Penelope's Daughter

August 23, 2010
The Iliad, The Odyssey, and other Greek myths inform and enrich Corona's (The Four Seasons) fanciful first-millennium tapestry of Xanthe, the daughter of Odysseus, king of the Cephallenians, born on the island of Ithaca to Penelope after Odysseus embarked on his mystical journey. With Penelope's legendary husband missing for more than 20 years, Xanthe must come of age sheltered from those who would usurp the kingdom, force her and her mother into marriage, and kill her brother, the heir to the kingdom. As a precaution, her mother fakes Xanthe's death and sends her to Sparta, where her cousin, the fabled Helen of Troy, can better protect her. There, Xanthe learns the mysteries of Bronze Age womanhood and witnesses an attempt on Helen's life, possibly made by her own daughter, the bitter Hermione. Xanthe becomes involved with the son of the king of Phylos, but the gods decide she should return to Ithaca while there's still hope that her father will return and peace may prevail. This variant and dreamy confection of Greek mythology and romance achieves, thanks to Xanthe's first-person account, a great deal of intimacy.

October 1, 2010

Born after her famous father, Odysseus, followed Menelaus to Troy to bring the city to its knees and Helen home to Sparta, Xanthe enjoyed an idyllic childhood. As the years passed, however, and Odysseus failed to return home to his kingdom of Ithaca, his wife, Penelope, was forced to endure an invasion of suitors hoping to win her hand and the kingdom. Still, Xanthe was not in personal danger until she reached age 11 and was deemed old enough to wed, by force if necessary. Sent to live with Penelope's cousin, Xanthe spends her youth in hiding. There is no mention of a daughter in Homer's epic poem, nor is there historical evidence that Odysseus and Penelope had a second child, but as the Greeks with whom Corona spoke during her extensive research said, "If it makes a good story, why not?" VERDICT Corona's second historical novel (The Four Seasons) is indeed a good story--well researched, filled with strong, fully developed female characters, and an insightful look at the secret lives of the women of ancient Greece during an era that was pretty much all about the men. Sure to attract readers of Anita Diamant's The Red Tent and Pilate's Wife by Antoinette May. [A British newspaper recently reported (bit.ly./cKLrlf) that Greek archaeologists may have found Odysseus's palace on the island of Ithaca.--Ed.]--Jane Henriksen Baird, Anchorage P.L., AK

Copyright 2010 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2010
This novel revisits the story of the Trojan War and its aftermath. As it opens, the war has long ended, and the family of the missing Odysseus is still awaiting his return. Daughter Xanthe is left under the care of servants. She has barricaded herself in her room as a protection against unwanted suitors, passing the time by weaving. The story unfolds as she works at her loom, the designs serving as a framework to her tale. As Xanthe shares her history of ancient Greece, a complex picture emerges. Though the war has ended, the people of Ithaca are still immersed in a battle for their future. In Homers saga, women who once wept for their lost men are given the voice and power they deserve. In Coronas tale, women turn a tragedy into opportunity, finding a way to thrive in a world full of men. Penelopes Daughter provides new insight into the lives of Homers women while giving voice to the inventiveness, creativity, and ingenuity of all those left behind.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)