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's 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 . . .
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Teodora is not the first one to see the raiders, but she is the first to run.
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(@orbitbooks, 8 September 2022, hardback, 400 pages, borrowed from @NACLibraries)
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I haven't read the author since I didn't enjoy The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August which put me off reading her work. But I love Greek mythology so decided to give Ithaca a shot. I also have a copy of House of Odysseus, the sequel which I look forward to reading. I really enjoyed Ithaca and will try and read more of the author's work now. The book takes place many years after the Trojan War with Odysseus and his men missing and his wife, Penelope and the women of Ithaca struggling to hold onto the kingdom. Their existence is threatened by pirates who stalk the streets trying to force Penelope to marry someone else. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it.