Clytemnestra

Written by Costanza Casati in 2023, Clytemnestra reinvents the story of Clytemnestra, a prominent figure in Greek mythology. Providing a revised, feminist perspective on an ancient tale, the novel portrays Clytemnestra’s evolution from a spirited Spartan princess to a vengeful queen, challenging the patriarchal overtones of the traditional narrative. This retelling by Casati sheds new light on Clytemnestra’s character. Often portrayed as a villain in Greek mythology, this novel reimagines Clytemnestra as a strong warrior, a dedicated mother and a powerful ruler. As a fiery figure who stands resilient despite deep trauma, she takes drastic actions that are framed as a response to extreme injustices and personal tragedies.

Born in Texas in 1995 and raised in northern Italy, Costanza Casati studied Ancient Greek and literature in college and later graduated from the Warwick Writing MA program in the UK. She has since worked as a screenwriter and journalist. Her experience with Ancient Greek literature enhances the narrative of Clytemnestra, which has garnered attention in literary circles. The novel has been shortlisted for the HWA Debut Crown Award and has also gained recognition as a Saturday Times bestseller.

Content Warning: The novel contains descriptions of violence, sexual assault, murder, infanticide, attempted suicide, and anti-gay bias. The narrative also explores complex and potentially distressing subjects such as familial betrayal and revenge.

This guide refers to the Sourcebooks Kindle Edition published in 2023.

Plot Summary

Clytemnestra: A Novel dives into the world of ancient Greek mythology by reimagining the life of Clytemnestra, the queen of Mycenae. The novel unfolds in several parts, each of which explores a different phase of Clytemnestra’s life, beginning with from her early days in Sparta and extending to her rule in Mycenae.

Part 1 introduces Clytemnestra in her youth, showcasing her strong and independent nature as a woman of Sparta. Her journey begins with her marriage to King Tantalus of Maeonia. When Menelaus and Agamemnon seek refuge in the palace, Agamemnon orchestrates the murder of her child and of Tantalus himself, then claims Clytemnestra as his wife in accordance with a pact he made with her father. This devastating series of events sets Clytemnestra gives her a deep thirst for vengeance.

Part 2 delves into Clytemnestra’s life as she adjusts to being Agamemnon’s wife in Mycenae. This part of her life is marked by her grief for her lost family and her growing hatred for Agamemnon. The narrative intensifies with the onset of the Trojan War and Agamemnon’s departure, after which it falls to Clytemnestra to rule Mycenae in his absence.

In Part 3, Clytemnestra becomes a strong and capable ruler despite the patriarchal constraints of her society. Her relationship with her children, particularly her daughters, showcases the challenges she faces as a mother and a queen. The narrative also introduces her affair with Aegisthus, Agamemnon’s cousin and enemy, which further complicates the political and personal dynamics in the palace.

In Part 4, Clytemnestra’s personal and political life becomes increasingly complex. After the Trojan War, Agamemnon returns to Mycenae, unaware of the fate that awaits him. Clytemnestra, having developed a relationship with Aegisthus, now harbors a deep-seated desire for vengeance and plots to kill Agamemnon. This plot unfolds amidst a backdrop of political intrigue and personal conflict, highlighting Clytemnestra’s transformation into a figure of power and retribution.

Part 5 deals with the aftermath of Agamemnon’s assassination, as Clytemnestra navigates the consequences of her actions, both within her family and in the broader context of her rule over Mycenae. Her relationship with her children, particularly Electra and Orestes, becomes strained as they grapple with the legacy of their mother’s deeds. Electra deeply disapproves as she struggles to reconcile her love for her mother with her anger over Clytemnestra’s actions.