I'd like to continue seeing more of the gods and goddesses that watch down on the mortals of the story – and sometimes intervene – but not at the expense of connecting with the main characters. The addition of this being told from Hera’s POV though is what really takes the feminist undertone to a new level. If the writing ever killed a story, this came close, and it makes me sad because I really like Penelope and this interpretation of her story didn't work for me solely because of the writing and POV style.

she does a great job at providing support and helping empower the women who often get overlooked in the original myths. I’m definitely interested to see where the next book goes, anyway, as I don’t think I’ve heard much about the events that follow so I’m already very intrigued! But what begin as innocent flights of fancy soon become forays into hazardous territory; the girl is a dangerous (and very committed) partner in crime. Disclaimer: This book was gifted to me by the publisher, but this has not impacted this honest review. Benge unravels the elusive idea of belonging in a deeply nomadic account of what it means to find your way home.There seems to be no sentence going to waste, with word choices being picked carefully, and paragraphs revealing much of a character’s soul, in addition to moving the plot along and conveying themes and atmosphere… I could gush about North’s writing style for hours! The well-loved classic is present: Penelope is beautiful, determined, fading; the suitors are shocking; Menelaus and Helen fight bitterly; the aging Nestor tries to guide Telemachus true. She spent her early childhood in Ethiopia with her Christian missionary family, and from 1999 to 2012 lived in Australia, where she served in the army.

When the others are dead and gone, when Clytemnestra’s body is burnt and Penelope has breathed her last, only Elektra will remain, the last woman to carry my fire.I, for one, cannot wait to learn what's next for Penelope – and how she will continue to be the clever and strong queen that Ithaca needs. From the multi award-winning Claire North comes a daring, exquisite and moving tale that breathes life into ancient myth, and tells of the women who stand defiant in a world ruled by ruthless men. for those readers who have, you will definitely enjoy heras feminist commentary on the familiar events. Although the focus is ostensibly on Penelope, it is actually Hera who commands the spotlight with her narrative voice, irreverent attitude, sharp tongue, and brutal honesty. These characters aren’t meant to be clean cut, good or bad, instead it’s meant to show the hypocrisy of, not just ancient Greece, but humanity in general, how the God’s that were and are still reviled aren’t that different from us mere humans, and this is something North does incredibly well.