An exceptional entry in the recent trend of Greek Mythological Retelling, I'm Excited!!

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I've always enjoyed Greek Mythology, so much so I went to school to study it further. However, in recent years there's been a trend of novelists taking mythological figures and expanding or retelling their stories. My first introduction to this theme was Circe by Madeline Miller. I was enthralled and finished the book in a couple days because it was such a fantastic story that really hit hard on the pathos. Then came Natalie Haynes, Natasha Joukovsky, and Jennifer Saint. And now, we can add Costanza Casati to that esteemed list.

First note: I love the cover artwork. In most books I alluded to above, they tend to have very period-appropriate covers evoking black-figure or red-figure pottery, mosaic frescos, or other types of Archaic or Hellenic artwork. Casati's cover continues in that fashion with a red-figure inspired design but adds a playing card styled reversal that shows Clytemnestra the Queen and Clytemnestra the Betrayer. This cover is *chef's kiss*.

As far as the preview text, I enjoyed the heart-pounding beginning; excited to see this adventurous side to Clytemnestra. Then, as the text unfolds, we get to meet the rest of the legendary family from strong Leda, the fair Helen who would launch a thousand ships, and the younger sisters. The sisterly relationship was a delightful read and helped flesh out just not Clytemnestra's character, but also add depth to Helen. Helen expressing sadness that her father did not treat her like his other daughters due to Helen's questionable parentage (and Clytemnestra's attempts to reassure her) was exceptionally poignant.

The final bit of the preview was steamy as we meet the foreign king Tantalus and Clytemnestra begrudgingly begins to feel attracted to the man. I definitely want to continue this story, and see when we eventually get to meet Agamemnon and Aegisthus! One of the things I enjoyed was the subtle use of the Greek language, dropping a word in here and there and then explaining for those who may not know the language. This aids in setting the scene without feeling to expository, but also helps flavor Casati's already spectacular prose. Discussing heading to the gyneceum and discussing Leda's harpazein to Tyndareus immerses the reader into an ancient Greek palace, allowing them to explore life among the Mycenaean-age nobles.

Truly, I can't wait to finish this book!