Ithaca: The exquisite, gripping tale that breathes life into ancient myth

In the book "Ithaca," Claire North retells the story of Penelope of Ithaca, the wife of Odysseus, as it has never been told before. The women of Ithaca are left to run the kingdom while their men are at war, and Penelope must choose between suitors who are vying for her husband's empty throne.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 20 April 2023
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Claire North brings a powerful, fresh, and unflinching voice to ancient myth, darkly fascinating, raw, and breathtaking. Jennifer Saint, author of the Sunday Times bestseller Ariadne, has written a historical fiction book of the year. This is the story of Penelope of Ithaca, famed wife of Odysseus, as it has never been told before. Beyond Ithaca's shores, the whims of gods dictate the wars of men. But on the isle, it is the choices of the abandoned women and their goddesses that will change the course of the world. The greatest power we women can own is that which we take in secret. Seventeen years ago, King Odysseus sailed to war with Troy, taking with him every man of fighting age from the isle of Ithaca. None of them has returned, and the women of Ithaca have been left behind to run the kingdom. Penelope was barely into womanhood when she wed Odysseus. While he lived, her position was secure. But now, years on, speculation is mounting that her husband is dead, and suitors are beginning to knock at her door. No one man is strong enough to claim Odysseus' empty throne—not yet. 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. 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. It's time for the women of Ithaca to tell their tale.

Everything I've wanted in a retelling: a vibrant cast, full of suspense, told with a phenomenal narrative voice—this is an absolute masterpiece. Sarah Bonner, author of Her Perfect Twin, has written a historical fiction book of the year. Told in the arresting voice of the goddess Hera, Ithaca conjures a world of magic, mystery, and danger. Penelope, the abandoned wife of Odysseus, is forced to choose between her loyalty to her husband and the safety of her kingdom. As she navigates the treacherous waters of politics and power, Penelope must confront the gods and their cruel games. With the help of her loyal maid, Eurydice, and the goddess Athena, Penelope must find a way to save Ithaca from destruction and restore peace to the land.

In this retelling of the classic myth, Claire North brings a fresh perspective to the story of Penelope and Odysseus. She explores the power of women and the choices they must make in a world ruled by men. The book is filled with suspense, drama, and unexpected twists. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the narrative voice is powerful and evocative. Overall, Ithaca is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and mythology. It is a testament to the strength and resilience of women in a world that often seeks to undermine them.

Weight: 298g
Dimension: 196 x 128 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780356516066