Novel set in Ancient Greece

20th July 2023

Clytemnestra’s Bind by Susan C Wilson, novel set in Ancient Greece.

Few women can have faced the life-threatening situations and emotional torture that marked the life of the mythical Greek queen, Clytemnestra. Susan C Wilson describes the story vividly in Clytemnestra’s Bind, the first book of a trilogy, which is itself based on the Oresteia, a trilogy of plays written by ancient Greek playwright Aeschylus. It’s a beautifully written account that really gripped me, even though the story is already familiar.

Clytemnestra lived in a period when women were completely subjugated to men. She was married at a young age to a young prince of Mycenae. It was a marriage of convenience that was intended to unite two warring families and prevent future attacks by rivals to the throne. She is happy in her marriage and relishes her role, even assisting her young husband in governing the kingdom. Her opinion is valued. But her happiness doesn’t last. The kingdom is attacked by the family that had previously been deposed. There’s a bloodbath in which rival Agamemnon mercilessly kills Clytemnestra’s husband and newborn son. He retakes the throne of Mycenae and takes Clytemnestra as a trophy bride.

Agamemnon is an absolute ruler, typical of his time, and Clytemnestra is banished to the women’s quarters. Her new husband’s cruelty knows no bounds, and she struggles to adjust to this new situation, while grieving her dead family. Clytemnestra’s Bind goes on to describe how the young woman uses her guile to survive and gradually finds ways to strengthen her position. She is fiercely protective of the children she has with Agamemnon. But he hasn’t finished with her family.

Agamemnon’s ambitions drive him to attack the prized city of Troy, using the excuse that he’s rescuing the beautiful Helen, Clytemnestra’s sister. As usual, his motives and methods and suspect and more suffering lies in Clytemnestra’s future. Unless she can summon the strength to do something about him…

This is a fascinating tale of a mother’s intense love for her children, the importance of traditions and religious beliefs, and the role of women in ancient Greek society. It’s wonderful to see the story told from Clytemnestra’s point of view, with all the heart-rending misery, self-doubt and joy that she experiences. Although her situation is very much of its time, Wilson has created a modern voice for Clytemnestra and her character is easy to identify with. She isn’t the wicked queen she has sometimes been portrayed as. Yes,  she’s a flawed individual, but you’d need a heart of stone not to empathise with her. The author brings the book to life with colourful descriptions of daily life and rituals, the luxurious buildings and aspects of palace life, as well as the realities for the less fortunate members of society. A moving and fascinating story, which leaves you wanting more.

Sue for the TripFiction Team

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