writing was usually really beautiful and poetic. I enjoyed getting to see the other Greek mythological characters and reading about a character I hadn't much before. It was often slow and the time jumps in the second half were off- her character didn't seem to develop at all over the course of that time. Overall, I enjoyed it but it wasn't on par with Song of Achilles or Circe for me.

I've always found Clytemnestra to be one of the most fascinating figures in Greek mythology, and I've always viewed her as a sympathetic character so I don't really need a retelling of her story to convince me she was wronged; I'm already there. This book does a good job of bringing her to life and making her a compelling character with complex struggles and motivations. I also really enjoyed the attention to detail in bringing her world to vivid life.

Pub date: 5/2/23
Genre: mythological retelling
Quick summary: Clytemnestra's story is told as it has never been told before. If queens are either hated or forgotten, she chooses to be hated.

Clytemnestra is one of the classic Greek mythology villains, and I remember reading about her in Aeschylus' Oresteia in college. This story starts earlier, with Clytemnestra's childhood in Sparta and her training as a warrior. I loved the way Casati wrote about her relationship with her sisters, including the infamous Helen. It was wonderful getting this early perspective, and it helped me better understand her motivations. This is a grittier and more violent retelling than some of the others recently published, but I felt that the violence fit with Clytemnestra's character. Despite its length, I read this book in one day because it was so immersive and propulsive.

If you enjoy mythological retellings, this is a must read!

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.