Clytemnestra (novel)
A feminist retelling of Clytemnestra's story.
Clytemnestra is a 2023 debut novel by Costanza Casati that retells the story of the Greek mythological figure Clytemnestra from her own perspective. The work is a feminist reimagining that challenges the traditional portrayal of Clytemnestra as a villainous betrayer of her husband Agamemnon.
Quick Facts
- Author
- Costanza Casati
- Language
- English
- Genre
- Fantasy; myth
- Publisher
- Sourcebooks
- Published
- 2 March 2023
- Pages
- 448
Facts from the source article.
Plot
Clytemnestra and her sister Helen grow up in Sparta as daughters of King Tyndareus and Leda. Helen is clever but physically weaker, and Clytemnestra defends her from other girls, including their age-mate Cynisca. Rumors about Helen's parentage—some say Zeus raped Leda, others that Helen is a mortal bastard—make her childhood difficult. Clytemnestra's twin brothers Castor and Polydeuces plan to join Jason and the Argonauts. Clytemnestra weds Tantalus and becomes pregnant; he returns to his kingdom temporarily. Political turmoil erupts in Mycenae when King Atreus is murdered by his nephew Aegisthus. Atreus's sons Agamemnon and Menelaus flee to Sparta, where Agamemnon abuses female servants. Tyndareus refuses to send them away. The brothers reclaim their throne and exile Aegisthus. Tyndareus holds a contest for Helen's hand, forcing suitors to swear an oath to support her eventual husband; Helen chooses Menelaus. Assisted by Cynisca, Agamemnon kills Tantalus and Clytemnestra's newborn son. Tyndareus approved the scheme to strengthen the Spartan-Mycenaean alliance. Clytemnestra is forced to marry Agamemnon. Fifteen years later, she and Agamemnon have children including Iphigenia, Orestes, and Elektra. She returns to Sparta for her father's funeral, kills Cynisca, and learns Helen is hosting Paris of Troy. Helen confesses an affair with Paris. Castor is killed in a dispute involving women. On the same day, Clytemnestra learns Helen has left Menelaus for Paris. Agamemnon and Menelaus raise an army from Helen's former suitors. Clytemnestra and Iphigenia are summoned to Aulis, where Agamemnon claims to have arranged a marriage with Achilles. The Greek ships are trapped by lack of wind; on the seer Calchas's orders, Agamemnon sacrifices Iphigenia to win Artemis's favor.
Major themes
The novel is part of a tradition of Greek tales about vengeance. It reimagines how men and women are treated in the original texts, showing that celebrated Greek men were selfish and violent, taking what they wanted without regard for others. This is exemplified when Theseus is not punished for raping Helen, and when Iphigenia's death is condoned by Greek men while Clytemnestra is portrayed as villainous for killing Agamemnon. The story addresses systemic cruelty and kyriarchal oppression, showing how men sacrifice women for power and how Clytemnestra hardens herself, reducing people to tools to ensure her victory.
Reception and awards
Lacy Baugher Milas of Paste praised Casati's focus on Clytemnestra's origins and upbringing, noting that less than a quarter of the novel covers Iphigenia's sacrifice and Clytemnestra's revenge, making familiar plot beats feel fresh. Milas also commended the decision to end before the aftermath of Agamemnon's murder, calling it a moment of triumph known to be false but welcome. Siobhan Ball of The Mary Sue concluded there are no heroes in the novel, only damaged people the reader empathizes with. Fabienne Schwizer of Grimdark Magazine compared the novel to other modern retellings, calling it the most character-driven and praising its pacing. Kate Braithwaite of the Historical Novel Society compared it to works by Madeline Miller and Natalie Haynes, calling it an outstanding portrait of humanity, motherhood, sisterhood, grief, loss, and revenge. Publishers Weekly called it an impressive debut, praising its vivid imagery and nuanced characterizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Clytemnestra (novel) published?
Clytemnestra was published on 2 March 2023.
Who published Clytemnestra (novel)?
Clytemnestra was published by Sourcebooks.
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