Ithaca

From the multi award-winning Claire North comes a captivating retelling of the classic Greek myth of Penelope. It's time for the women of Ithaca to tell their tale . . . 'Claire North brings a powerful; fresh and unflinching voice to ancient myth - darkly fascinating; raw and breathtaking' Jennifer Saint; author of Sunday Times bestseller Ariadne ***A Sunday Times Historical Fiction Book of the Year*** This is the story of Penelope of Ithaca; famed wife of Odysseus; as it has never been told before. Beyond Ithaca's shores; the whims of gods dictate the wars of men. But on the isle; it is the choices of the abandoned women - and their goddesses - that will change the course of the world. 'The greatest power we women can own is that which we take in secret.' Seventeen years ago; King Odysseus sailed to war with Troy; taking with him every man of fighting age from the isle of Ithaca. None of them has returned; and the women of Ithaca have been left behind to run the kingdom. Penelope was barely into womanhood when she wed Odysseus. While he lived; her position was secure. But now; years on; speculation is mounting that her husband is dead; and suitors are beginning to knock at her door. No one man is strong enough to claim Odysseus's empty throne - not yet. But as everyone waits for the balance of power to tip; Penelope knows that any choice she makes could plunge Ithaca into bloody civil war . . . From the multi award-winning Claire North comes a daring; exquisite and moving tale that breathes life into ancient myth; and tells of the women who stand defiant in a world ruled by ruthless men. It's time for the women of Ithaca to tell their tale . . .