Only through cunning and her spy network of maids can she maintain the delicate balance of power needed for the kingdom to survive.

If Penelope chooses one from amongst them, it will plunge Ithaca into bloody civil war. Between Penelope’s many suitors, a cold war of dubious alliances and hidden knives reigns, as everyone waits for the balance of power to tip one way or another. īut no one man is strong enough to claim Odysseus’ empty throne – not yet. But now, years on, speculation is mounting that husband is dead, and suitors are starting to knock at her door. Whilst he lived, her position was secure. Penelope was barely into womanhood when she wed Odysseus. None of them have returned, and the women have been left behind to run the kingdom. Seventeen years ago, king Odysseus sailed to war with Troy, taking with him every man of fighting age from the island of Ithaca. But on the isle, it is the choices of the abandoned women – and their goddesses – that will change the course of the world. Beyond Ithaca’s shores, the whims of gods dictate the wars of men. This is t he story of Penelope of Ithaca, famed wife of Odysseus, as it has never been told before. ITHACA is out this September and it’s available for pre-order now ( UK | US). ‘Claire North brings a powerful, fresh and unflinching voice to ancient myth – darkly fascinating, raw and breathtaking’ Jennifer Saint, author of Sunday Times bestseller Ariadne

It’s poetic, thrilling, and heartbreaking all at once, and it’s already receiving superb praise: It is perfect for anyone who has enjoyed Circe by Madeline Miller or Ariadne by Jennifer Saint-but it also has its own completely unique flavour, told through the eyes of the goddess Hera. ITHACA is a powerful retelling of the Greek myth of Penelope from the Odyssey. Following our exciting acquisition news about ITHACA by Claire North, we’re now thrilled to reveal the stunning cover, designed by the hugely talented Lisa Marie Pompilio at Orbit US.Ĭlaire North is renowned for being one of the most original and innovative voices in modern fiction, and now she has turned her hand to the classical age with incredible results.

Claire north ithaca