Discovered in a Livejournal

Taylor Caldwell's novel, set in ancient Persia and Greece, is based on the life of Aspasia—the beautiful and intelligent courtesan who eventually became the companion of Pericles, ruler of Athens.

It is the story of an extraordinary woman, trained since childhood in the arts of beauty and seduction, who finds herself increasingly in rebellion against the helpless position of women in ancient society.

Passionate, restless and fiercely independent, Aspasia is compelled to pursue her destiny wherever it may lead—from the narrow confines of a school for high-class courtesans, into the arms of a rich and powerful Persian satrap, and finally to Athens at the height of its glory.

Taylor Caldwell has written a rich and thought-provoking novel of the ancient world as seen through a woman's eyes—finding in the life of Aspasia a model for the timeless conflicts of all women.

The book is divided into three parts: Aspasia’s story, Pericles’ story, and their story together. Aspasia’s story is probably the most interesting, though I felt that Caldwell went a little overboard describing Aspasia’s beauty, intelligence, and pose. Even at fourteen, she has her out-debating scholars and just about anyone she meets. At the same time, Aspasia does some really dumb things. She ends up being “sold” to a middle eastern satrap, who she ends up falling in love with. But both are unwilling to show their love, and eventually Aspasia escapes back to Greece.

Pericles’ story isn’t as detailed. Not as far as his personal life anyway. But a great deal of space is taken up in discussions with fellow intellectuals. It was at this point that I started skimming through his story. Near the end of his story, he meets Aspasia.

Their story together is told at breakneck speed. And it’s told as sort of a novelized history. What’s going on around them appears more important than their own story, yet told by the characters. At times I felt as if I was being given a history lesson. And again I found myself skimming through discussions between the major characters. In the end, both their story, and the story of Athens, are given short shrift.

A totally odd addition to the story line was Aspasia’s devotion to “the unknown god.” She even manages to bring several of her contemporaries to her way of thinking. Too often it sounds as if she discovered Christianity before Christ.

The one good thing about the book is that it piqued my interest regarding this interesting couple and the world they lived in. The books I’ve read regarding Classical Greece, have had neither playing a large role.




Mount TBR 2026 Book Links


Links are to more information regarding each book or author, not to the review.

1. The Doors of Eden by Adrian Tchaikovsky
2. Four Past Midnight by Stephen King
3. The Possession of Alba Díaz by Isabel Cañas
4. The Gales of November: The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald by John U. Bacon/a>
5. Moon Flower by James P. Hogan
6. The Man Who Saved the Union: Ulysses Grant in War and Peace by H.W. Brands
7. Fires of Eden by Dan Simmons
8. Clytemnestra's Bind (House of Atreus 1) by Susan C Wilson
9. Glory and the Lightning by Taylor Caldwell




Title begins with first letter of your name

Clytemnestra’s Bind is a bold and brutal first-person retelling that redefines her story, unveiling the untold depths of her soul and the legacy she forged as a mother, wife, and queen. Queen Clytemnestra's world shatters when Agamemnon, a rival to the throne of Mycenae, storms her palace, destroys her family and claims not only the throne but Clytemnestra herself. Tormented by her loss, she vows to do all she can to protect the children born from her unhappy marriage to him. But when her husband casts his ruthless gaze towards the wealthy citadel of Troy, his ambitions threaten to once more destroy the family Clytemnestra loves.

From one of Greek mythology's most reviled characters—a woman who challenged the absolute power of men—comes this fiery tale of power, family rivalry and a mother's burning love. Perfect for readers of Greek mythology, and fans of Costanza Casati’s Clytemnestra , Madeline Miller’s Circe , and Jennifer Saint’s Elektra.

This is the second book I’ve read about Clytemnestra; both portray her as a sympathetic character, not at all the evil woman of Greek mythology. Here, she’s an intriguing character whose life is well worth reading about. It’s a harrowing and tragic story of a woman thrown into circumstances she didn’t deserve. Married into a family tainted by murder and cannibalism, her own future seems to be fated to carry on its tortured path.

Told from Clytemnestra’s point of view, the story of her loss becomes more personal. Her heartbreak at losing her infant son only multiplies as the years go by, until, finally, she takes her life into her own hands.

The book ends with Agamemnon leaving for Troy. Clytemnestra is in control, but there is a rocky path ahead and her fate is sealed.

There is a second book that may or may not pick up her story since it’s focused on her sister, Helen. The author changed some instances of the original story; perhaps there is still hope.




Mount TBR 2026 Book Links


Links are to more information regarding each book or author, not to the review.

1. The Doors of Eden by Adrian Tchaikovsky
2. Four Past Midnight by Stephen King
3. The Possession of Alba Díaz by Isabel Cañas
4. The Gales of November: The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald by John U. Bacon/a>
5. Moon Flower by James P. Hogan
6. The Man Who Saved the Union: Ulysses Grant in War and Peace by H.W. Brands
7. Fires of Eden by Dan Simmons
8. Clytemnestra's Bind (House of Atreus 1) by Susan C Wilson







A New to You Author