"House of Odysseus" by Claire North is a sequel that deftly blends ancient Greek myth with modern storytelling, diving deeper into the tale of Penelope as she rules Ithaca in Odysseus's absence. North transforms the mythic figure of Penelope into a nuanced character who captivates readers as a smart and capable leader. Her interactions with the likes of King Orestes and King Menelaus inject the novel with a palpable tension that heightens the drama of palace intrigue. While the pacing sometimes shifts into a more contemplative tempo, these moments bestow the narrative with richness and depth, allowing for a portrayal of Penelope and her fellow characters that is both complex and engaging.

North's lyrical prose is a standout feature, offering a fresh voice to the traditionally muted women of Greek mythology. Their tales are woven with a contemporary relevance that speaks eloquently to the reader, yet they are set against a backdrop of divine interferences and heroic legends. Although "House of Odysseus" may not be driven by relentless action, it distinguishes itself with a strong character focus and a deeply rooted sense of mythological wonder.

4/5

I was so looking forward to getting my hands on the second in The Songs of Penelope series, having very much enjoyed Ithaca. It didn’t disappoint, although I did think that it dragged on a bit. There is no sense of urgency in the book, which on one hand makes you slow down & savour the beautiful writing, but on the other can lead to frustration that pages have passed with not very much happening.
Penelope & her maids are still doing their thing, putting up with the menfolk who are still hanging about, waiting for Penelope to choose one of them. She is a fabulous character, I feel like I know her after spending so much time in her company! Ithaca is then rocked by some infamous visitors, with an agenda all of their own. All of this is narrated by Aphrodite. I loved this book & can’t wait to see how the author tells the remainder of Penelope’s story. With thanks to NetGalley for a copy.

After loving the first book in this series I had very high hopes for this one and it didn’t let me down
The author writes so beautifully and really brings the myth to life
Can’t wait for the next book this year!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc

LOVE, LOVE, LOOOOOOVVVEEE, LOVED IT!!!… Absolutely stunning!!!… I was completely swept away!!…
Top marks

House Of Odysseus is the second book in The Songs Of Penelope series by award-winning, best-selling British author, Claire North. Perhaps a year after Orestes has slain his mother Clytemnestra on Ithaca’s shores, and Penelope’s son Telemachus has set out to search for his father, a ship quietly arrives from Mycenae into the burnt out harbour of Phenera. Elektra has brought her brother, the newly crowned king of kings, the greatest of the Greeks, seeking the refuge she hopes Penelope will provide.

As a raving, possibly poisoned Orestes is deposited with Laertes and before they have a chance to investigate the Mycenaean ship for potential agents that might have effected his malaise, another King demands to be welcomed. Menelaus has brought his beautiful wife, Helen, and quite a lot of Spartan soldiers to overrun Ithaca. He’s looking for a mad Orestes, hoping to kindly help out by taking over his role.

Throughout, as some of Penelope’s suitors hatch a nasty plot, as a young woman is murdered, as ships are set alight, as a daring escape is made, and as Spartan soldiers are defeated, those awful creatures, the Furies hang over Orestes, exacerbating the effects of whatever mortal poison ails him. Cranky old Laertes gets a decent role in this instalment, with some splendid dialogue, and Kenamon the Egyptian also shows his worth.

This time, North uses the goddess Aphrodite as her narrator who, with her emphasis on love, offers quite a different perspective from that of Hera. Again, her quick summary of the situation that many other poets describe is refreshingly frank, and quite delightful, at times almost tongue in cheek.

Aphrodite’s commentary on events and players, on the affairs of gods and mortals, is also irreverent, insightful and often darkly funny as this exchange between the chief of Peneleope’s warrior women, Priene, and her queen, demonstrates: “There’s a Mycenaean ship hidden in the smugglers’ cove at Phenera. Twenty-nine men, armed, ten women. This girl says she’s Elektra, daughter of Agamemnon, gives me this ring. Shall we kill them all?”
“Please tell me now if you killed any of them,” sighs Penelope. “I would rather not be embarrassed by the revelation later.”
“I was restrained,” grumbles Priene. “Though the night is dark and accidents happen when ships land in smugglers’ coves.”

If North at first paints Helen as vain and silly, she later proves to not be the fool she pretends, displaying an unexpected wisdom and expertise. Penelope, she unfailingly portrays as oh so clever. Of Menelaus, Aphrodite says “A man who was once considered really rather ugly, and became through power and might and force of arms one of the most handsome men in the world… Menelaus likes it when women cry at his feet while begging for protection. Their tears help fill the leaking hollows of his fractured soul.”

Even novices to the Greek myths and legends will be able to, with perhaps only a cursory check of Wikipedia, thoroughly enjoy North’s treatment of Penelope’s story. Rich in historical detail, this is Greek myth at its most palatable and entertaining, and the third instalment, The Last Song of Penelope, is eagerly anticipated.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK.