Ithaca

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Once I was able to just sit with it and read large chunks, I began to enjoy it more and also appreciate the world building as well as the intent of the author.

Ancient geopolitics, espionage, treachery, and games of power make it thrilling, and deeply personal stakes make it intimate and focused.

I'd like to continue seeing more of the gods and goddesses that watch down on the mortals of the story – and sometimes intervene – but not at the expense of connecting with the main characters. she does a great job at providing support and helping empower the women who often get overlooked in the original myths. But everyone waits for the balance of power to tip, and Penelope knows that any choice she makes could plunge Ithaca into a bloody civil war. I have liked others more, but in the end, I enjoyed this one enough to mark the forthcoming second novel in the series as one I will be reading. There is clever plotting at the heart of this book which is fitting given that Penelope and Odysseus were known for their wits.

Overall, if you are a fan of feminist retellings of Greek mythology, you should add this one to your list. Between Penelope’s many suitors, a cold war of dubious alliances and hidden knives reigns, as everyone waits for the balance of power to tip one way or another. But on the isle, it is the choices of the abandoned women—and their goddesses—that will change the course of the world. I'm no classics scholar, but I know just enough to appreciate the skill with which she weaves in other stories - Clytemnestra's, most importantly, but also pirates and Egyptians - to imbue Penelope with even more agency and foresight.But on the isle, it is the choices of the abandoned women – and their goddesses – that will change the course of the world.

But now, years on, speculation is mounting that husband is dead, and suitors are starting to knock at her door . This fresh take on an ancient narrative will capture the imagination and heart of readers both new to and well versed in Homer’s works.

I’ve always disliked Hera, but in the past year or so I’ve read multiple books that showcased facets of her I had never considered. In addition to tactfully handling the volatile situation with her suitors, she is also troubled by the presence of a queen being hunted by her vengeful children for murdering their father. Despite being Penelope’s story, the novel itself is narrated by Hera, who is, according to ancient Greek religion, the Goddess of marriage, women and family, and the protector of women during childbirth.