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.