'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 It's time for the women of Ithaca to tell their tale. įrom 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. 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's 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. Seventeen years ago, King Odysseus sailed to war with Troy, taking with him every man of fighting age from the isle of Ithaca. 'The greatest power we women can own is that which we take in secret.'

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 t he story of Penelope of Ithaca, famed wife of Odysseus, as it has never been told before. ***A Sunday Times Historical Fiction Book of the Year*** 'Claire North brings a powerful, fresh and unflinching voice to ancient myth - darkly fascinating, raw and breathtaking' Jennifer Saint, author of Sunday Times bestseller Ariadne

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