House of Odysseus is the second book in the Songs of Penelope series and the follow up to Ithaca.  Which recounts the events of the Odyssey from the perspective of Odysseus’ wife Penelope and is narrated by assorted Goddesses.  I can’t sing enough praise about this book and the series as a whole, thoroughly enjoyable and masterfully crafted.

I found the beginning of the book a bit difficult to get into, I loved the first book and the narration by Hera so much, so it took me a while to become accustomed to Aphrodite’s voice and style of communicating in comparison.  But I quickly came to enjoy this story as much as the first and the contrast of Aphrodite’s voice was refreshing and unique, much better than a copy-paste of Hera.  Given the role of the Gods in the Odyssey, having them narrate the story and be able to witness and even subtly influence the characters is genius, it adds such a layer of authenticity to the narrative.

Much like Ithaca, House of Odysseus explores the central events that happen as Odysseus is travelling home from the perspective of the women; Penelope, the maids, the women of the island, additionally, we even get some insight into Helen.  Penelope’s character was so well crafted, clever and knowing how to manipulate dire situations to ensure her survival, it was a joy to read.  I swung between loving and hating Helen, I thought she was really well constructed as a character with shades of grey, not an all-in hero or villain, it was so very well crafted.  Elektra too grew on me more than she id in Ithaca and even other representations of her in literature, there was more range to her here than just blind hatred of her mother.  The dark horse on characters I found entertaining was… Laertes, he provided some (albeit dark) comedic relief.

As someone whose history background is based in Egypt, I love Kenamon’s character and even the nod to the existence of Horus and the Egyptian Gods in this universe was such a joy for me.  I do hope that Egyptian Mythology is something that Claire North delves into in the future and I would love to see more of different Ancient Pantheons interacting.