Susan C. Wilson's Blog, page 3
November 9, 2023
Reimagining Myths: Authors in Conversation
Join me on 30 November for "Reimagining Myths: Authors in Conversation" with Nikki Marmery (Lilith) and Laura Shepperson ( The Heroines).
We'll discuss our creative processes, inspirations, and the profound impact of mythology on contemporary literature.
Reserve your spot now for an unforgettable exploration of the enduring power of storytelling.
We'll discuss our creative processes, inspirations, and the profound impact of mythology on contemporary literature.
Reserve your spot now for an unforgettable exploration of the enduring power of storytelling.
November 4, 2023
Helen's Judgement
I've been a little quiet on the updates recently. This weekend, I'll be finishing the final draft of the second novel in the House of Atreus, Helen's Judgement. Then, after a quick read-through for consistency, I'll send it to my editor for feedback and any revisions. Helen's Judgement will be released in December 2024.
101 Ratings!
Thank you so much to everyone who's taken the time to review or rate Clytemnestra's Bind so far. Readers' responses are invaluable for debut authors in the crowded book market, so I appreciate each and every one.
I hope you'll enjoy Helen's Judgement in 2024!
I hope you'll enjoy Helen's Judgement in 2024!
September 25, 2023
Watch Reclaiming the Myths with Hannah Lynn and Susan C Wilson
Hannah and I had an enjoyable Instagram Live discussion about feminism in Greek mythology retellings.
(Grab yourself a beverage of your choice during the first few minutes, while I fumble around trying to get connected!)
(Grab yourself a beverage of your choice during the first few minutes, while I fumble around trying to get connected!)
X/Twitter: Win a Signed HB of Clytemnestra's Bind
#GIVEAWAY 📖 Win an exclusive signed hardback of #GreekMythology novel #ClytemnestrasBind by Susan C Wilson + a scented candle 🏺🐍
— Neem Tree Press (@NeemTreePress) September 25, 2023
To enter:
1. Follow @BronzeAgeWummin & @NeemTreePress
2. Like this post
3. Retweet this post
Winner notified on 2/10/23, UK only. pic.twitter.com/zdfK2BtTtP
August 31, 2023
Win a Copy of Clytemnestra's Bind
Clytemnestra's Bind is Scottish Book Trust's book of the month. Five signed copies are up for grabs. 🏺
Visit Scottish Book Trust. Competition closes at midnight 30/09
Visit Scottish Book Trust. Competition closes at midnight 30/09
August 12, 2023
Reclaiming the Myths - Feminist Retellings of Greek Mythology - InstaLive
Author Hannah Lynn and I will be discussing feminist interpretations of Greek mythology on 24th August 2023, 19:30 BST.
This will be followed by a Q&A. You will be able to submit questions during the event.
For further information and free tickets, please visit Eventbrite.
This will be followed by a Q&A. You will be able to submit questions during the event.
For further information and free tickets, please visit Eventbrite.
August 7, 2023
Aspects of History Review
Review by Ella Beales, Public Historian with the University of Bristol.
"Clytemnestra’s Bind is Susan C. Wilson’s debut novel, and the first instalment of The House of Atreus trilogy which follows three women in the notorious Atreus family: Clytemnestra, her sister Helen, and her daughter Electra.
Clytemnestra is perhaps one of Greek mythology’s most infamous mortal women, with many knowing of the sacrifice of her daughter Iphigenia during the Trojan War and her subsequent vengeance on Agamemnon. However, most retellings of her story begin and end with revenge, and are more about her violent actions than about the woman behind them. In this book, the enacting of her revenge is not told at all. Instead, her trauma and grief, and her intense love and fear for her children, is placed at the forefront. Moreover, whilst Clytemnestra’s story might be well-known, Susan C. Wilson’s captivating writing style and unique approach makes the reader feel as though they are learning of this tale for the first time.
Wilson writes of her desire to explore what makes us human, particularly our motivations, desires and instincts - Clytemnestra’s Bind is a stunning, evocative example of such an exploration. With moving lyrical prose, and written in first person, this book allows the reader to finally get close to Clytemnestra as a grieving wife and mother, and witness the enduring psychological impact of her trauma. Unusually beginning with Clytemnestra as a young, happy bride to Tantalus and new mother to her first-born son Iphitus, this book follows her life as the people she loves most are ripped away from her and she is forced to marry the violent man who has caused her such trauma. Wilson cleverly creates this jarring juxtaposition between the young woman we see at the start of the novel, and the woman Clytemnestra has become by the end, which leads the reader to sympathise rather than despise her.
The curse of the House of Atreus is legendary and yet, most retellings focus solely on its existence as inevitable, rather than on the emotional and psychological impact of believing your family is cursed and trying to break the cycle before it passes on to your children. Instead of being portrayed as the villain or a madwoman, Clytemnestra’s Bind puts the female experience at the forefront, and exposes the horrors and injustices faced by many women in Greek mythology. Wilson explores the position of such women in a patriarchal society, using Clytemnestra’s voice to explore the idea that ‘We women, who possess so little of our own, bestow so much […] Women deliver kingdoms and kings’. With a woman’s worth diminished to the services she can offer men, including those they resent, Clytemnestra’s devoted love of her kingdom, her children and her infamous sister Helen, shows the true measure of her character: her bravery and determination in the face of brutality shines through in this book.
Susan C Wilson has masterfully moved Clytemnestra’s story from the footnotes to the forefront of Greek mythology, offering her a voice and agency. I look forward to reading the next instalment in The House of Atreus trilogy."
"Clytemnestra’s Bind is Susan C. Wilson’s debut novel, and the first instalment of The House of Atreus trilogy which follows three women in the notorious Atreus family: Clytemnestra, her sister Helen, and her daughter Electra.
Clytemnestra is perhaps one of Greek mythology’s most infamous mortal women, with many knowing of the sacrifice of her daughter Iphigenia during the Trojan War and her subsequent vengeance on Agamemnon. However, most retellings of her story begin and end with revenge, and are more about her violent actions than about the woman behind them. In this book, the enacting of her revenge is not told at all. Instead, her trauma and grief, and her intense love and fear for her children, is placed at the forefront. Moreover, whilst Clytemnestra’s story might be well-known, Susan C. Wilson’s captivating writing style and unique approach makes the reader feel as though they are learning of this tale for the first time.
Wilson writes of her desire to explore what makes us human, particularly our motivations, desires and instincts - Clytemnestra’s Bind is a stunning, evocative example of such an exploration. With moving lyrical prose, and written in first person, this book allows the reader to finally get close to Clytemnestra as a grieving wife and mother, and witness the enduring psychological impact of her trauma. Unusually beginning with Clytemnestra as a young, happy bride to Tantalus and new mother to her first-born son Iphitus, this book follows her life as the people she loves most are ripped away from her and she is forced to marry the violent man who has caused her such trauma. Wilson cleverly creates this jarring juxtaposition between the young woman we see at the start of the novel, and the woman Clytemnestra has become by the end, which leads the reader to sympathise rather than despise her.
The curse of the House of Atreus is legendary and yet, most retellings focus solely on its existence as inevitable, rather than on the emotional and psychological impact of believing your family is cursed and trying to break the cycle before it passes on to your children. Instead of being portrayed as the villain or a madwoman, Clytemnestra’s Bind puts the female experience at the forefront, and exposes the horrors and injustices faced by many women in Greek mythology. Wilson explores the position of such women in a patriarchal society, using Clytemnestra’s voice to explore the idea that ‘We women, who possess so little of our own, bestow so much […] Women deliver kingdoms and kings’. With a woman’s worth diminished to the services she can offer men, including those they resent, Clytemnestra’s devoted love of her kingdom, her children and her infamous sister Helen, shows the true measure of her character: her bravery and determination in the face of brutality shines through in this book.
Susan C Wilson has masterfully moved Clytemnestra’s story from the footnotes to the forefront of Greek mythology, offering her a voice and agency. I look forward to reading the next instalment in The House of Atreus trilogy."
Trip Fiction Review
"This is a fascinating tale of a mother’s intense love for her children, the importance of traditions and religious beliefs, and the role of women in ancient Greek society. It’s wonderful to see the story told from Clytemnestra’s point of view, with all the heart-rending misery, self-doubt and joy that she experiences. Although her situation is very much of its time, Wilson has created a modern voice for Clytemnestra and her character is easy to identify with."
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