First things first, thank you to the author for the ARC! All thoughts as always are my 100% my own. 

Lately, I've found myself reading historical fiction books where the setting feels more and more like an aesthetic choice and less than an actual fully-researched experience. In 'The Death and Life of Iphigenia', you will find yourself actually transported to Ancient Greece. 

You may know a version or more of Iphigenia's story from Greek mythology, but here you get to actually live it with all of its fleeting joys and horrifying terrors. It doesn't just end at her death. You will get to experience the deep sense of loss, isolation and even growth that the young princess has to go through.

I was genuinely delighted by the level of detail in the daily life aspects of this book. It allowed me to lose myself in the pages and practically feel, see and even smell what Iphigenia is going through. The depth of research and the passion for the topic were evident. No surprise there when the author actually has a degree in the field! It really shows!

While there were moments when I wished the pacing moved a bit faster, I appreciated the deliberately human approach to the retelling. The way Iphigenia's emotions evolved naturally over time made it feel more authentic and allowed me to empathize more with her.

The fact that I kept flipping pages late into the night instead of going to bed says a lot. Not only that, but I found myself crying angry tears on Iphigenia's behalf several times throughout the read but especially towards the ending. 

This book doesn't idolize or romanticize Ancient Greece. It captures it in all of its glory and brutality. It will make you question who the true heroes are and who the real victim is.

I really cannot wait to read more by J. Susanne Wilson. I noticed that this is the first entry in a series, and I know I'll be eager to read the follow ups day one.