Costanza Casati's “Clytemnestra” 

Written by Athina Mitropoulos

“All my life people have wronged me. I was whipped and shipped like a cow. My own father betrayed me. I was raped and humiliated, marred and beaten. But I am still here. All the things I have done, I did to protect the ones I loved. Wouldn’t you have done the same?” 

Clytemnestra justified her killing of her husband Agamemnon, king of Mycenae, “lord of men”, with these words. Her myth and story is not new to many who love Classics. Aeschylus’ tragedy “Agamemnon” made her story infamous, as have various artistic depictions, one of which is “Clytemnestra” by John Collier which towers over the staircase in the Guildhall Art Gallery in central London. Her story has featured in numerous outstanding modern retellings, such as Elektra by Jennifer Saint or Dayghters of Sparta by Claire Heywood, both of which I highly recommend.  

But Costanza Casati’s retelling is something else.  

What did you like most about this retelling? 

The power and strength she gave Clytemnestra, while also making her a very realistic and empathetic character. Being a woman in the ancient world was incredibly tough, but being part of the Spartan culture and royalty at that, with all the expectations and responsibilities that requires, must have been suffocating. Clytemnestra is a woman who has great dignity and self-assurance, but is also a victim. Casati breaths real respectability and empathy into her. 

What is the focus of the retelling? 

The focus is on Clytemenstra, unsurprisingly, but instead of making her relationship with Agamemnon and her ultimate killing of him the central part, much of the book is spent in Sparta, before her marriage. It covers her relationship with her first husband, so that we really understand the growing desire to seek revenge on Agamemnon, beyond his killing of their daughter. 

Who else is featured? 

Much of the book considers Helen, Clytemnestra’s sister, as well as their two brothers, Castor and Polydeuces. Penelope and Odysseus are also a key part of the narrative and the seer Calchas is quite a major role. 

Who is this book for? 

Anyone interested in Greek mythology and tragedy and anyone interested in powerful mythical women. It will add to your understanding of Spartan culture, so it’s relevant to Women in the Ancient world, the Homeric World and War and Warfare for GCSE Classical Civilisation. Those studying Ancient Greek may also like to develop an understanding of the literature and myths of the Greek World. 

Takeaway quote: 

“You can’t have justice and everyone’s approval.”  

Definitely a line worth considering… Which do you value more?