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Clytemnestra's Bind by Susan C Wilson Publication: June 2023 Publisher: Neem Tree Press Genre: Mythology Rating: ★★★★★ |
Queen Clytemnestra's world shatters when Agamemnon, a rival to the throne of Mycenae, storms her palace, destroys her family and claims not only the throne but Clytemnestra herself.
Tormented by her loss, she vows to do all she can to protect the children born from her unhappy marriage to Agamemnon. But when her husband casts his ruthless gaze towards the wealthy citadel of Troy, his ambitions threaten, once more, to destroy the family Clytemnestra loves.
From one of Greek mythology's most reviled characters—a woman who challenged the absolute power of men—comes this fiery tale of power, family rivalry and a mother's burning love.
Tormented by her loss, she vows to do all she can to protect the children born from her unhappy marriage to Agamemnon. But when her husband casts his ruthless gaze towards the wealthy citadel of Troy, his ambitions threaten, once more, to destroy the family Clytemnestra loves.
From one of Greek mythology's most reviled characters—a woman who challenged the absolute power of men—comes this fiery tale of power, family rivalry and a mother's burning love.
The House of Atreus #1
Susan C Wilson's CLYTEMNESTRA'S BIND emerges as a formidable entry into the realm of mythological retellings, offering readers a fresh perspective on the ancient tale of Clytemnestra. The novel, which is the first in a trilogy, promises to delve deeper into the lives of Clytemnestra's twin sister Helen and daughter Electra in subsequent books, setting the stage for an expansive exploration of these intertwined destinies.
The narrative unfolds through the bitter and poignant first-person account of Clytemnestra, the queen of Mycenae, whose life is marred by tragedy. Wilson's portrayal of Clytemnestra is complex and multifaceted, presenting her not just as Agamemnon's wife but as a mother fiercely devoted to her children. Her narrative voice is compelling, drawing readers into her inner world as she navigates the treacherous waters of love, loss, and vengeance.
At the heart of the story is Clytemnestra's unwavering love for her children, which becomes her driving force. The loss of her firstborn ignites a chilling resolve to shield her remaining offspring from the cruel whims of fate and the machinations of those who would use them as mere tools. Wilson adeptly captures the perilous tightrope walk between maternal instinct and the societal roles imposed upon women, highlighting the timeless struggle for autonomy and respect.
The novel does not shy away from the brutality inherent in its mythological roots. Wilson's writing is raw and unflinching, laying bare the violence that pervades the lives of her characters. Yet, it is this very savagery that lends authenticity to the narrative, grounding the fantastical elements in a reality that is as unforgiving as it is captivating.
Wilson's vivid descriptions transport readers to the ancient world of Mycenae, with its grand banquets, sacred rituals, and the ever-present glow of hearth fires. The attention to detail in the depiction of the citadel's domestic life adds a rich layer of texture to the story, making the setting an integral character in its own right.
CLYTEMNESTRA'S BIND is a reclamation of a voice that has often been overshadowed by the more famous figures of Greek mythology. Wilson breathes life into Clytemnestra, transforming her from a character in a well-worn tale to a living, breathing individual with a story that demands to be heard. It is a testament to the enduring power of myth and the ways in which it can be reinterpreted to resonate with contemporary audiences.
In conclusion, Susan C Wilson's debut novel is a triumph of storytelling, weaving together the threads of ancient myth with the emotional depth of human experience. It is a book that both devastates and uplifts, leaving this reader eager for the next chapter in this evocative trilogy. For those who have yet to experience CLYTEMNESTRA'S BIND, it is a journey well worth taking, one that will linger in the mind long after the final page is turned.
Susan C Wilson's CLYTEMNESTRA'S BIND emerges as a formidable entry into the realm of mythological retellings, offering readers a fresh perspective on the ancient tale of Clytemnestra. The novel, which is the first in a trilogy, promises to delve deeper into the lives of Clytemnestra's twin sister Helen and daughter Electra in subsequent books, setting the stage for an expansive exploration of these intertwined destinies.
The narrative unfolds through the bitter and poignant first-person account of Clytemnestra, the queen of Mycenae, whose life is marred by tragedy. Wilson's portrayal of Clytemnestra is complex and multifaceted, presenting her not just as Agamemnon's wife but as a mother fiercely devoted to her children. Her narrative voice is compelling, drawing readers into her inner world as she navigates the treacherous waters of love, loss, and vengeance.
At the heart of the story is Clytemnestra's unwavering love for her children, which becomes her driving force. The loss of her firstborn ignites a chilling resolve to shield her remaining offspring from the cruel whims of fate and the machinations of those who would use them as mere tools. Wilson adeptly captures the perilous tightrope walk between maternal instinct and the societal roles imposed upon women, highlighting the timeless struggle for autonomy and respect.
The novel does not shy away from the brutality inherent in its mythological roots. Wilson's writing is raw and unflinching, laying bare the violence that pervades the lives of her characters. Yet, it is this very savagery that lends authenticity to the narrative, grounding the fantastical elements in a reality that is as unforgiving as it is captivating.
Wilson's vivid descriptions transport readers to the ancient world of Mycenae, with its grand banquets, sacred rituals, and the ever-present glow of hearth fires. The attention to detail in the depiction of the citadel's domestic life adds a rich layer of texture to the story, making the setting an integral character in its own right.
CLYTEMNESTRA'S BIND is a reclamation of a voice that has often been overshadowed by the more famous figures of Greek mythology. Wilson breathes life into Clytemnestra, transforming her from a character in a well-worn tale to a living, breathing individual with a story that demands to be heard. It is a testament to the enduring power of myth and the ways in which it can be reinterpreted to resonate with contemporary audiences.
In conclusion, Susan C Wilson's debut novel is a triumph of storytelling, weaving together the threads of ancient myth with the emotional depth of human experience. It is a book that both devastates and uplifts, leaving this reader eager for the next chapter in this evocative trilogy. For those who have yet to experience CLYTEMNESTRA'S BIND, it is a journey well worth taking, one that will linger in the mind long after the final page is turned.
About the Author:
Susan C. Wilson is a working-class Scottish writer. Her lifelong passion for ancient Greece was ignited as a child by stumbling across stories of gods and heroes in the dictionary. She loves to explore what makes us human: the eternal motivations, desires and instincts that cross time and place.
She has a degree in journalism from Napier University and, in preparation for writing her novels, gained a diploma in classical studies from the Open University. Clytemnestra’s Bind, her debut novel, was long-listed for the Mslexia Novel Competition 2019. It is the first in The House of Atreus trilogy and will be published by Neem Tree Press in June 2023. Photo curtesy of Neem Tree Press.
She has a degree in journalism from Napier University and, in preparation for writing her novels, gained a diploma in classical studies from the Open University. Clytemnestra’s Bind, her debut novel, was long-listed for the Mslexia Novel Competition 2019. It is the first in The House of Atreus trilogy and will be published by Neem Tree Press in June 2023. Photo curtesy of Neem Tree Press.
*Thanks to Neem Tree Press and @TheWriteReads for the ebook access in exchange for this unbiased review.
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