I agree with you, the beginning was not my favorite; however, the latter, I liked very much. I loved the fact that it made my mind fly a little about what might 've happened in Ithaca during this time, how things could' ve developed in the abscence of men. I also liked how it ended with Telemachus leaving the island to look for his father.

I came to a similar conclusion for myself and specifically American South historical fiction where none of them are bad but everything is miserable and not in a way where I learn new things or feel catharsis

I thought it was a well told story with some powerfully drawn scenes and characters and if it wasn’t based on such an important and beloved literary tradition, and physical location, that would do. Sadly, however, the detail oversights and factual glitches drove a massive wedge that prevented me from being able to focus on the story. If only the author had taken the time to properly research her subject, perhaps actually visit Ithaca and take notes? I’m an awful pedant but the writing about streams, tides, black sandy beaches, horses, mud and oceans, none of which actually exist on Ithaca was just too jarring for me. Call me old fashioned, I know this is a fantasy retelling, but I believe that if you’re writing a book about a place that actually exists you need to have some solid idea about it’s natural features. Otherwise you undermine the story and woefully diminish your credibility as a writer. Great review, I’ll be checking out more!

Thanks for the review! I haven't read this one yet, but I've enjoyed a number of other Claire North books, so this has been on my radar since I first heard about it

I have a lot of the re-tellings on my shelves lol. None of them read because I keep thinking I need to re-read the originals and don't own the originals. Do you have any suggestions for translations/editions of greek myths?

I want to be interested in this but I've also become a bit tired of all the female-focussed greek myth retellings for similar reasons to you, I think. Admittedly, I've not read that many but one I found actually very satisfying to read was A Thousand Ships!

I might check out this book if the library has it 👍