When it comes to Greek myth, most people will immediately recognise the name Agamemnon, Helen, and the story of the Trojan War. Only a few of those people may readily recognise Clytemnestra. At best, her name sounds familiar, but her role in Greecian myth is at best treasonous and at worst completely overlooked. Wilson doesn’t take away the tragedy of Clytemnestra’s story, rather she adds a beautiful depth to one of myth’s most devout mothers. Wilson manages to do all that while providing a depiction of life in these circumstances that is so realistic you may as well be watching a film or documentary based on a memoir.

There is a lot of praise to be had for Wilson’s writing. It’s impactful, with powerful imagery. The emotions of the characters– chiefly our titular protagonist– are powerful. There are times were you will find your heart racing with adrenaline, laughter escaping your lips, and oh so much pain. The highest praise to be given to this novel is the visceral depiction of motherhood: the intensity of the love and the suffering. Clytemnestra’s story alone is powerful, but giving voice to suffering and her triumphs. Wilson manages to explore womanhood and motherhood in its most primal form, not leaving out a detail of the complexity only exacerbated by circumstance.

The singular struggle in this book is not a struggle in and of itself, but circumstantial. Historical fiction, especially involving the already dense Greek mythologies can be hard for some to get through. It’s entirely possible, especially with such a powerful and well-written story. All that said, in an oversaturated market of retellings, Clytemnestra’s Bind stands out as comparable to other great and celebrated titles.