Who are the: Daughters of Sparta

A Novel

by Claire Heywood

Historical novels about the ancient Greeks and Romans seem to be enjoying a good deal of popularity at the moment. I have read Ariadne, Elektra and Pandora’s Jar, to name just a few. I have also spent time with Stephen Fry’s retellings of the Greek myths. I wonder if, as our world, seems increasingly unsettled, authors and readers turn to other complex times either for answers or to remember that there have been many other complicated historical eras.

In Daughters of Sparta, Ms. Heywood tells her version of the story about the ever famous Helen and her sister Klytemnestra. Their fates were entwined and the story told here is involving. How did these young girls lives become the subject of love, war, revenge and mythology? Find out in this historical novel. Ms. Heywood does a good job of bringing their world to life.

Many thanks to Penguin Group Dutton and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 22 Jun 2021

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for Daughters of Sparta

“Heywood’s wondrous retelling of the lives of two ancient princesses struggling for independence and agency in a patriarchal society resonates deeply in today’s imperfect world. Required reading for fans of Circe, and a remarkable, thrilling debut.” —Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Lions of Fifth Avenue

“Helen of Troy and her sister Klytemnestra are reimagined in this gorgeous retelling of the classic Greek myth—not as women defined by their husbands and lovers but as battle-weary survivors of a patriarchal society who take control of their own destiny. Absolutely riveting!” —Alka Joshi, New York Times bestselling author of The Henna Artist