I very much enjoyed Jennifer Saint’s earlier foray into ancient myth and history. Her first novel, Ariadne, was an absorbing read that captured a time and place and did so from the women’s point of view. I also highly recommended this new book to those who like historical fiction and are fascinated by ancient Greece.
Some of the characters in this novel may be known to readers while others may not; they are numerous and may be a bit challenging for some readers to keep track of. It is worth the effort to sort them out!
The historical period is partly around the Trojan War. Complex loyalties and revenge dictate much of the action leading to war and other decisions made by the men in this book.
Some of the couples whom readers get to know are Penelope/Odysseus; Clytemnestra/Agamemnon; and Helen/Menelaus/Paris. There are also many others who are important to the narrative including Elektra, Iphigenia, Achilles and Cassandra. Each is entangled within their family, marriages, infidelities, history and gods. It makes for a satisfying narrative.
Inside this story are wars, complex relationships, revenge, honor, daily life and more. Reading this novel, of course, I saw how over the top the Greek Gods could be. Life from the female point of view is very well portrayed.
I found this title to be an immersive read. I recommend it highly.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub Date 03 May 2022
From the Publisher
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 