Book Tour: Clytemnestra’s Bind by Susan C Wilson

It’s my day on the Clytemnestra’s Bind book tour! Thank you to The Write Reads for having me on the tour for this brilliant Greek Mythology read!

Rating: 4/5

Page Count: 300 pages

Published: 15/06/2023

The House of Atreus is spiralling into self-destruction – a woman must find a way to break the family curse.

Queen Clytemnestra’s world shatters when Agamemnon, a rival to the throne of Mycenae, storms her palace, destroys her family and claims not only the throne but Clytemnestra herself. Tormented by her loss, she vows to do all she can to protect the children born from her unhappy marriage to Agamemnon. But when her husband casts his ruthless gaze towards the wealthy citadel of Troy, his ambitions threaten to once more destroy the family Clytemnestra loves.

From one of Greek mythology’s most reviled characters – a woman who challenged the absolute power of men – comes this fiery tale of power, family rivalry and a mother’s burning love.

I need no coronation. I have always been queen.

If you love Greek mythology retellings, look no further. This is an absolute must-read, and it was fascinating reading about Clytemnestra, Agamemnon and the events that lead up to the Trojan War – names I had heard of but hadn’t read much about. This first in The House of Atreus trilogy sets up the series perfectly, in a story of power, sacrifice, revenge and the strength of a mother’s love. Clytemnestra’s unmatched strength during a time where men ruled and women were powerless is unrivalled, and I cannot wait to continue the series.

This is not a light-hearted book, please do check the trigger warnings as it is hard-hitting and certain sections will definitely shock you. Trigger warnings include mentions of death, child death and murder, grief, sexism, violence, rape, pregnancy and birth, animal death, incest, infidelity, and references to war.

No child should know such suffering at the hands of brutal men.

This book is not a surface retelling; the feelings of Clytemnestra are visible and visceral to the reader. My heart broke as a reader, learning more about the trauma she suffers and how despite her desire for vengeance, she sacrifices her feelings, and to an extent her life, to protect and raise her children. Life is cyclical, and this book definitely explores this with its portrayal of power, family, and violence that overshadows the plot and every character.

This was a brilliant, yet harrowing retelling to read, with Wilson’s talent shining through in her ability to bring to life this classic story and shine a light upon a lesser known and explored character. Her writing is lyrical and emotional and she manages to set the stage for book 2 beautifully; leaving you eagerly awaiting the next instalment. A truly captivating book that provides an interesting perspective and insight into a myth that demands more exposure, especially through its use of first person narration. You are with Clytemnestra through it all, adding another insightful layer to an already beautifully crafted retelling. Mythology lovers, this is one for your TBRs!

Thank you to Neem Tree Press and The Write Reads for the copy of the book in exchange for a review and for having me on the tour!

Susan C Wilson is a Scottish writer with a lifelong passion for ancient Greece. She loves to explore what makes us human: the eternal motivations, desires and instincts that cross time and place.

She has a degree in journalism from Napier University and, in preparation for writing her novels, gained a diploma in classical studies from the Open University.

Clytemnestra’s Bind, her debut novel, was long-listed for the Mslexia Novel Competition 2019. It is the first in The House of Atreus trilogy and is published by Neem Tree Press.