House of Names

In House of Names, Mary Beard explores the aftermath of Agamemnon's murderous action, which sets the entire family on a path of intimate violence. Electra and Orestes must find a way to right these wrongs of the past, even if it means committing themselves to a terrible, barbarous act.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 05 April 2018
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Unforgettable is a novel by Mary Beard that delves into the depths of human cruelty and sacrifice. The story follows the life of Electra, a young woman who is forced to marry Agamemnon, the king of Mycenae. Agamemnon, driven by his thirst for power and glory, orders Electra's sacrifice to appease the gods. Despite her gagged mouth and muffled screams, her father's murderous actions haunt her and her family for years to come.

Three years after Electra's sacrifice, Agamemnon returns home to a world of chaos and violence. His murderous actions have set his entire family on a path of intimate violence, as they navigate a world of hushed commands and soundless journeys through the palace's dungeons and bedchambers. Electra, as the silent observer to the family's game of innocence, witnesses the devastating consequences of her father's actions.

Meanwhile, Agamemnon's son, Orestes, is sent into bewildering and frightening exile, where survival is far from certain. Orestes, driven by his desire for revenge, must find a way to right the wrongs of the past even if it means committing himself to a terrible, barbarous act.

House of Names is a story of intense longing and shocking betrayal. It is a work of great beauty and daring, from one of our finest living writers. The novel explores the themes of power, loyalty, and the consequences of one's actions, and is a testament to the power of literature to shed light on the human condition.

Unforgettable has received critical acclaim from critics worldwide. The Daily Telegraph described it as a "masterpiece," while the Guardian praised it for its "hauntingly believable" portrayal of human emotions. The Observer praised Beard's "celebration of what novels can do," and the Sunday Times named it one of the bestsellers of the year.

In conclusion, Unforgettable is a powerful and unforgettable novel that delves into the depths of human cruelty and sacrifice. It is a work of great beauty and daring, from one of our finest living writers. The novel explores the themes of power, loyalty, and the consequences of one's actions, and is a testament to the power of literature to shed light on the human condition.

Weight: 198g
Dimension: 128 x 196 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780241257692