Her parts were equally as agonising as Clytemnestra’s, as Cassandra suffers for not being graceful and articulate like her sisters, and when she is given the gift of prophecy, it quickly becomes a curse, further adding to her position as an outcast. Elektra should come with a trigger warning. Also, Saint’s writing style is clean and concise, and Clytemnestra’s story is so painful that it was a difficult read, particularly as a mother. Everything is effortless for Helen, while Clytemnestra must work at it, making her relatable. As the sister of Helen, the most beautiful woman in the world who has the pick of heroes as her husband, Clytemnestra is often overlooked. Saint’s portrayal of Clytemnestra is so sympathetic. The male characters are still present, controlling the lives of their wives, sisters, and daughters, but we focus on their struggle for some independence from seemingly inescapable male dominance. This retelling doesn’t glorify violence or shy away from it but shows us how the horror of war affects the women at home. Told through the three women’s points of view, Saint gives us the retelling of the war for Helen of Troy that we need. Will she be a victim of the curse or its agent? When her family’s curse ruins her perfect childhood, her own future is uncertain. She foresees her family’s downfall because of the actions of her younger brother, Paris, but no one takes her seriously.Įlektra is Clytemnestra and Agamemnon’s youngest daughter, living in awe of her father and his heroic deeds though she barely knows him. But as the war continues and Agamemnon’s enemies creep into court, Clytemnestra unravels the curse that plagues her husband’s family and fears for her children’s safety from their father.Ĭassandra is a princess of Troy and priestess of Apollo, cursed with premonitions no one believes.

Menelaus, Helen’s first husband, mobilises his troops, intent on bringing his wife back and punishing Troy.Ĭlytemnestra, Helen’s sister, hopes for a swift resolution, one that brings her husband, Agamemnon, home safely. Helen has run away with Paris and is living in Troy.

Elektra jennifer saint review