4/5 stars! This is the second book in the Songs of Penelope series. The author's depiction of ancient Greek characters was surprising but often exciting as well. I loved where the story ended up, but it took us a long time to get there. I would say parts 30-60% of the book lacked the action to keep me drawn in. But I did like how it all wrapped up.

Claire North's House of Odysseus is simply stunning. I adored Claire's writing - lyrical, evocative, absorbing.

The second story in the Songs of Penelope series and we are transported back to the Isle of Ithica. A really fresh take that breathes life into some familiar characters including of course Penelope but also her allies Elektra and Helen of Troy, it's fascinating reading, narrated excellently Aphrodite with moments of humour and sensuality.

Although part of a trilogy, I do think it works a standalone also.

A strongly feminist and compelling retelling House of Odysseus is a must read for lovers of Greek Mythology.

I liked the premise of this book, and love other works by Clare North, however found this to be a bit convoluted and overworked.

I was so exited getting this book and wanted to like it but couldn't finish it. I love Greek mythology and Homer's Odyssey and here expected interesting interpretation but instead found the book really boring, the characters dull, for long time even couldn't understand who was narrator.

This was a very interesting tale on what could have happened after the death of Clytemnestra which is great because often the story just ends there! I will admit I feel this story could have been condensed slightly as I did feel it lost the dramatic feel slightly at times. However, a strong second book in the series!

I was curious to see how the Furies and Orestes’ purification of the sin of killing his mother would be handled in this book. I’ve always found Aeschylus’s solution somewhat dissatisfying: it’s too neat, too Athenian, too ‘real-life’. North’s solution is very different: Athena is the arbiter of justice here as she is in Aeschylus, but the Athenian law-courts are swapped for a ‘council’ of women in the wilds of Kephalonia. We’re given a very quiet, very intimate, and very powerful scene between Penelope and Orestes where she talks to him about love and forgiveness. I found it incredibly moving, and much preferable to Athena’s misogyny and the sterility of law-courts in Aeschylus - and I think this is a perfect example of how a good myth retelling can (and should) alter and adapt existing mythic traditions. The cycle of alteration and adaptation is what happened to myths in antiquity, and North’s handling of the extant source material proves that there’s still life and emotion and feeling to be lifted from these ancient stories.

House of Odysseus continues the story of Odysseus and Penelope and I did enjoy it quite much but not as much as I wanted to.

The writing style is amazing and the pace is just on point. I founded the plot to be creative and made me interested in the story. I recommend it to everyone that enjoys mythology and retellings.

The story of Odysseus and Penelope is continue at here. Same as book one this is an example about book that gave me mixed feeling. I enjoy it but not love it as much as I want too.

The writing style is gorgeous and generous with the prose. The pace is slower than my usual favourite. The suspense plot far from conservative and open for more creative minds. And I still failed to enjoy bird eyes narrative from Goddes's eyes (Aphrodite this time).
This book is perfect for readers who love mythology but sadly not my cup of tea.

Thank you Netgalley and Orbit Publisher from Little Brown Group UK for providing copy of this ebook. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Expecting Publication : 28 March 2024

“House of Odysseus” by Claire North offers a fresh take on the timeless myth, cleverly intertwining ancient legends with modern sensibilities. North’s prose is both lyrical and immersive, drawing readers into a world where gods and mortals collide. However, some may find the pacing uneven, as the story navigates between past and present. Despite this, “House of Odysseus” remains a thought-provoking exploration of identity, destiny, and the enduring power of storytelling.

Thank you Netgalley and Little, Brown Book group for providing the ARC in exchange of an honest review.

Absolutely loved this book . The view point of Aphrodite brought wit and entertainment to an oft retold story. it made me laugh and also rethink the role of women in myth and history and the delicate balance this woman managed to remain a firm character in hisotry. I am going to read the last book as soon as i can and access the first.

House of Odysseus is the thrilling sequel to Ithaca, which follows Penelope, the wife of Odysseus, as she expertly maneuvers a world of men from the shadows to protect her son and kingdom from the many suitors that hound her day and night.

I enjoyed this one even more than Ithaca! It was such an engaging and beautifully-written novel from the start and I couldn't put it down once I really got into it!

Penelope as always is the star. Clever, strong, and even subtly kind - which was something she couldn't afford to be most of the time in this harsh environment. Loved seeing her claws come out, so to speak, and the ensuing reactions.... pure gold.

Following the previous novel, House of Odysseus is also narrated by an Olympian goddess, this time Aphrodite instead of Hera, with some occasional appearances of Artemis and Athena as well.
And how this is told is such an ode to the secret power of women. The power that comes in being invisible, 'less' in the eyes of men. Men didn't expect these women to be formidable, fierce, and clever, and so, to them, they weren't. (Also, love the social comment on the men of Ancient Greece, or should I say the not-so-subtle bashing?)

Overall, it was just such an enjoyable read for me that only makes me want to read more and more about the women of Ancient Greece, particularly, Clytemnestra and Helen. I strongly recommend it!

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a great book for Greek Mythology fans. Didn't realise was second in a series when requested, but will be going to read the earlier novel.

I adored this book! This was a fantastic retelling of the Penelopiad and was just a joy to read. I enjoyed Claire North's first book and this was a great continuation of the story, so it jumped straight back into the plot. I can't wait to read the next book!

Thank you to NetGallery and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

As the second installment of the Songs of Penelope trilogy, House of Odysseus returns to Ithaca for another outstanding look at the women with stories unsung in the Greek Epics.

The sequel blew me away as much as the first instalment of this trilogy had; Claire North pulls no punches with the dire situations many of the female characters find themselves in. Even the language depending on the focal character - Persephone, Aphrodite, Menelaus, etc - even seems to subtly change and let you know their intentions and personalities that way. I love how North writes Helen in particular, it is so unlike most retellings of the Iliad and tales about Troy in the way it makes her so human; her beauty is only part of her personality, and she uses that to her advantage.

I requested this book as Ancient Greece is a subject which interests me and I liked the storyline. I did not realise it is the second of a three part series, but it isn't material to the story. This book is Penelope's story and is written so well it is difficult to criticise, it is one of few works of fiction on the Greek gods that is easy to read and retain. Claire Norths' writing style is a joy, and although the prose is very detailed, I couldn't put it down. Penelope's attempt to be queenly, protect her kingdom and also stop Menelaus taking and disposing of Orestes makes for compulsive reading. I will definitely be buying the third in this series. Highly recommended. Worth a solid 5 stars. My thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review House of Odysseus.

“Sometimes, you see, we gods aren’t to blame for the things men do after all.”

House of Odysseus is a mythological retelling that turns around (among others). I have… mixed feelings about this book.
I had a lot of difficulties to go through the first part, full of theoretical What If and politics. What kept me hooked was the writing. I loved that the narrator is a goddess and to see the events through her eyes (and filter). The writing and its rhythm, as the ocean, varies its waves’ power and lulls us, shakes us, floods us, pushes us, makes us feel the emotions in accordance with the plot and the tension’s degree (even if sometimes the changes in language's register can be quite disconcerting). The whole gives the impression that a tragedy is looming (the character’s list at the beginning increases that). That’s really what incited me to keep reading.
I’m happy I did.
Around the half of the story, a lot changes. From the political What if, we turn into action. The writing changes a bit too, remaining in a perfect adequacy with the story. That part is more action oriented, but also –strangely?– fuller with feelings. That second half articulates around a mystery, but also around Love, giving the narrator her true place here. This isn’t Love how we often read it in books. It’s deeper, wider. Universal.
I’m really glad I got to continue my reading, because that second part spoke to me. I'm not sure I like the ending (in a “satisfactory” way), but there is –without any doubts– a lot to discuss about feminism, power, survival, grey morality, or many kinds of madness. The twist causes a contrast with the first half, like a mirror effect in a way, or, maybe did we go through the looking glass?. A book that gives a lot to think about, indeed, and opens to discussion.
I can’t wait to read book3 in June.

Thank you NetGalley, Orbit and Claire North for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Okay at first I was not into this being mostly Aphrodites POV instead of Hera, but it didn’t take long for me to completely change my mind and love it.

This was a great follow up to Ithaca. The way Claire North writes is so clever and witty but it’s also blink and you might miss it level calculated. This story expanded on the penelope of ithaca in a major way. Not only does she take on Menéalas and kick his ass. She also gets to have complicated and angry feelings toward Odysseus and a bit of a thing with the only decent suitor. FINALLY. She is more than just a sad or angry widow.
I also really enjoyed how Helen is portrayed, the hilarity that is Laertes, and the little murder mystery thrown in for good measure. As I’m writing this I’m changing my rating from 4.5 to 5 stars cause it really was flawless.

I hadnt realised this was a sequel but it didnt stop me understanding and enjoying the storyline. it was quite slow reading but I actually quite enjoyed taking my time reading a book. I will definitely look out for the first in the series and read that

'House of Odysseus' is the second instalment of the series with another on the way. The story follows the women left behind during the wars of Iliad and Odyssey. Aphrodite commentates throughout telling the story from her perspective as she bestows favours and weaves mischief.

I loved the female representation in this book, which builds such vibrant characters compared to the usual 'background character' women we see so often throughout Greek mythology. Penelope's story has sparked my curiosity for some time, so to see it written so in depth was great. We follow along as Penelope outwits her suitors and attempts to find out what happened to her absent husband during the Trojan wars.

The writing style is beautiful and poetic. This book is absolutely character driven rather than action driven, which can make it difficult to get through at times. Although I appreciated a slow relaxing read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Claire North's 'House of Odysseus' reimagines the ancient tale of Penelope in Ithaca, blending Greek mythology with modern narrative depth. Penelope emerges as a strong, nuanced leader, navigating palace intrigue with figures like King Orestes. The story, enriched by reflective moments and North's lyrical prose, revitalizes the roles of mythological women, offering contemporary resonance. Although not action-driven, its focus on character and mythological authenticity sets it apart.