The women in Ancient Greece were expected to learn the demure arts of music and dance, while the men prepared for war. In Sparta, however, where Princess Clytemnestra grew up, girls were also trained in wrestling, archery and the use of sword, shield and spear. Sparta produced ‘strong, free-willed women’.

The narrative begins in Clytemnestra’s adolescence, where she hones her fighting skills, learns the politics of ruling kingdoms from her parents, and protects her beautiful sister, Helen. Clytemnestra’s brothers, Castor and Polydeuces, leave to help Jason find the golden fleece. (Herein lies the beauty of this novel – the focus of the narrative is on the female characters within, not the usual macho adventures.) The brothers leave as Clytemnestra marries Tantalus, a kind king from a smaller city. A boy is born to them, but this happiness cannot last.

Kings are called to vie for Helen’s hand. Her successful suitor is Menelaus. His brother, Agamemnon, desires Clytemnestra and kills both her husband and child. The narrative moves forward 15 years and Clytemnestra is married (by force) to Agamemnon. When Helen is abducted by the Trojan prince, Paris, the Greeks form an army to retrieve her. The ensuing Trojan War occurs off-page. What is covered is Clytemnestra’s ability to govern in Agamemnon’s absence, her fury at his cold brutality, and her need to exact revenge.

Casati has an extensive knowledge of her subject, and an ability to transfer it to the page. Clytemnestra is another marvellous book accelerating the trend of giving the female characters within Greek myths the agency they deserve.

Reviewed by Bob Moore

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