Clytemnestra revisits the well-trodden paths of Greek mythology and history, but with a distinct focus on the character of Clytemnestra rather than the male figures who dominate the original narratives. In Greek mythology, Clytemnestra is known as the wife of Agamemnon, who rules Mycenae. She is also the sister of the infamous Helen of Troy. Clytemnestra’s story is intrinsically linked to the Trojan War and is primarily portrayed through the works of ancient Greek tragedians such as Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides.

In a sharp contrast to the patriarchal focus of the ancient Greek source material, Casati’s novel explores the deeper nuances of Clytemnestra’s life; the tale begins with her upbringing in Sparta and her first marriage to Tantalus, the king of Maeonia, and goes on to describe the tragic loss of her husband and child and her eventual marriage to Agamemnon. While Casati remains true to the details of the original mythology, she challenges the classical characterization of Clytemnestra as a vengeful and murderous figure. Rather than vilifying the character outright, Casati’s narrative seeks to delve into the hidden aspects of Clytemnestra’s psyche, providing a more nuanced understanding of her motivations and actions.