Review - Ithaca (The Songs of Penelope, #1) by Claire North

 

 

 

Title: Ithaca (The Songs of Penelope, #1)

Author: Claire North

Pages: 401

Publisher: Orbit

Release Date: 6th September 2022

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

 Seventeen years ago, King Odysseus sailed to war with Troy, taking with him every man of fighting age from the island of Ithaca. None of them has returned, and the women of Ithaca have been left behind to run the kingdom.

Penelope was barely into womanhood when she wed Odysseus. While he lived, her position was secure. But now, years on, speculation is mounting that her husband is dead, and suitors are beginning to knock at her door.

No one man is strong enough to claim Odysseus' empty throne—not yet. But everyone waits for the balance of power to tip, and Penelope knows that any choice she makes could plunge Ithaca into bloody civil war. Only through cunning, wit, and her trusted circle of maids, can she maintain the tenuous peace needed for the kingdom to survive.

This is the story of Penelope of Ithaca, famed wife of Odysseus, as it has never been told before. Beyond Ithaca’s shores, the whims of gods dictate the wars of men. But on the isle, it is the choices of the abandoned women—and their goddesses— that will change the course of the world.

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My Review:

 

 

When Odysseus left the island of Ithaca seventeen years ago to fight at Troy, he left behind his throne and his family.
Odysseus's wife, Penelope, has done her best to keep the kingdom of Ithaca running, and her people safe, but the palace is full of men who desire the empty throne.
One wrong move could cause war, but there is only so much Penelope can do with her limited resources and allies. Sooner or later, she will have to make a choice, one that could leave Ithaca in turmoil.

Like most people, I knew more about Odysseus than Penelope going into this book. I'm a fan of Greek mythology, so I was interested in finding out more about Penelope and Ithaca.
Penelope was a relatable and likeable protagonist - she was in a very difficult position, and she hadn't seen her husband in nearly two decades, and didn't even know if Odysseus was still alive.
I thought Penelope was smart and I liked her relationships with the maids and Medon, one of the councillors.
The novel was told from the perspective of Hera, which surprised me, but I enjoyed. Hera is one of the main Greek gods that I know the least about, so it was interesting to read her thoughts and reactions to what was happening.
The plot was enjoyable and held my attention, but I feel that the book could have been just a little bit shorter.
The writing was easy to follow and I would read another book by the author, but I don't feel gripped or invested enough in the story to continue with the series.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read.