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.

"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.