In company with Pat Barker, Madeline Miller, Natalie Haynes et al Daughters of Sparta continues the contemporary trend of revisiting the Greek myths from the female perspective. Here we are treated to the engrossing story of sisters, Helen and Clytemnestra, (in the book the Greek spelling is acknowledged with a ‘K’). And ‘treat’ is the operative word.
With an accessible and flowing narrative this author has created a believable and engaging account of how events might be viewed from the sisters’ context. It’s a dual narrative with chapters switching between the two women. We see them grow from childhood to womanhood caught within the protocols of the grecian culture of the time - arranged marriages, male freedoms etc.
Greek mythology is complex and one myth/legend is inextricably linked to others. This book focuses on the sisters and the subtler points of that relationship, their own thoughts and emotions. Once parted by marriage I don’t think they ever saw each other again but their connection is implicit. Helen’s genealogy is not specifically explored, hinted at maybe, and some of the relationships between the men, Hector, Achilles remain unstated but the point of the book is to look at a much told tale from another angle, the sisters. There is no attempt to intellectualise the events but rather to try and get under the skin of two women born into a culture and society very different from our own.
It’s a very readable book and hopefully very accessible to those who might otherwise eschew the thought of a story about ancient Greeks! My thanks to team Bookends for a gifted proof.
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