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Learn moreBookseller recommendation
“There are so many Greek retellings, and this, like others, is a lot of fun. The cheeky voice of Hera is definitely a highlight. The author has a great talent for personifying the gods.”
— Kristine • Buttonwood Books and Toys
Bookseller recommendation
“Beautifully rendered perspective of a well known Grecian tale. Hera's voice and perspective of the forgotten women in The Odyssey is a wonderful addition to any Greek Folklore lover's shelf.”
— Jayme • Second Flight Books
Bookseller recommendation
“A marvelous retelling of Greek myth from a woman's perspective. Told from Hera's perspective, we get delightful insight into the worlds of gods and women - in this case, Penelope, left to run a bankrupt kingdom and serve as a single mother while her husband, Odysseus, is off on a supposedly heroic quest. ”
— Claire • Honest Dog Books
From the multi-award-winning author Claire North comes a daring reimagining that breathes life into ancient myth and gives voice to the women who stand defiant in a world ruled by ruthless men. It’s time for the women of Ithaca to tell their tale . . .
"North brings a powerful, fresh, and unflinching voice to ancient myth. Breathtaking." —Jennifer Saint, author of Ariadne
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 as everyone waits for the balance of power to tip, Penelope knows that any choice she makes could plunge Ithaca into bloody civil war.
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.
Claire North is a pseudonym for Catherine Webb, who wrote several novels in various genres before publishing her first major work as Claire North, The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August. It was a critically acclaimed success, receiving rave reviews and becoming a word of mouth bestseller. She has since published several hugely popular and critically acclaimed novels, won the World Fantasy Award and the John W. Campbell Memorial Award, and been shortlisted for the Arthur C. Clarke Award and the Philip K. Dick Award. She lives in London.
Reviews
"Claire North brings a powerful, fresh, and unflinching voice to ancient myth—darkly fascinating, raw and breathtaking."—Jennifer Saint, author of Ariadne, on Ithaca "There is no doubt that Claire North is an exceptional writer with a brilliant imagination and eloquent storytelling."—Nerd Daily on Notes from the Burning Age "A fantastical nightmare so skillfully sketched that it felt like truth. And when it was done, I simply didn't want to leave... Compelling [and] beautiful."—NPR Books on Notes from the Burning Age "Consistently thoughtful fiction like this needs to be championed. I'll admit it, I'm a little in awe of the author. Her work is sublime.... Claire North deserves your undivided attention."—The Eloquent Page on 84K "North is an original and even dazzling writer."—Kirkus on 84K "Claire North is a true original, a master of ingenious plotting and feats of imagination."—Alex Marwood, author of The Wicked Girls, on The Sudden Appearance of Hope Expand reviews