Ithaca
The Songs of Penelope, Book 1
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Ithaca
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Narrated by:
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Catrin Walker-Booth
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By:
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Claire North
About this listen
***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 . . .
The Songs of Penelope novels:
Ithaca
House of Odysseus
©2022 Claire North (P)2022 Hachette Audio UKListeners also enjoyed...
Critic reviews
"Claire North brings a powerful, fresh and unflinching voice to ancient myth—darkly fascinating, raw and breath-taking." (Jennifer Saint, author of Sunday Times best seller Ariadne)
"Everything I've wanted in a retelling: a vibrant cast, full of suspense, told with a phenomenal narrative voice - this is an absolute masterpiece." (Sarah Bonner, author of Her Perfect Twin)
"Richly poetic.... This is an impassioned plea for the lost, disenfranchised queens of ancient Greece, a love letter to the silenced women of history." (Booklist)
What listeners say about Ithaca
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- jennieg
- 28-03-23
Loved it
An amazingly clever book so well written and narrated. My first Clare North book intend to read/listen to many more
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Gustav
- 15-02-25
How to rule without power
I LOVED this book! The alternative female perspective on another Greece and their mythology is so interesting as it puts all the famous stories into moral questioning. As dry as that sounds, it comes alive with SPECTACULAR writing told excellently. And Hera is the best narrator. Through her divinity we gain access to the private thoughts of all involved, except the gods, but they are filtered through her own points of view.
I've always disliked Hera as a goddess, but now... my favourite!
oh... and there was one place where I cried. just cried and cried. You'll know it when you get there. just go with it. it really is that good. but there is great comedy too! such a damn good book! this author has never once let me down.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- M. J. Cooksley
- 18-03-23
Effortless prose beautifully read
A really interesting take on an old, old story. This book flows wonderfully and is one of the most enjoyable I have listened to in a while.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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- Ellenseb
- 22-10-23
beautifully poetic prose at times.
while I agree some of the pronunciation of names was not exactly correct it didn't warrant throwing the baby away with the bathwater. The author emulates the language of Homer 'rosy fingers dawn' etc and that is deliberate. For me the Homeric level description did not detract from Penelope's story. Written from the perspective of women in a man's age is not new but is very effective. I am just about to buy the sequel. Thoroughly enjoyed this.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- karen m gill
- 14-07-23
Excellent
If I was reading this I think I would’ve found it hard going but as an audio presentation it was amazing.
Hera was an inspired choice to guide me through the chaos of ancient Greece & was preformed beautifully by Catrin Walker-Boot aided by Claire North’s wonderful writing.
There was an increasing feeling of foreboding disaster which had me shouting at my speaker when events started to unfold. Penelope & her tribe of women were extraordinary and the eventual massacre had squealing with glee. Roll on August for the next book in this series.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Sarah Campbell
- 11-05-23
great story
I Really enjoyed the story, and although I like the narrator's reading voice, I struggled with her switching between characters as often there was no difference. Often confusing Hera and Penelope.
Still, this only detracted slightly from the overall story.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Patsy
- 10-01-23
Totally Brilliant!!!
Absolutely loved it!!! I love Claire North's way of writing. The characters are no longer mythical beings, but come to life as real people. Read and performed wonderfully by Catrin Walker-Booth!!!
Definitely a 5 gold star Book and Performance.
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- bblady
- 28-08-24
Wonderful re-telling of a classic tale
Thoroughly enjoyable re-telling of the Odyssey from a woman’s point of you, told by Hera who watches over the women of Ithaca. So beautifully written and outstandingly performed Catherine Walker Booth. Highly recommend.
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- S. Maguire
- 03-09-24
Slow burn but worth it
Loved this audiobook. Chatacters ere relatable (if you can believe that) and the story well retold, narration was excellent.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Danette Morrish
- 14-10-24
Inspired Me To Learn More
My daughter recommended this to me, I was drawn in to the powerful story from the female point of view. Have been off down a rabbit hole discovering more about the characters in the book! Beautifully narrated. I really enjoyed it
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