Clytemnestra
Following in the recent trend of literary retellings of Greek myths by talented writers like Madeline Miller and Natalie Haynes, Costanza Casati’s debut novel offers a dazzling portrait of Clytemnestra, sister of Helen of Troy, and wife of Agamemnon.
The story opens in Sparta, with Clytemnestra and her brothers and sisters growing up in the highly disciplined court of Tyndareus. Advantageous marriage is the order of the day, and while Helen makes the perhaps surprising choice to wed Menelaus, Clytemnestra finds a love match with Tantalus, the King of Pisa. She’s a strong character from the outset, hard but fair, notably kind to her younger sisters, and closely bonded to her beautiful sister (not twin here) Helen. But as anyone with a basic knowledge of Greek legend will know, Clytemnestra’s story is one of great pain, loss, and revenge. No matter how brave and clever she is, time and circumstance will divide her from Helen, as well as from her home and family in Sparta.
In Casati’s beautifully worded prose, knowledge of the tragedies that await Clytemnestra is not a prerequisite, although readers who are in the know will find this only adds to the dramatic tension as events unfold. Although satisfying in terms of the story arc, the novel’s end point surprised me. Having been wholly absorbed by this engrossing read, I was left wanting more and will be on the lookout for more from Costanza Casati. Perhaps a sequel from Electra’s point of view?
Look no further for an outstanding portrait in humanity, motherhood, sisterhood, grief, loss and revenge.
