But on the isle, it is the choices of the abandoned women-and their goddesses-that will change the course of the world.

Beyond Ithaca's shores, the whims of gods dictate the wars of men. This is the story of Penelope of Ithaca, famed wife of Odysseus, as it has never been told before. But as everyone waits for the balance of power to tip, Penelope knows that any choice she makes could plunge Ithaca into bloody civil war. No one man is strong enough to claim Odysseus' empty throne-not yet. But now, years on, speculation is mounting that her husband is dead, and suitors are beginning to knock at her door. Penelope was barely into womanhood when she wed Odysseus. None of them has returned, and the women of Ithaca have been left behind to run the kingdom. 'Claire North brings a powerful, fresh, and unflinching voice to ancient mythdarkly fascinating, raw and breathtaking.'Jennifer Saint, author of Ariadne 'Like Penelope at her loom, North weaves and unweaves, teasing out the threads of Homeric myth to recombine them into something unique, wonderful, and urgently contemporary. Breathtaking.' - Jennifer Saint, author of Ariadne Seventeen years ago, King Odysseus sailed to war with Troy, taking with him every man of fighting age from the island of Ithaca. 'North brings a powerful, fresh, and unflinching voice to ancient myth. It’s time for the women of Ithaca to tell their tale. Mythology of any kind fascinates me, but I’ve been obsessed with Greek mythology almost since I learned to read. From the multi-award-winning author Claire North comes a daring reimagining that breathes life into ancient myth and gives voice to the women who stand defiant in a world ruled by ruthless men. Ithaca by Claire North My rating: 5 of 5 stars I received an advance copy of this novel from the publisher, Redhook via Orbit Books, in exchange for an honest review.

Ithaca claire north review