Penelope’s Daughter
Published by: Penguin
Published on: October 2010
Page Count: 368
Genre: Historical Fiction
My Reading Format: Paperback review copy sent by the publisher
Available Formats: Paperback, eBook
My Review
With Odysseus’ disappearance following Troy, Penelope is in dire straights. Her son, a young boy meant to one day rule in his father’s place, is growing up without a strong male influence and it shows. Xanthe, the daughter Odysseus doesn’t even know he has, is in danger of being raped by and then forced into marriage to any of the numerous men wanting to insert themselves into rule (pun intended). In order to save her daughter from a horrible fate and to help to keep Odysseus’ kingdom intact for the husband she’s certain will one day return, Penelope takes drastic measures. As a result, Xanthe spends the remainder of her youth under the tutelage of the infamous Helen.
It’s safe to say that I was never a happier English major than I was the day I completed studying ancient literature such as The Odyssey. I’m not one for epic poetry. So,when Penelope’s Daughter was pitched to me, I can’t actually say what it was that made me say, “Send it my way.” It certainly wasn’t Homer. Realizing I had read and enjoyed Laurel Corona’s first novel The Four Seasons, which made me much happier and must have been what prompted me to say yes.
In telling the story of a young woman whose future is at stake and can change at any moment based on the whim of almost any man, Penelope’s Daughter reminds me of the stories Michelle Moran tells of Ancient Rome. It’s not just the time and place. Instead of it feeling like social commentary about a time long ago, these authors take women who are outwardly powerless and develop them into courageous characters readers will care about and champion.
There is a good deal more graphic debauchery that takes place in Corona’s Greece than in Moran’s Rome. I’m still not sure how I feel about the role that the religious festival Helen presided over played in the novel. While teaching young women to take joy in their own bodies and ownership of their sexuality is a good thing, those scenes in and around the cave didn’t sit well with me. They weren’t enough to change my opinion of the book, but they did leave me feeling uncomfortable.
I enjoyed Penelope’s Daughter. In comparing it to The Four Seasons, I can see her growth as a story teller. Xanthe’s story flowed so smoothly. It involved me so much that I found myself researching the basic plot lines of The Odyssey to enhance my reading. That is really saying something. Laurel Corona is an author to keep an eye on if you read Historical Fiction. Given her first two novels, you won’t find yourself in the same place twice.
Other Voices
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The fact that the book made you research background is the sign of a good book! I have to admit that you’ve made me curious about the cave scenes!
Although I’m lining up a slew of Odyssey adaptations to read in the next few months, I’m having a hard time getting excited about this one, despite loving the weaving imagery. Your review is somewhat reassuring.
I completely forgot to mention the weaving in my review. It really was a nice way to tie everything together. I wish turf would have been a representation of it at the end.
I’m in complete agreement with you about ancient literature and this isn’t really a time period I seek out in Historical Fiction. But something about this book interested me when I started seeing it on various book sites. Your review cinched it, I’m putting it on my list.
This looks like a very interesting novel. I am not that familiar with The Odyssey, having written bits and pieces in school. Even so, the story looks very appealing and intriguing. Thanks for the honest review! Will add this to my to-read list.
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