Elektra - Jennifer Saint

Since reading Ariadne, I've been so excited for Jennifer Saint's second novel, Elektra. I'm happy to report that it did not disappoint! The novel is narrated from three perspectives: Cassandra, who is cursed by Apollo to see the future and have no-one believe her; Clytemnestra, wife of Agamemnon and sister of Helen; and Elektra, daughter of Clytemnestra who hates her mother with a fiery passion.

The story tells of the Greek invasion of Troy, and the lead up to it, and subsequent enslavement of the Trojan women by the Greek men. Agamemnon will stop at nothing to bring good fortune to their journey to war, even if it involves personal sacrifice - and Clytemnestra resolves to seek her revenge on her husband for his treachery. Cassandra, meanwhile, knows that Troy will fall. She tries to warn people, but the more she speaks the more she is shunned. Her ability to see the future is a curse she must bear and simply watch the horror unfold, powerless to stop it.

Elektra is feisty and determined, and devoted to her father. Clytemnestra's bloodlust for Agamemnon has pushed her youngest daughter away, and Elektra marries a poor farmer to escape the cursed bloodline she has been born into.

As before, Saint's powerful feminist retelling of Greek myth is moving, vibrant and gripping. The women's voices of Greece and Troy are amplified beautifully once again, and their side of the story is masterfully told. The portrayal of landscape, family and grief is stunning and the characters are all relatable in different ways, whilst maintaining the pattern of flaw that the mythological characters have. A top read!