The culmination to a thoroughly absorbing and engaging trilogy. An absolute pleasure and joy to read.

This was a great way to round off the series and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It was narrated by Athena which offered a very unique perspective as she took a personal interest in Odysseus’s wellbeing. I loved seeing Odysseus arrive home and discover just how independent and regal Penelope had become in his absence. Odysseus did annoy me at first before he realised Penelope’s power! All in all, a fantastic read and great for any fans of the Odyssey looking for a different perspective (and the perspectives of various goddesses as well).

Claire North is certainly an incredible writer. One of my favourite things about this trilogy is that each book has been narrated by one of the Goddesses who sparked the beginning of the Trojan War. This final instalment is from Athena's POV.

I have read and few retellings that focus on Odysseus and his journey home after the war, but this series with the focus on Penelope is extremely refreshing. In this book they are finally reunited and we see them both battling with their emotions and attempt to reconcile.

There are a lot of thought provoking moments in this book which really make you think and it is a beautiful conclusion to a fantastic trilogy. Highly recommend.

DISCLAIMER- I received an eArc from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

3.75 stars rounded up.

If you know me you know I love a mythology retelling and I also love a feminist retelling. 2 things this story promised in premise.
This third installment in Claire North's series in told from the perspective of Athena, and chronicles the household of Penelope while waiting for her husband Odysseus to return.
Claire North manages to capture the essence of womanhood perfectly, while one of Penelope's greatest powers is her status as Odysseus' wife, it is also one of her greatest entrapments.
Another interesting component to this is the fact that North utilizes the goddess Athena as her primary narrator, as seen previously in her other books with Hera and Aphrodite. This choice of narrator has both its advantages and setbacks; it delivers a punch and allows a birds eye view from a deity, while also being hard to reconcile the thoughts with the being at times, for after all, how do you think like a goddess?
Finally I found the pacing of the book......intriguing to say the least. For me it was rather slow, and while that is often the case with classical retellings, at some points it started to drag to say the least. However, I will say that the final 10-15% picked up more, and was more enjoyable and a good conclusion.

Overall, a good read, and an author to watch.

This series has well and truly scratched an itch for me - Penelope has been my stand out favourite since I first studied Homer many years ago and the lack of real character study of her in comparison to Helen and Clytemnestra has always been such a disappointment. When I have found depictions of her, I've always loved them and this has been no exception.

What Claire North has managed, though, is a fully explored depiction of Penelope's character and it feels long overdue. In this final volume of the trilogy we get to the period of her life that was portrayed in The Odyssey. For me, I have always been CERTAIN that she knew. She knew who the beggar was, of course she did. As Telemachus is baffled, I've always seen Penelop and Odysseus' reunion as one where they are testing each other out again, 20 years later they are both as wily and their foolish son can't comprehend what is going on between them in their marriage.

All of this is given room to fully settle in the narrative. Odysseus has time to reflect on the woman his wife is upon his return and she has time to really come to terms with how she wants to interact with the version of him that has returned and harmed her maids, immediately undertaken a slaughter and just generally undone the political work she has spent her life achieving.

Having Athena narrate this final volume, as her beloved Odysseus walks back into frame, was perfect. Her awareness of the power, and flaws, of his infamy and story is heavily based in the act of literary reception and I really enjoyed reading this version of the goddess as well. Her utter adoration of Odysseus sits more comfortably after reading this book.

This is a truly excellent and welcome addition to the Homeric tradition of rewriting these stories for a new audience. Claire North has truly earned a place in that line from the ancient Greek and roman writers through to more modern books like The Penelopiad and These Great Athenians.

The only drawback for me in this volume was the pacing, it really slows to a crawl in the middle third.

Clare North is a fantastic writer of Greek mythology retellings. She expertly takes well known, timeless tales and weaves them intricately into something fresh and unique. I’ve always loved the story of Penelope and I loved Claire North’s portrayal of her in her rich retelling, If you love Greek mythology this is a must read!

"The Last Song of Penelope" by Claire North is a mesmerizing reimagining of the classic tale of Penelope from Homer’s "Odyssey." North’s lyrical prose and innovative storytelling breathe new life into this timeless narrative, offering a fresh perspective on themes of love, loyalty, and resilience.

The novel delves into Penelope’s inner world, exploring her thoughts and emotions as she navigates the challenges of waiting for her husband, Odysseus, to return from war. North skillfully captures the complexity of Penelope’s character, portraying her not just as a faithful wife but as a strong and resourceful woman in her own right. The narrative shifts between past and present, weaving together Penelope’s memories and her current struggles, creating a rich tapestry of experience.

North’s ability to blend myth with modern sensibilities makes the story relatable and thought-provoking. The themes of empowerment and self-discovery resonate throughout, inviting readers to reflect on their own relationships and the nature of longing.

Overall, "The Last Song of Penelope" is a beautifully crafted novel that honors its mythological roots while providing a poignant commentary on the strength of women. Claire North’s enchanting storytelling and deep character exploration make this book a must-read for anyone who appreciates a fresh take on classic tales. Highly recommended!

In Songs of Penelope, Claire North delivers a breathtaking conclusion to her trilogy that redefines the narrative of ancient myth through a fresh, feminist lens. You can read all three as stand alone a or in series chronological order. Following the acclaimed Ithaca and House of Odysseus, this novel explores the life of Penelope, the often-overlooked wife of Odysseus, in a way that is both gripping and poignant.

North’s prose is rich and poetic, drawing you into the world of Ithaca, where Penelope has fiercely defended her home against suitors and rivals during Odysseus’s twenty-year absence. The narrative is imbued with a sense of urgency as tensions rise, culminating in the return of a beggar—none other than Odysseus himself, albeit in a disguise that reveals the complexities of his character. No longer the heroic figure of legend, he becomes a man fraught with insecurities, testing the loyalty of his queen.

What sets this retelling apart is Penelope’s transformation into a formidable epic hero in her own right. North masterfully captures her cunning and resilience as she navigates a treacherous political landscape, determined to protect her family and her island at all costs. The exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and the weight of expectation adds depth to her character, making her relatable and powerful.

The supporting cast is equally vibrant, showcasing the strength and struggles of women in a patriarchal society. North’s nuanced portrayal of these characters enriches the narrative, highlighting their agency and the bonds of sisterhood that form in the face of adversity.

The tension builds masterfully as Penelope faces both external threats and her own complex feelings towards Odysseus. North’s ability to weave suspense with emotional depth creates a narrative that is as thrilling as it is thought-provoking. The stakes are high, and the unfolding civil war forces Penelope to confront her past and redefine her future.

Overall, Songs of Penelope is an outstanding work that sets a new standard for retellings of ancient myths. Claire North’s powerful voice and vivid world-building breathe life into a story that resonates with modern readers while honoring its mythological roots. This novel is not just a tale of love and vengeance; it is a poignant exploration of identity and resilience, making it a must-read for fans of historical fiction and mythology alike.

The Last Song of Penelope is a fitting and powerful conclusion to the series.
This book stretches beyond the well-known story of Odysseus’ return, and instead explores the complex aftermath bringing a shift of dynamic for the women who have been running Ithaca during his absence.

Penelope is portrayed as a remarkably strong character, whose leadership and resilience in ruling Ithaca during her husband’s absence often goes unacknowledged. The series does a great job of highlighting her quiet strength, but also points out how her leadership and cunning were overlooked until it was convenient.

⭐️3.75/5

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

You could say the market is saturated with feminist retellings of Greek mythology right now. However, North's trilogy deserves its place near the top of the pile. This final installment treads more familiar territory than the previous two, given its focus on the return of Odysseus, but certainly gives a different perspective and shows the returning 'hero' in a less positive light. It also touches on Penelope's relationship with her son and how her actions of the last two books have potentially damaged that beyond repair. I'd recommend this trilogy highly to anyone interested in this genre of literature.

There is nothing so dangerous as the need to be loved, as the desire to be seen, to be held, to be known in all your failings and loved despite them all.

I am not someone who typically reads this genre. I actually need to be in the mood for it. However, when I do explore it, it never lets me down, and this book was no exception.

It was such a pleasure to catch up with Penelope and the people of Ithaca. This story was definitely an intriguing one. Odysseus' return and his struggle to regain control of his family, palace and home. Claire North crafted this story so brilliantly, complete with beautiful prose.

It's quotable and I really have a deep appreciation for the way it was written. Previously, in House of Odysseus. I struggled with that one a bit, finding it to be a bit slow in the middle. However, with this one, I was unable to put this one down. The story immediately grips you and you will find it hard to look away. I also really appreciate the little moments of humor to lighten the mood, in an otherwise very heavy book.

This is a tale not just of Odysseus' return but also of female strength, perseverance and unity. I got goosebumps reading this one and can say that is my favorite book in the series. A truly spectacular read.

Thank you to Netgalley, Little Brown Book Group UK and Claire North for my eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

With retellings there is of course often a lack of surprise especially when the source is well known. The focus is then on what is an author adding to the mix. With Greek mythology there has been lot of reinterpretation of the women in the myths with a modern feminist perspective. What though I’ve been very impressed with Claire North’s The Songs of Penelope trilogy has been the exploration of how the myths and masculinity are explored now in the concluding instalment The Last Song of Penelope we have the well known conclusion to the Odyssey and manages to find an unexpected direction neatly encompassing the series’ themes and creating a beautiful bittersweet conclusion to the series.

Penelope, Queen and wife of Odysseus has now spent twenty years navigating a hundred suitors vying for her hand and access to the throne. The ambiguity as to whether Odysseus is dead has created an uncertain tension. Penelope and her maids though have created their own network of spies and warriors to aid her when Ithaca is at stake. But now a strange beggar has arrived in the island shores; Penelope’s son Telemachus is catching furtively, and the Goddess Athena has arrived to ensure her preferred direction of history takes effect and Penelope may find all she has worked for is about to be taken away from her.

In many ways I’ve been dreading this conclusion as over the course of the series I’ve got to know Penelope who previously I’m more aware as merely someone who waited for her husband, In North’s series instead we see Penelope as an character in her own right able to navigate intrigue, play many sides and at the same time North has mixed in the tales of Helen and Clytemnestra alongside the Goddesses Hera and Aphrodite who in many ways are blamed for the events leading to the war of Troy. How men see Penelope as a possession and how women who are felt to push the boundaries of the male world get punished. While Penelope has had victories there have been prices paid. Hence as we come to the end of the saga the fear rises that Penelope cannot escape the fate coming in the form of her husband. So it is really interesting that the most famous part of the story’s ending – the bow and the suitors is just over a third in the novel. North uses this in a fascinating way to explore a different kind of dangerous masculinity not when men like to be violent and take power but when they fight for honour.

When I was a little geek Odysseus was viewed as a cool character to hear stories about. Wily, brains more than brawn and defeats the Trojans with a horse before more adventures. Interestingly the horrific rapes and murder at the fall of Troy get overlooked in primary school and the various liaisons Odysseus has with Circe and Calypso too were not mentioned as ultimately, it’s a tale the powers that be determined instead where husband meets faithful wife and all is well at the end. The King cannot be unfaithful, and the wife must wait and wait loyally. How the Greek myths have been re-edited and used by so many cultures to enforce other types of stereotypes and messages is not a new thing only happening in the current retellings. These are stories you would hear in sanitised forms at an early age and promotes certain beliefs. If you explore the actual myths, you then find the pieces omitted and get steadily horrified at what the ‘heroes’ of old actually were doing.

As readers of North series, we now known Penelope is a main character our fear is all her wiles and guile will be lost but actually the story also makes Odysseus a main character in this instalment, and he is an equally complex and initially unlikeable figure. We sense conflict and bloodshed to come as he becomes aware of the suitors vying for the throne what north delivers swiftly and brutally is another part of the same tale. Where Odysseus and Telemachus are driven by a sense of honour and probity to do something truly horrible to people we have known via the earlier stories as key characters. North makes us see the aftermath of this and any ideas of ‘honour’ are soon destroyed and then Penelope and Odysseus must both deal with the political earthquake of the events and what form their relationship is now in. We have two equally powerful characters finally able to speak to one another (or at least try to) interspersed with sieges and battles and the machinations of the gods.

The key here is that Odysseus is not doing this for a land-grab or because he is pathologically cruel as some of the earlier villains in the series have been. Here we have someone doing what he has been taught to do and what in many ways his son as has been taught to do to. Telemachus is disturbing hostile to the idea that any woman can be in charge and has no respect for his mother even though she is a Queen. Odysseus is shocked to see what Penelope is capable of and that she is prepared to stand up to him and put a mirror of his recent actions to him. Their dialogue scenes are gorgeous, layered conversations of things unsaid, anger, shame and the question is raised can Penelope make her own case and what does that mean for her own role.

The power of stories to make men in particular act a certain way is a key theme in the story. Odysseus’ revenge on the suitors itself leads to more people seeking revenge on him. This is always the honourable thing to do., Everyone understands a war must be fought and people killed. But North regularly shows us the brutality and banality of a battle. People die just being in the wrong place. Great warriors can make mistakes or not be lucky forever. The contrast with Telemachus’ ideal of a dying in glory (which all the old stories he has been told have re-enforced) and the real thing is actually brutal and both Odysseus and his father Laertes start to suspect that their own upbringings have led their son to these erroneous conclusions. Other fathers and sons are featured on a similar path throughout the story. The regular reminder that The Iliad and the Odyssey have (particularly for British audiences) been used an example of what the correct thing to do is. Fight for honour to reclaim a queen; remove the unworthy from sight and that men clearly have more importance than women. The wider story starts to challenge this in a really interesting set of encounters and support the story’s final dimension – what the Greek Gods themselves are up to.

For the choice of narrator here Athena is our guide. A fascinating complex and enigmatic character we start to get to know. Unusually the Goddess of War and Wisdom where there is already a God of war in the form of Ares (who we also meet). Athena is intelligent, perceptive and incredibly reserved. Dry humour and unlikely to share her emptions. North though that Athena too is trapped by the stories shaping her world. She is a woman in a society of Gods where the men are seen as powerful. How can she gain acceptance - act more like a man? What we have though is Athena raising the idea that she has a way to challenge this orthodoxy and to which Odysseus is key, but Penelope will have an unexpected impact on the story too. Its a thread reminding us that stories can cast long shadows and be used for many purposes neatly coming back to the wider themes.

The Last Song of Penelope is a very satisfying and thoughtful conclusion to this trilogy of stories. It delivers unique spins on familiar characters and tackles how these stories have been used and the issues those perspectives have caused. Combined with North’s excellent writing and ability to make scenes come alive be they funny, tragic or poignant this is a strongly recommended read

I inhaled this one. Having already accompanied Penelope, along with Hera and Aphrodite, the goddesses who chose to intervene in Ithacan affairs to date – I was more than ready to dive back into this world alongside stern goddess Athena for this last instalment.

For starters, the sheer quality of the writing is impressive. Despite some heartbreaking scenes during House of Odysseus, there were also moments of laugh-aloud farce, thanks to Aphrodite’s irreverent and very funny narration. Not so this time. Athena, goddess of war and wisdom isn’t one for amusement. Constantly striving to be taken seriously as a female in a very male-dominated arena – warfare – she is also horribly alone. She took a vow of celibacy to keep Zeus at bay when he began pursuing her, so the kind of companionship that Aphrodite revels in is out of the question. Yet she isn’t able to drop her chilly demeanour to befriend women, such as Penelope, either. I remain awed at how each of these books takes on the persona of the goddess narrating the tale, yet the main protagonists always ring true.

The poets will write of Odysseus returning and heroically fighting the suitors that have been plaguing his home and bothering his loyal wife. That’s nothing like the real story – and just once, Athena vows to tell what actually happens. Before the storytellers take over. Athena knows that the days of the Greek gods are numbered, that in time they will fade into nothingness, so she determines to live on as the one who helps the hero who is different. Who thinks differently and acts differently from all the other brutish, ambitious kings – a forerunner of a new race of humans who will use knowledge and wisdom to power their world instead of swords. That’s what she’s hoping for, anyhow.

Meanwhile, as Odysseus strays disastrously from the script, aided by his son and his former nursemaid, once again it falls to his wife, Penelope, to pick up the pieces. I found this rendition of her so heartbreakingly relatable. She is so very angry with her husband – who wouldn’t be? And yet, he has also suffered terribly. Ten years of fighting at Troy was a bloody affair and the journey home has been every bit as dreadful the war he endured. The man washed up on the shores of Ithaca is frankly half mad. North manages to make him also someone we hope will prevail, even after the havoc he causes.

I had tears in my eyes as I came to the last page. Partly because the ending is deeply moving. And partly because I was very upset to come to the end of one of the best reading experiences in recent years. This outstanding conclusion to an outstanding series comes with the highest recommendation for fans of Greek myth retellings. While I obtained an arc of The Last Song of Penelope from the publishers via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
10/10

Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK (Orbit) for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I thought that this was a fantastic conclusion to the Songs of Penelope trilogy. It had the same reflective and empowering plot as the previous books.

In the final instalment, Odysseus has returned and is testing Penelope. His return is forcing her to choose between the women of Ithaca, the people she loves, and the wrath of Odysseus with his ruthless return to the throne.

At times, Penelope was frustrating, although I believe that is the point, but she just seemed to be emotionless and suddenly lacked depth at some points. When this happened, the plot started to drag on a bit.

Regardless, this was a really enjoyable and great end to the Songs of Penelope.

I had wondered how Claire North would draw out this final chapter of Penelope/Odysseus, especially when, knowing the story, there didn't seem to be too much ground left to cover. It definitely wasn't a speedy run through of Odysseus' return to Ithaca, but it was thorough, and added a considered and fleshed-out insight to not only Penelope's character, but that of Athena too.

So much of Odysseus' return revolves around his disguise, his treatment of the suitors and return to being king. But this series has always been woman-led and, having spent time learning the names of Penelope's maids, their strengths and their skills, it was only right that they received the same thorough treatment.

For once, knowing what was going to happen made this story even more heart-breaking. And the beauty of it not being rushed meant that there was time to dwell on what it would mean for two relative strangers to be thrust together and forced to make peace with each other.

The driving force of Athena in this case was also treated thoroughly. A cold and otherwise distant character, we learn more of her true motivation for championing this story, and how she begins to appreciate that she and Penelope may have a lot more in common.

It was an enjoyable end to a very thorough series.

I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an honest review.

The Wrath of Penelope

‘Sing, Muse, of the wrath of Penelope…’

Odysseus is back. He has been away for nearly twenty years, fighting wars, killing monsters and sleeping with nymphs, and he can see things need sorted. A man should be boss in his own home.

Homer’s Odyssey arguably climaxes in Book 22 with the slaughter of the suitors by the vengeful Odysseus, followed by the cleansing of the house, including the execution of the disloyal maids, the reuniting with Penelope and the ultimate reconciliation with the families of the suitors in Book 24.

Claire North’s story follows the familiar narrative, but the emphasis and effects are subtly changed. The killing of the suitors is a strategic disaster for Odysseus and the killing of the maids alienates Penelope from her husband. The focus of events then falls on Book 24 where Odysseus comes within an ace of defeat by the suitors’ families, and only survives through the grudging support of Penelope and her female armies.

This is super stuff, a very worthy conclusion to the trilogy which has reimagined the Odyssey with vigour and intelligence. Told from the point of view of Athene, Odysseus’ patron goddess – a goddess who finds herself conflicted – who should she support, the imperfect Odysseus, who must learn a whole new way of living with his wife, or Penelope, who has achieved so much for women in a man’s world?

But what raises this novel to the sublime for me is the fact that Odysseus, unlike so many mythological heroes, proves capable of change and Penelope shows herself willing to reciprocate. The ending is tentatively optimistic.

The Last Song of Penelope is the final instalment of Claire North's "The Songs of Penelope" trilogy. Picking up from where book two left off, the plot centres around the return of Odysseus to Ithaca. And although the narrative deals with the actions that he takes upon his arrival, the focus of the story is always told through the lens of the female characters of the island - namely Penelope.

This series has always been more of a slow burn political story rather than dynamic action packed sequences (although this part does deliver more of the latter than the previous books), but I appreciate that. In this instalment, we get to see Penelope coming to terms with the loss of the delicate power she's built for herself over the twenty years of her husband's absence. It's also about Odysseus's realisation of Penelope's worth and intelligence and him coming to respect the way she's managed such a difficult situation. This series has always been really focused on the way women must wield their power secretly and subtly and I love how North really takes the time to explore this with care and thought. This story also weaves in the perspective of the goddess Athena, and I really appreciated this more omnipotent point of view alongside Penelope's.

North's writing is great; intelligent and filled with great humour which adds rather than detracts from the narrative. I wasn't sure about the series after only reading Ithaca but now I'm very glad I persisted with it. This book really tied together Penelope's arc and left the reader with some food for thought over her future.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book!

I'm not as read up on Greek Mythology or the recent flood of retellings as I wish I was, but reading works like Claire North's The Last Song of Penelope has me absolutely frothing at the mouth to get my hands on more. This is book three in the trilogy and it was a fantastic conclusion to this wonderfully written series. I will be on the look out for absolutely everything North writes in the future.

The Last Song of Penelope is the final instalment of The Songs of Penelope trilogy that blends myth and reality as we follow our heroine Penelope as she tries to maintain peace when her husband Odysseus returns to Ithaca after 20 years. North’s prose is a breath of fresh air, and their seamless combination of humour and heartbreak solidifies The Last Song of Penelope as truly great retelling. As with the previous two instalments, I loved the use of a goddess as an all-knowing narrator - this time in the form of Athena, the goddess of wisdom and warfare. By using Athena, a goddess commonly associated with internalised misogyny and characterised by a ‘not like other girls’ label, North skilfully touches upon the struggle of gender identity and the concept of womanhood. This is continued in their characterisation of Penelope, a strategic, intelligent, kind woman who is struggling with the reality of her role as a wife and a mother. The concept of a hero is a main focus in the book, as North re-examines the actions of a ‘hero’ and how they are strongly intertwined with the fragility of the male ego, presented in the form of Odysseus and his son Telemachus. It would be easy to reduce certain characters to the stereotypes of ‘hero’ and ‘villain’, but instead North creates incredibly complex versions of these famed characters, proposing both hero and villain, a man caring but cruel, a fighter that is traumatised by battles long ago fought. The actions of the men in the novel a reframed from their heroic origins to what they really are, an attack on the vulnerable and innocent, most often the forgotten women of myth. The relationship between Penelope and Odysseus is brilliantly portrayed, as Odysseus comes to the realisation that his wife is not the same as the young girl he left behind 20 years ago, and Penelope reckons with the harm her husbands actions have caused and its effects on the life she has created for herself in his absence. I would recommend The Last Song of Penelope to fans of Greek myth wanting a truly complex, feminist retelling of their favourite stories.

*Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review*

Wow, this series is incredible. One of my favourite authors although my bias isn’t needed as North is known for her high quality of writing and intellectual humour and it shines through clearly here. The final part in her Greek trilogy about the island of Ithaca and her inhabitants. Hopefully Penelope’s days of fending off unsuitable suitors is near an end as Odysseus is finally homeward bound to reinsert himself into life as King of Ithaca.
Blooming brilliant stuff.
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own unbiased opinion.