House of Odysseus by Claire North
| House of Odysseus by Claire North | |
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| Category: Literary Fiction | |
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Reviewer: Olivia Tierney
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| Summary: Gorgeous and enthralling, House of Odysseus, is a resplendent and superb novel. There is a depth to the story, built and carried through from Ithaca, which is accentuated with depth in the characters who you cannot help but champion and root for. A celebration of women, Claire North's latest book is excellently paced and plotted, and has that certain magic that will keep you reading until the very (satisfying) end. | |
| Buy? Yes | Borrow? Yes |
| Pages: 432 | Date: August 2023 |
| Publisher: Orbit | |
| External links: Author's website | |
| ISBN: 978-0356516073 | |
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What could matter more than love?
The follow-up to the excellent Ithaca picks up a few months after where we left off. In the palace of Odysseus, with delicate care Queen Penelope continues to rule without her husband, who sailed to war at Troy and then by divine intervention never returned home. As ever she remains surrounded by suitors vying for the throne of the Western Isles. Having survived – politically and physically – the chaotic storm that Clytemnestra brought to Ithaca's shores, Queen Penelope is on the brink of a fragile peace. One that shatters however with the return of Orestes, King of Mycenae, and his sister Elektra, seeking refuge.
With the blood of his mother on his hands and circled by the Furies, Orestes, broken by guilt, has descended into madness. One that cannot be seen in a King. Especially not one whose throne is coveted by another. For across the sea, his uncle Menelaus, great victor at the battle of Troy, the King of Kings, desires Orestes' throne. For with it there will be no doubt that he is the most powerful of the Greeks. And that is the title he will stop at nothing to seize.
So it is that Penelope and Ithaca find themselves trapped between two Kings, one fragile and young, the other strong and cruel. As the two rulers come together, all the eyes of the world turn towards the small island, wondering which path fate will be led down.
But human eyes are not the only ones watching closely, for the goddess Aphrodite, with her own motives hidden up her sleeve, lingers at Queen Penelope's side, poised in the best seat to see everything unravel.
What a wonderful duology! I loved House of Odysseus as much as I loved Ithaca. The sequel is the perfect continuation. It's as epic, as heart-warming, as suspenseful, as calculating, as divine. And has that certain kind of magic in a novel that keeps you reading, keeps you invested in how the lives of those within will turn out. As now is currently common with Greek Mythology retellings it celebrates women – their actions, their emotions, their roles, their glory - over their male counterparts whose stories were once the only important ones.
The plot is woven together beautifully, with unpredictability scattered throughout. It keeps you guessing but it also flows as if it were not intricately planned, as if things fall into place like falling leaves, and that is a stroke of genius on North's part. The illusion that this is not just simply a story at all. Everything outstanding from Ithaca and everything fraying thread of House of Odysseus sows up neatly, its end is incredibly satisfying and leaves you with a feeling of gratitude for how you have been led through the story to its conclusion. Penelope's story, her character arc is perfectly done throughout the duology, growing in strength, wisdom and bravery as Queen of the island. The island's story mirrors that of hers too, with different women's tales evolving as they become more valued members of Ithacan society. I also loved how Elektra changed from the start of the duology to the end, from a selfish, arrogant girl to a woman with matured understanding of those around her.
Alongside the central characters, there are those who steal the scenes they are in. Laertes, father of Odysseus and once King, provides humour even in the bleakest of time. Priene, the pragmatic warrior, brings a brilliant, sleek edge to the story. Helen, the beauty that broke the world, forced to return to the life she abandoned, brings intrigue to the story. The goddesses too, who flicker in and out of chapters, add depth and personality to the story beyond its characters. I could go on, but I think it's best to leave the rest for you to discover.
Though I did love the novel and though I understand why Aphrodite had to be the narrative voice – and though I enjoyed the difference in how the story was told - I did miss Hera's voice. Her perspective added a gritty, bitter edge to the story in Ithaca which I wasn't quite yet ready to part with. But House of Odysseus has an overarching undercurrent of love – love between siblings, love between mother and son, love of power, love of beauty, and most importantly the love of one's land and one's people. It is therefore fitting that the narrator changes and it is interesting given how strong Aphrodite's voice is, how the character alters the storytelling without changing the events of the novel.
Seamlessly crafted, threaded with intelligence and decisions which involve high stakes and even greater consequences, House of Odysseus lives up to Ithaca 's example and shines beside it. What could easily be labelled just another Greek mythology retelling, is so much more and deserves as much of readers attention as possible. One not to miss.
Many thanks to the publishers for providing a copy for the Bookbag to review.
Enthralling and unusual in its narrator, House of Odysseus, shines as Ithaca, the first book in the series did. The plight of the women of Ithaca heightens and forces them to be their most cleverest, most determined and most ruthless selves. I cannot say enough to compliment the storytelling and the portrayal of the characters. There are elements of the novel which will evoke laughter, frowns, smiles and sadness. It is yet another Greek Mythology retelling that you should add to your shelves. A must buy this autumn.
In terms of further reading, if you want to read more stories of Greek Mythology reimagined as feminist retellings, look no further than Jennifer Saint's books. Her debut Ariadne is beautifully crafted, in terms of characters and worldbuilding, and her second novel Elektra plays with different narratives and revolves around the battle of Troy, the most pivotal moment in Greek Mythology. However, my personal favourite is her latest novel Atalanta which is a triumph, highlighting the story of a heroine which has always been cast in the shadow of her male counterparts. Much like House of Odysseus it is an exceptional novel that is a privilege to read.
If however, like me, you have read all these (a shame I know) why not try a story based around Norse Mythology. The Witch's Heart by Genevieve Gornichec is incredibly entertaining and one which you will be glad you picked up!
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