Ithaca

From the multi-award-winning author Claire North comes a daring reimagining that breathes life into ancient myth and gives voice to the women who stand defiant in a world ruled by ruthless men. It’s time for the women of Ithaca to tell their tale . . .

“North brings a powerful, fresh, and unflinching voice to ancient myth. Breathtaking.” —Jennifer Saint, author of Ariadne

Seventeen years ago, King Odysseus sailed to war with Troy, taking with him every man of fighting age from the island 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’ 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. 

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.

• "Claire North brings a powerful, fresh, and unflinching voice to ancient myth—darkly fascinating, raw and breathtaking."
   
  Jennifer Saint, author of Ariadne, on Ithaca
• "A fantastical nightmare so skillfully sketched that it felt like truth. And when it was done, I simply didn't want to leave... Compelling [and] beautiful."
  NPR Books on Notes from the Burning Age
• "There is no doubt that Claire North is an exceptional writer with a brilliant imagination and eloquent storytelling."
  Nerd Daily on Notes from the Burning Age
• "Consistently thoughtful fiction like this needs to be championed. I'll admit it, I'm a little in awe of the author. Her work is sublime.... Claire North deserves your undivided attention."
  The Eloquent Page on 84K
• "North is an original and even dazzling writer."
  Kirkus on 84K
• "Claire North is a true original, a master of ingenious plotting and feats of imagination."
  Alex Marwood, author of The Wicked Girls, on The Sudden Appearance of Hope