Elektra by Jennifer Saint Review

Title: Elektra

Author: Jennifer Saint

Genre: Historical

Publisher: Wildfire

Pages: 400

Release Date: 28 April 2022 (UK), 3 May 2022 (US and CA)

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Hello fellow book lovers, today I‘m very happy to share my review for Jennifer Saint’s exceptionally crafted Greek myth inspired retelling, Elektra- a fantastically detailed and feminist take on The House of Atreus—focusing on three interconnected, long overlooked and powerfully rebellious women whose lives are plagued by grief, anger, war and vengeance.

I’d also like to say a huge thank you to Headline/Wildfire and Netgalley for the e-arc.

Synopsis

The House of Atreus is cursed. A bloodline tainted by a generational cycle of violence and vengeance. This is the story of three women, their fates inextricably tied to this curse, and the fickle nature of men and gods.

Clytemnestra

The sister of Helen, wife of Agamemnon - her hopes of averting the curse are dashed when her sister is taken to Troy by the feckless Paris. Her husband raises a great army against them, and determines to win, whatever the cost.

Cassandra

Princess of Troy, and cursed by Apollo to see the future but never to be believed when she speaks of it. She is powerless in her knowledge that the city will fall.

Elektra

The youngest daughter of Clytemnestra and Agamemnon, Elektra is horrified by the bloodletting of her kin. But, can she escape the curse, or is her own destiny also bound by violence?

Review

I really enjoyed reading Saint’s debut, Ariadne last year so was really excited to read Elektra. And I have to say, I absolutely loved it! It’s definitely her best book to date with a darker, more intricately detailed,evocative (and dare I say bloodier) story that I couldn’t put down. Honestly the first 100 pages alone had me an emotional wreck—I literally SOBBED but, the skillfull portrayal of grief, pain and festering anger was absolutely phenomenal.

It is told through three POVs and each chapter alternates between each woman as they tell their (often tragic) version of events. As far as characters go,Clytemnestra, Elektra and Cassandra were all deliciously complex and experiencing all of their (somewhat varied) perspectives was really fascinating. I did find myself drawn more to Cassandra and Clytemnestra than Elektra who I personally didn’t feel any emotional attachment too her (but that’s probably due to my soft spot for Clytemnestra and my absolute dislike of Agamemnon.)

As one of the main perspectives we encounter, Clytemnestra is probably the one I was the most hesitant about as soo much of her story (in Greek mythology) revolves around her seeking revenge, which could’ve so easily fallen into the villainous caricature category. But, I can safely report that she’s a phenomenally crafted character and the depth of emotion conveyed through her POV chapters was both endearing heartbreaking.

She also (alongside a couple scenes from Cassandra’s POV) provides insight into the elusive and often vilified Helen whose brief appearances portray her as a rather enigmatic and rather kind person, who makes some very human mistakes—which is very different to the sinful temptress she’s usually visualised as, which I really loved.

The entire plot does revolves heavily around the theme of vengeance and the psychological aspects of each woman’s rage towards or on behalf of the men and gods in their lives. Although it was utterly fascinating, there are Trigger warnings for: death (including child death), murder, rape, slavery, animal cruelty and war.

Overall, Elektra is a truly rebellious and feminist take that fans of Madeline Miller are bound to enjoy.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

About The Author

Jennifer Saint is a Sunday Times bestselling author. Her debut novel, ARIADNE, was shortlisted for Waterstones Book of the Year 2021 and was a finalist in the Goodreads Choice Awards Fantasy category in 2021. ELEKTRA is her second novel.

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