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 the story of Penelope of Ithaca, famed wife of Odysseus, as it has never been told before. 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' 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. Breathtaking.' - Jennifer Saint, author of Ariadne Seventeen years ago, King Odysseus sailed to war with Troy, taking with him every man of fighting age from the island of Ithaca. 'North brings a powerful, fresh, and unflinching voice to ancient myth. It’s time for the women of Ithaca to tell their tale. Keep reading this book review for my full thoughts.

It has been seven years since the war ended, and the men are still not home. It is set 17 years after Odysseus and all the men of fighting capability left the small, overlooked island of Ithaca for the Trojan War. The calculations, manipulations, and schemes for safety and security as a queen. Claire North’s latest novel revolves around Penelope, the wife of Odysseus, in her journey as mother and queen in a vulnerable state. From the multi-award-winning author Claire North comes a daring reimagining that breathes life into ancient myth and gives voice to the women who stand defiant in a world ruled by ruthless men. Ithaca is a re-telling of Penelope’s story while Odysseus is away.

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