Suitors trying to gain her hand and the throne, her land being pressured to take a new King, and all sorts of trickery and manipulation that accompanies these stories and mythologies. The plot is as expected, Penelope’s experience of Odysseus’ absence. While I enjoyed Hera’s perspective and narration, at times it felt a little repetitive. It was a nice choice that helped maintain some pace in this book – which is otherwise rather slow paced. This was an interesting choice that lent a blunt and cynical humour to the book, while also not shying away from her own brutal view of some of the men, and the Gods. Despite Penelope being the eponymous character, the book is told from the perspective of the Goddess Hera. It tells the story of Penelope in Odysseus’ absence and sticks close to Odysseus’ original tale.Ĭlaire North’s prose is gorgeous and lyrical. Ithaca by Claire North is a beautiful retelling of Odysseus with it’s lens fixed on Penelope. But with suitors vying for the throne, pirates attacking her Kingdom, and threats looming all around her, she must use her wit to keep Ithaca intact.ĬW/TW: Sexism/Misogyny/Rape/Death/Murder/Sacrifice/Death of a child/Slavery/others may be present. Synopsis: Odysseus has not returned home and Penelope must must maintain a fragile balance in his absence.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |