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Sweetbitter Song
One fateful night in Sparta, a young slave girl encounters a mysterious, grey-eyed princess. Melantho and Penelope, though from different worlds, are instantly connected. But betrayal soon tears them apart.
Years later, on Ithaca's rocky shores, Melantho is sent to serve Princess Penelope and her new husband, Prince Odysseus. Hardened by slavery, Melantho vows to stay distant from Penelope. Yet, the undeniable pull between them proves stronger than ever.
As war ignites Greece, Odysseus and Ithaca's men are called away and, in their absence, Melantho finds a new world opening up before her – one where women rule, where family can be found, and where love is finally given the space to bloom.
But all wars eventually end and as Troy falls, Penelope and Melantho must face the King’s return and decide how far they will go to protect what matters most to them.
Years later, on Ithaca's rocky shores, Melantho is sent to serve Princess Penelope and her new husband, Prince Odysseus. Hardened by slavery, Melantho vows to stay distant from Penelope. Yet, the undeniable pull between them proves stronger than ever.
As war ignites Greece, Odysseus and Ithaca's men are called away and, in their absence, Melantho finds a new world opening up before her – one where women rule, where family can be found, and where love is finally given the space to bloom.
But all wars eventually end and as Troy falls, Penelope and Melantho must face the King’s return and decide how far they will go to protect what matters most to them.
496 pages, Hardcover
First published March 17, 2026
102 people are currently reading
9923 people want to read
About the author
Rosie Hewlett
4 books696 followersRosie Hewlett is the Sunday Times Bestselling author of MEDEA and MEDUSA.
Having secured a First Class Honours degree in Classical Literature and Civilisation at the University of Birmingham, Rosie Hewlett has studied Greek mythology in depth and is passionate about unearthing strong female voices within the classical world. Rosie currently lives in Kent with her husband and is now a full-time author spending her days lost inside her favourite stories from mythology.
Rosie's first traditionally published novel, Medea, was an instant Sunday Times bestseller. Her self-published debut novel, Medusa, won the Rubery Book of the Year award in 2021 and is being re-released in hardback for the first time in autumn 2025.
Her brand new book Sweetbitter Song will be publishing in spring 2026.
Having secured a First Class Honours degree in Classical Literature and Civilisation at the University of Birmingham, Rosie Hewlett has studied Greek mythology in depth and is passionate about unearthing strong female voices within the classical world. Rosie currently lives in Kent with her husband and is now a full-time author spending her days lost inside her favourite stories from mythology.
Rosie's first traditionally published novel, Medea, was an instant Sunday Times bestseller. Her self-published debut novel, Medusa, won the Rubery Book of the Year award in 2021 and is being re-released in hardback for the first time in autumn 2025.
Her brand new book Sweetbitter Song will be publishing in spring 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
January 15, 2026
“how could we love each other so greatly and the world still deny us?”
listen i’m still trying to get myself together after that ending. what a gut wrenching story. sweetbitter song is a sapphic retelling of the odyssey in which penelope and melantho are reimagined as childhood companions. an interpretation that would send most homer purists into damn near cardiac arrest but for me was incredibly effective. shake the table up a little bit if you will!
by narrowing the age gap and allowing melantho and penelope to bond as children, hewlett adds a layer of intimacy to their dynamic that feels like a natural extension of their shared girlhood. this choice also lends profound weight to the guilt penelope carries as they grow older and their roles solidify into those of princess and slave. it was at this point in the story that i started to physically ache, just watching them grapple with the severity of their inherited social hierarchies while still harboring affection for one another.
it’s also worth noting that because the story is told through melantho’s perspective, penelope can sometimes feel very distant. this guardedness and restraint are consistent with her status as a princess so it didn’t bother me. if anything it only magnified the yearning and pining. you feel penelope’s devotion to melantho in the small moments and understated protections she offers. even when honesty is impossible, their love is undeniable and hewlett captures that forbidden bond masterfully. i’m tearing up once again just thinking about it.
another highlight for me was the solidarity between the handmaids. i was deeply touched by their care for one another which functioned as a form of quiet resistance, and by the small nook of tenderness the handmaids managed to carve out for themselves despite their circumstances. their playful back and forth also helped lighten the heaviness of the story at times which i was grateful for.
overall, this was a beautiful and devastating read. i don’t think i’m ever getting over it. sincere thanks to the publisher and netgalley for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review. i can’t wait to purchase a physical copy.
November 18, 2025
4⭐️
This was a good read but also deeply sad. I do enjoy reading a mythical retelling like this but sometimes I feel like I need recovery time after- like I need to go read a happy rom-com where everyone lives happily ever after and nothing bad happens
This story is centered around Penelope, a princess of Sparta and Melantho, a slave girl serving in the palace. The two strike up a deep friendship as girls that follows them through the tribulations of their lives, from Sparta all the way to the shores of Ithica. Their love and connection only grows, continually drawing them back together.
This story looks to give a different view than the one typically told about these two women- Penelope of course is always remembered as the faithful wife of Odysseus, waiting 20 long years in Ithica for her King's return. Here we have a different story of those years- how Penelope and her handmaidens changed Ithica and kept the throne safe from enemies outside and in.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishing team for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
"Let history have its lies if it means we can have each other."
This was a good read but also deeply sad. I do enjoy reading a mythical retelling like this but sometimes I feel like I need recovery time after- like I need to go read a happy rom-com where everyone lives happily ever after and nothing bad happens
This story is centered around Penelope, a princess of Sparta and Melantho, a slave girl serving in the palace. The two strike up a deep friendship as girls that follows them through the tribulations of their lives, from Sparta all the way to the shores of Ithica. Their love and connection only grows, continually drawing them back together.
This story looks to give a different view than the one typically told about these two women- Penelope of course is always remembered as the faithful wife of Odysseus, waiting 20 long years in Ithica for her King's return. Here we have a different story of those years- how Penelope and her handmaidens changed Ithica and kept the throne safe from enemies outside and in.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishing team for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 28, 2025
why are we shipping penelope with her child slave that she raised like a daughter
December 29, 2025
E-ARC from NetGalley
RTC but it’s a no for me 🫤 love some sapphic retailing but this felt like a massive character assassination of all Odyssey characters
RTC but it’s a no for me 🫤 love some sapphic retailing but this felt like a massive character assassination of all Odyssey characters
December 23, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review. This books was such a good greek retelling and it was from a perspective I have never read from before. Melantho is a character that i wasn’t super familiar with but this story was heartbreaking and empowering all at the same time. This being advertised as a sapphic song of achilles is honestly very accurate and I hope it receives the same hype. With the odyssesy movie releasing soon i implore you to pick this up when you get the change.
March 17, 2026
Thank you to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for the ARC
*sigh*
Alright. So. As someone who unconditionally loves Greek mythology, Greek retelling AND sapphic romances. This was a no for me.
Granted, I understand that “it’s a retelling blah blah blah.” But this just feels very off to me.
Melantho in the original story is significantly younger than Penelope, is raised like a daughter BY Penelope and BETRAYS HER and sleeps with the suitors!!! Now I know you don’t need to be lore accurate but it feels icky to me that she is aged up in this story.
And normally I would be like “ok whatever” but it’s the fact that MELANTHO HERSELF is disgusted by the fact that Odysseus is TWICE Penelope’s age!!!!!
Further more, this felt very Stockholm Syndrome to me. Penelope gets Melantho whipped, gets her best friend branded, splits her brother and his pregnant wife apart, and then asks her to stay with her in Ithaca?? And all the justification is “well it’s hard to be a woman :((((“. I just in no way shape or form felt like this was necessary, realistic, or like made any sense! I just was very annoyed with their relationship.
The dialogue also did not feel realistic to me. Melantho, with every right, is angry at Penelope and her own circumstances. But I never fully understood her character and her morals. One minute she is shy and demure, the next she is all “WOMAN STRONG” and ugh idk.
Also just the assassination of ALL the other characters in this story. ESPECIALLY PENELOPE. A woman who had to ENDURE SO MUCH! Like I just want a retelling from HER perspective. This just wasn’t it unfortunately.
*sigh*
Alright. So. As someone who unconditionally loves Greek mythology, Greek retelling AND sapphic romances. This was a no for me.
Granted, I understand that “it’s a retelling blah blah blah.” But this just feels very off to me.
Melantho in the original story is significantly younger than Penelope, is raised like a daughter BY Penelope and BETRAYS HER and sleeps with the suitors!!! Now I know you don’t need to be lore accurate but it feels icky to me that she is aged up in this story.
And normally I would be like “ok whatever” but it’s the fact that MELANTHO HERSELF is disgusted by the fact that Odysseus is TWICE Penelope’s age!!!!!
Further more, this felt very Stockholm Syndrome to me. Penelope gets Melantho whipped, gets her best friend branded, splits her brother and his pregnant wife apart, and then asks her to stay with her in Ithaca?? And all the justification is “well it’s hard to be a woman :((((“. I just in no way shape or form felt like this was necessary, realistic, or like made any sense! I just was very annoyed with their relationship.
The dialogue also did not feel realistic to me. Melantho, with every right, is angry at Penelope and her own circumstances. But I never fully understood her character and her morals. One minute she is shy and demure, the next she is all “WOMAN STRONG” and ugh idk.
Also just the assassination of ALL the other characters in this story. ESPECIALLY PENELOPE. A woman who had to ENDURE SO MUCH! Like I just want a retelling from HER perspective. This just wasn’t it unfortunately.
March 23, 2026
🤍 Greek Mythology
🏹 Sapphic Love
🤍 Forbidden Romance
🏹 Brutal and Bloodthirsty
🤍 The Odyssey Reimagined
Okay, well, I am going to start this review by saying I am not very well-versed in Greek Mythology. I am not someone who needs new works to be accurate or consistent with the original tales. I do not care about honouring men of the past with their heroic stories and phallus measurements. That said, I feel like the author definitely takes a lot of liberties with this feminist reimagining of "The Odyssey", and personally? I am totally okay with that.
This story is told through the perspective of the slave and handmaiden, Melantho. It chronicles her treacherous upbringing as a slave and her blossoming friendship with Penelope, future queen of Ithaca and wife of Odysseus.
This book is sometimes hard to read, the treatment of women and children is horrific. The treatment of the slaves is terrible. This story isn't just about a friendship or romance, but about class struggles and the abhorrent ownership of women of every class. I appreciated the poignant feminine rage in this story. I loved the sapphic romance spin. The prose itself is beautiful and the story is immensely detailed, despite the sometimes grim subject matter. I love the idea that a lot of the great feats accomplished by men were orchestrated through careful plotting by women.
I did find this a little bit long-winded. It seems like parts of the story were so detailed and then we would skip 5-7 years at a time. For this reason, it took me longer to read than I had anticipated because the overarching conflict isn't apparent until well into the book. I did find some of the character decisions and plot developments frustrating, and in some cases, I would have liked to see more emotional complexity and connection between characters, especially within the romance plotline.
Overall this was a stunning read. It is definitely a must-read for anyone who loves Greek Mythology reimaginings and isn't going to fuss about a story straying from the source material.
Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the ARC of this book. All thoughts and feedback contained within this review are my own.
🏹 Sapphic Love
🤍 Forbidden Romance
🏹 Brutal and Bloodthirsty
🤍 The Odyssey Reimagined
Okay, well, I am going to start this review by saying I am not very well-versed in Greek Mythology. I am not someone who needs new works to be accurate or consistent with the original tales. I do not care about honouring men of the past with their heroic stories and phallus measurements. That said, I feel like the author definitely takes a lot of liberties with this feminist reimagining of "The Odyssey", and personally? I am totally okay with that.
This story is told through the perspective of the slave and handmaiden, Melantho. It chronicles her treacherous upbringing as a slave and her blossoming friendship with Penelope, future queen of Ithaca and wife of Odysseus.
This book is sometimes hard to read, the treatment of women and children is horrific. The treatment of the slaves is terrible. This story isn't just about a friendship or romance, but about class struggles and the abhorrent ownership of women of every class. I appreciated the poignant feminine rage in this story. I loved the sapphic romance spin. The prose itself is beautiful and the story is immensely detailed, despite the sometimes grim subject matter. I love the idea that a lot of the great feats accomplished by men were orchestrated through careful plotting by women.
I did find this a little bit long-winded. It seems like parts of the story were so detailed and then we would skip 5-7 years at a time. For this reason, it took me longer to read than I had anticipated because the overarching conflict isn't apparent until well into the book. I did find some of the character decisions and plot developments frustrating, and in some cases, I would have liked to see more emotional complexity and connection between characters, especially within the romance plotline.
Overall this was a stunning read. It is definitely a must-read for anyone who loves Greek Mythology reimaginings and isn't going to fuss about a story straying from the source material.
Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the ARC of this book. All thoughts and feedback contained within this review are my own.
November 14, 2025
“Let history have its lies if it means we can have each other.”
Okay so I think it was an absolute fluke that I managed to read this via NetGalley BUT I have been yearning for this book since I discovered its existence and I’m taking it as a sign from the gods. I didn’t think Rosie’s work could get any better but this right here is my favourite 🥹😭
Sweetbitter Song is reclamation and re-imagining of the life’s of the women who’s names may feature in the odyssey, but who’s stories are recorded only as orbiting a man’s legend. It’s a love letter to the intelligent, courageous, kind women whose actions, thoughts and lives were not thought worthy of legends. It’s profoundly moving, painful and hopeful.
The prose is lyrical and poetic, it’s a harsh juxtaposition between the stunning writing and horrifying subject matter that works beautifully to highlight the horror in sharp clarity. It also shines a light on the moments of peace and solace. There’s a rich sense of location and culture, interspersed with traditions and mythological lore
The Penelope we know, is the dutiful wife, living in the shadow of a legendary war and waiting faithfully for 20 years for her husband to return. Melantho is the traitorous handmaiden who betrayed her, siding with the vicious suitors vying for her marriage and throne.
But the history we know was told by men looking to carve their name into legend.
This re-imagining breathes life into the women of the story. Sweetbitter Song is a feminine focused retelling that shows the strength, kindness and innovation of women despite everything stacked against them. It’s a tender, devastating sapphic romance and a story of sisterhood and family.
“We were women forced to play in a game only men could win.”
Melantho and Penelope’s lives have been intertwined since they were children. A tangled, golden thread of girlhood, friendship and love spanning decades.
Women’s lives are pulled with the tides of men’s whims and actions. The women in this story endure a grinding down of their souls and spirit. It’s a tender, tragic, hopeful story. Of seeing the worst in the world and still reaching for something better. This will break your heart, but heal it too.
Melantho meets Penelope as a child. In secret, they become fast friends. Penelope is a princess and Melantho a slave serving her family. This power dynamic doesn’t allow for fraternisation or friendship. As a child Melantho doesn’t fully comprehend her place in the world, but childhood innocent and wonder cannot survive in a world so cruel. Pain and suffering will rip the shroud from her eyes. Given a glimpse of the life others lead, a summer of friendship, no work or fear of punishment. She recognises the cage she calls home now. One violent, life threatening night dashes any illusions she may have had.
The part of the story that explores their childhood is particularly painful. The childlike naivety of the narrator, overlaid with our own understanding is devastating.
Slaves have no control over their lives or bodies. They cannot protect themselves or their family. They are seen as possessions, not people.
“For slaves were not permitted to mourn. There was no space for our pain.”
Melantho is violently forced to recognise that “Slave” is not a family name, it’s an ownership. A denial of life and human experience. You can’t don naivety after it’s been so violently shed. It breeds bitterness.
“Penelope’s betrayal cut me far deeper, opening wounds my body did not recognise, did not know how to heal.”
As a child Melantho resents Penelope, for abandoning her and denying their bond.
When fate brings them together again years later, she tries to hold onto this anger and keep her distance, but they can’t extricate themselves from each other. Even when their efforts to protect each other cause more harm.
Penelope brings Melantho to her marital home of Ithica. Unable to relinquish their bond, but forbidden from acting on it. As they grow together Melantho realises that though Penelope’s station is higher than her own, all this affords her is a more gilded cage. Too much pain changes the lens in which you view the world and Melantho struggles feel anything when it could all be taken away.
“Silent truths will always find a way of being heard”
Penelope and her fellow handmaidens help coax Melantho into finding joy where she can. Choosing happiness a form of rebellion. Together, with their chosen family they navigate a perilous world. Left to carve what little peace and solace can be found from the scraps of a man’s table. But there is joy and love and they work to share this with as many women as they can. Building their own haven.
Their lives are intertwined by chance or fate, but the choices they make keep their futures woven together. Sweetbitter Song is reclamation and re-imagining of the life’s of the women who’s names may feature in the odyssey, but who’s stories are recorded only as orbiting a man’s legend. It’s a love letter to the intelligent, courageous, kind women whose actions, thoughts and lives were not thought worthy of legends. It’s profoundly moving, painful and hopeful.
“Perhaps this too was what it meant to love someone—a willingness to leap into the dark, ready to fly or fall, so long as you did so by their side.”
Okay so I think it was an absolute fluke that I managed to read this via NetGalley BUT I have been yearning for this book since I discovered its existence and I’m taking it as a sign from the gods. I didn’t think Rosie’s work could get any better but this right here is my favourite 🥹😭
Sweetbitter Song is reclamation and re-imagining of the life’s of the women who’s names may feature in the odyssey, but who’s stories are recorded only as orbiting a man’s legend. It’s a love letter to the intelligent, courageous, kind women whose actions, thoughts and lives were not thought worthy of legends. It’s profoundly moving, painful and hopeful.
The prose is lyrical and poetic, it’s a harsh juxtaposition between the stunning writing and horrifying subject matter that works beautifully to highlight the horror in sharp clarity. It also shines a light on the moments of peace and solace. There’s a rich sense of location and culture, interspersed with traditions and mythological lore
The Penelope we know, is the dutiful wife, living in the shadow of a legendary war and waiting faithfully for 20 years for her husband to return. Melantho is the traitorous handmaiden who betrayed her, siding with the vicious suitors vying for her marriage and throne.
But the history we know was told by men looking to carve their name into legend.
This re-imagining breathes life into the women of the story. Sweetbitter Song is a feminine focused retelling that shows the strength, kindness and innovation of women despite everything stacked against them. It’s a tender, devastating sapphic romance and a story of sisterhood and family.
“We were women forced to play in a game only men could win.”
Melantho and Penelope’s lives have been intertwined since they were children. A tangled, golden thread of girlhood, friendship and love spanning decades.
Women’s lives are pulled with the tides of men’s whims and actions. The women in this story endure a grinding down of their souls and spirit. It’s a tender, tragic, hopeful story. Of seeing the worst in the world and still reaching for something better. This will break your heart, but heal it too.
Melantho meets Penelope as a child. In secret, they become fast friends. Penelope is a princess and Melantho a slave serving her family. This power dynamic doesn’t allow for fraternisation or friendship. As a child Melantho doesn’t fully comprehend her place in the world, but childhood innocent and wonder cannot survive in a world so cruel. Pain and suffering will rip the shroud from her eyes. Given a glimpse of the life others lead, a summer of friendship, no work or fear of punishment. She recognises the cage she calls home now. One violent, life threatening night dashes any illusions she may have had.
The part of the story that explores their childhood is particularly painful. The childlike naivety of the narrator, overlaid with our own understanding is devastating.
Slaves have no control over their lives or bodies. They cannot protect themselves or their family. They are seen as possessions, not people.
“For slaves were not permitted to mourn. There was no space for our pain.”
Melantho is violently forced to recognise that “Slave” is not a family name, it’s an ownership. A denial of life and human experience. You can’t don naivety after it’s been so violently shed. It breeds bitterness.
“Penelope’s betrayal cut me far deeper, opening wounds my body did not recognise, did not know how to heal.”
As a child Melantho resents Penelope, for abandoning her and denying their bond.
When fate brings them together again years later, she tries to hold onto this anger and keep her distance, but they can’t extricate themselves from each other. Even when their efforts to protect each other cause more harm.
Penelope brings Melantho to her marital home of Ithica. Unable to relinquish their bond, but forbidden from acting on it. As they grow together Melantho realises that though Penelope’s station is higher than her own, all this affords her is a more gilded cage. Too much pain changes the lens in which you view the world and Melantho struggles feel anything when it could all be taken away.
“Silent truths will always find a way of being heard”
Penelope and her fellow handmaidens help coax Melantho into finding joy where she can. Choosing happiness a form of rebellion. Together, with their chosen family they navigate a perilous world. Left to carve what little peace and solace can be found from the scraps of a man’s table. But there is joy and love and they work to share this with as many women as they can. Building their own haven.
Their lives are intertwined by chance or fate, but the choices they make keep their futures woven together. Sweetbitter Song is reclamation and re-imagining of the life’s of the women who’s names may feature in the odyssey, but who’s stories are recorded only as orbiting a man’s legend. It’s a love letter to the intelligent, courageous, kind women whose actions, thoughts and lives were not thought worthy of legends. It’s profoundly moving, painful and hopeful.
“Perhaps this too was what it meant to love someone—a willingness to leap into the dark, ready to fly or fall, so long as you did so by their side.”
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December 1, 2025Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc of Sweetbitter Song!
I'm afraid I'm DNFing this book due to highly triggering content that wasn't indicated in the book description. The book description states that "One summer night, within the palace of Sparta, a young slave girl stumbles across a grey-eyed princess", which is an incredibly euphemistic way to describe the book's opening.
In reality, we spend the first few chapters waiting to see if Penelope's father Icarius will succeed in (spoiler tags for triggering content) the nine-year-old Melantho. This is how Penelope and Melantho come to meet. I found it really harrowing to read those initial chapters, complete with the grief of Melantho's mother and Icarius' horrendous commentary on Melantho as . The book doesn't romanticise this, but I don't have it in me to read the entire book. (Either this is a recurring theme and it will be a highly traumatising read, or it won't come up again which means it would have been included in the book gratuitously.)
I wouldn't normally leave a review of a book I've read so little of, but I think this is the kind of thing that should at least be hinted at in the book description so that readers can make an informed decision before purchasing.
I'm afraid I'm DNFing this book due to highly triggering content that wasn't indicated in the book description. The book description states that "One summer night, within the palace of Sparta, a young slave girl stumbles across a grey-eyed princess", which is an incredibly euphemistic way to describe the book's opening.
In reality, we spend the first few chapters waiting to see if Penelope's father Icarius will succeed in (spoiler tags for triggering content) the nine-year-old Melantho. This is how Penelope and Melantho come to meet. I found it really harrowing to read those initial chapters, complete with the grief of Melantho's mother and Icarius' horrendous commentary on Melantho as . The book doesn't romanticise this, but I don't have it in me to read the entire book. (Either this is a recurring theme and it will be a highly traumatising read, or it won't come up again which means it would have been included in the book gratuitously.)
I wouldn't normally leave a review of a book I've read so little of, but I think this is the kind of thing that should at least be hinted at in the book description so that readers can make an informed decision before purchasing.
Want to read
February 20, 2026TAKE MY MONEY NOW
March 7, 2026
Heated Rivalry, but sapphic, and instead of losing a hockey match, the stakes are evisceration and having your existence forgotten to history.
November 21, 2025
“i was like icarus and she the sun, her radiance drawing me closer even when i knew how far i had to fall. that was what it felt like to want penelope—a sweet, assured self-destruction.”
the most beautifully devastating book, and by far my favorite read of the year.
sweetbitter song is an exquisite love story that transcends class, power, and time. the novel showcases the beauty of friendship and the curse of loving someone incomprehensively beyond reach. melantho and penelope first meet as children from wildly different backgrounds—penelope, a young princess, and melantho, a slave. but these differences are powerless against the girls’ friendship and feelings that blossom over time.
this story is told from melantho’s perspective. born into slavery and forced to endure a challenging life, melantho's temper refuses to be extinguished, and she perseveres through it all. over the course of her life, penelope’s presence comes and goes like the tide. their relationship evolves and shifts over decades, ranging from enemies to indifference, and so much more.
this review took me a long time to write because it was nearly impossible to articulate my feelings in a precise way. i will never forget this retelling, or the relationship between melantho and penelope illustrated in this gorgeous book. i cannot recommend sweetbitter song enough <3
advanced reader’s copy review - thank you netgalley for the arc!
⭑ ⭑ ⭑ ⭑ ⭑
themes: forbidden love, agency, identity, misogyny, sisterhood, and survival.
content warnings: child abuse, abuse, s*xual ass*ult, r*pe, murder, violence, sexism, character death, torture, misogyny, and slavery.
the most beautifully devastating book, and by far my favorite read of the year.
sweetbitter song is an exquisite love story that transcends class, power, and time. the novel showcases the beauty of friendship and the curse of loving someone incomprehensively beyond reach. melantho and penelope first meet as children from wildly different backgrounds—penelope, a young princess, and melantho, a slave. but these differences are powerless against the girls’ friendship and feelings that blossom over time.
this story is told from melantho’s perspective. born into slavery and forced to endure a challenging life, melantho's temper refuses to be extinguished, and she perseveres through it all. over the course of her life, penelope’s presence comes and goes like the tide. their relationship evolves and shifts over decades, ranging from enemies to indifference, and so much more.
this review took me a long time to write because it was nearly impossible to articulate my feelings in a precise way. i will never forget this retelling, or the relationship between melantho and penelope illustrated in this gorgeous book. i cannot recommend sweetbitter song enough <3
advanced reader’s copy review - thank you netgalley for the arc!
⭑ ⭑ ⭑ ⭑ ⭑
themes: forbidden love, agency, identity, misogyny, sisterhood, and survival.
content warnings: child abuse, abuse, s*xual ass*ult, r*pe, murder, violence, sexism, character death, torture, misogyny, and slavery.
March 19, 2026
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for an eARC of this book!
THIS BOOK DESTROYED ME!!! I devoured every page and read the last 50% in a day...
I will start with the fact that I have not read the Odyssey but I LOVE Greek mythology retellings.
I picked up this book because:
- I love the cover (both versions)
- I have enjoyed the authors other works
- I LOVE sapphic retellings
- I was excited to see a story from Penelope's side of things
From the very beginning I was pulled into the story because we are following Melantho and the story unfold from her eyes. I thought this was a very unique choice and was intrigued to see how the love story would play out.
While I am not familiar with the Odyssey's story of Penelope/Melantho, I really love how Rosie Hewlett had them meet and "grow up" around each other. I thought that their story starting from a young age adds important building blocks as we go through.
I loved learning about Melantho and Penelope's lives before we get to Ithaca. As well as the life they create with the other handmaids in Ithaca as Penelope is Queen.
I got to about 75% through the book and was really surprised I hadn't cried... Then for the last 10% of the book, I sobbed...
I do wish this book had content warnings at the beginning, as some things I should have guessed would happen, and I could handle reading. But would be triggering for others to read, and they start very early. (Things like rape, whipping, abuse, fighting, etc.)
THIS BOOK DESTROYED ME!!! I devoured every page and read the last 50% in a day...
I will start with the fact that I have not read the Odyssey but I LOVE Greek mythology retellings.
I picked up this book because:
- I love the cover (both versions)
- I have enjoyed the authors other works
- I LOVE sapphic retellings
- I was excited to see a story from Penelope's side of things
From the very beginning I was pulled into the story because we are following Melantho and the story unfold from her eyes. I thought this was a very unique choice and was intrigued to see how the love story would play out.
While I am not familiar with the Odyssey's story of Penelope/Melantho, I really love how Rosie Hewlett had them meet and "grow up" around each other. I thought that their story starting from a young age adds important building blocks as we go through.
I loved learning about Melantho and Penelope's lives before we get to Ithaca. As well as the life they create with the other handmaids in Ithaca as Penelope is Queen.
I got to about 75% through the book and was really surprised I hadn't cried... Then for the last 10% of the book, I sobbed...
I do wish this book had content warnings at the beginning, as some things I should have guessed would happen, and I could handle reading. But would be triggering for others to read, and they start very early. (Things like rape, whipping, abuse, fighting, etc.)
March 19, 2026
The tension, the yearning, oh my god.
This was such a beautiful book, it was written amazingly well and I couldn't get enough of this. I ate it up and had such an amazing time with it.
My heart ached reading through this and at points I could barely stand to find out what happened. This was incredible and exactly what I hoped it would be
This was such a beautiful book, it was written amazingly well and I couldn't get enough of this. I ate it up and had such an amazing time with it.
My heart ached reading through this and at points I could barely stand to find out what happened. This was incredible and exactly what I hoped it would be
March 18, 2026
I will fall for you over and over again.
I don’t care how, where or when.
No matter how long it’s been, you’re mine. but the sapphic version.
from the moment these two women met each other on page, I knew this story was going to wreck me. how I hate being right.
so much about women, men, class and queerness has evolved yet remained the same from Greek Mythology to today.
Hewlett describes lesbian yearning and love so perfectly, it made my ears ring, my cheeks blush and my feet kick.
if the thought of reading a greek myth retelling intimidates you, please know the language and writing is very accessible. easier to gut you with. :)
Big thank you to Sourcebooks via NetGalley for providing me with an early copy in exchange for an honest review!
I don’t care how, where or when.
No matter how long it’s been, you’re mine. but the sapphic version.
from the moment these two women met each other on page, I knew this story was going to wreck me. how I hate being right.
so much about women, men, class and queerness has evolved yet remained the same from Greek Mythology to today.
Hewlett describes lesbian yearning and love so perfectly, it made my ears ring, my cheeks blush and my feet kick.
if the thought of reading a greek myth retelling intimidates you, please know the language and writing is very accessible. easier to gut you with. :)
Big thank you to Sourcebooks via NetGalley for providing me with an early copy in exchange for an honest review!
March 6, 2026
DRC via Edelweiss
Sapphic Song of Achilles!! I loved the characters and the clever storytelling that kept Greek myth alive while allowing a new perspective. At first, the use of modern language tripped me up, but I understood the purpose. Every single detail was intentional and I appreciated the little themes carried throughout. I LOVED Penelope’s character. She is always portrayed as clever, but this book gave the how and the why. Beauuuuutiful. Cried like 4 times.
Sapphic Song of Achilles!! I loved the characters and the clever storytelling that kept Greek myth alive while allowing a new perspective. At first, the use of modern language tripped me up, but I understood the purpose. Every single detail was intentional and I appreciated the little themes carried throughout. I LOVED Penelope’s character. She is always portrayed as clever, but this book gave the how and the why. Beauuuuutiful. Cried like 4 times.
Read
March 8, 2026Wow! She's done it again! Another breathtaking retelling that completely spins the myth on its head and offers a fresh narrative.
Want to read
December 15, 2025need this now
January 28, 2026
4🌟
“Let history have its lies if it means we can have each other”
I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read this book! This book follows Melantho, a slave woman from Sparta, and Princess Penelope, the daughter of Icarus and the future queen of Ithaca. From a young age, the women become close and immediate friends, however the differences of their lives tears them apart. The book follows them as fate tears them apart, and then brings them back together through the hardships of both of their lives. I appreciate that this book gives us a deeper look at Penelope, someone who is often glossed over in history. She is kind-hearted, passionate, and ambitious - which are all characteristics history forgets to mention in women. I also appreciated that this book gave honest insight on what life looks like for those who are not the ruling class, as often times Greek-retellings are focused on the royals. Often, we look at history with rose-colored glasses, and I think it is important to remember the faults that existed too. This book was beautifully written, and deeply touching. I highly suggest reading this book if mythology or Ancient Greece-inspired books are your niche.
I was a little surprised at times with the language in this book, I was expecting the writing style to reflect other Greek-retellings that read like modern classics. Especially the way this was marketed as a sapphic Song of Achilles, I was sometimes surprised with the dialogue and interactions between characters. At times, the book read as though it was an Ancient Greece-inspired modern retelling, especially with some of the characterization and humor. However, that is the only reason this is not rated 5 stars, and this was just personal preference. I think the book is very approachable and relatable with the writing style used, it was just not what I was expecting.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book!
“Let history have its lies if it means we can have each other”
I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read this book! This book follows Melantho, a slave woman from Sparta, and Princess Penelope, the daughter of Icarus and the future queen of Ithaca. From a young age, the women become close and immediate friends, however the differences of their lives tears them apart. The book follows them as fate tears them apart, and then brings them back together through the hardships of both of their lives. I appreciate that this book gives us a deeper look at Penelope, someone who is often glossed over in history. She is kind-hearted, passionate, and ambitious - which are all characteristics history forgets to mention in women. I also appreciated that this book gave honest insight on what life looks like for those who are not the ruling class, as often times Greek-retellings are focused on the royals. Often, we look at history with rose-colored glasses, and I think it is important to remember the faults that existed too. This book was beautifully written, and deeply touching. I highly suggest reading this book if mythology or Ancient Greece-inspired books are your niche.
I was a little surprised at times with the language in this book, I was expecting the writing style to reflect other Greek-retellings that read like modern classics. Especially the way this was marketed as a sapphic Song of Achilles, I was sometimes surprised with the dialogue and interactions between characters. At times, the book read as though it was an Ancient Greece-inspired modern retelling, especially with some of the characterization and humor. However, that is the only reason this is not rated 5 stars, and this was just personal preference. I think the book is very approachable and relatable with the writing style used, it was just not what I was expecting.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book!
October 31, 2025
This is an excellent book! I have read Rosie Hewlett’s two other novels set in the world of ancient Greek mythology (Medusa and The Witch of Colchis) and this one is even better than the other two – a triumph and a masterpiece!
Sweetbitter Song imagines a relationship between Penelope from the Odyssey and her maid, Melantho, and weaves the two characters together as if their story had been left out of history.
Meeting in Sparta as children, Penelope and Melantho at once form an unbreakable bond that survives many challenges and twists of fate and then progresses to something more romantic as they age and their lives move to Odysseus’s island kingdom of Ithaca.
The adventure of the Odyssey serves as a distant backdrop for this tale, and tragically the relationship is doomed from the start because Penelope and Melantho were born into different stations in life: Penelope is a queen and Melantho is a slave. But while Odysseus is away fighting the Trojan War, Penelope and Melantho thrive and set up a perfect and just queendom that abolishes the degradation of slavery in Ithaca. But, everyone knows that Odysseus eventually returns! Knowing the ending of the Odyssey does not spoil the book; it makes it more poignant and tragic!
This quote from Melantho at the height of their relationship says it all about how they felt about each other, and about how the romance plays out:
“Perhaps that was what it meant to truly love someone—not fighting to hold them together but making them feel safe enough to fall apart. And that is what I would do for Penelope. I would let her lie, broken, in my arms for as long as she needed, keeping every sacred piece of her safe until she felt ready to put them back together again.”
The scene of Penelope and Melantho sneaking away to swim in the river Eurotas when they were children is not to be missed and will remind you of young love, and the ending of the novel is truly tragic and will have you crying, but it is truly poetic!
The pacing of the story was excellent – every time the action started to slow, it would take a new turn and everything would become exciting again.
The characters were extremely well developed, and I felt like I knew and was invested in them all. There is a cast of supporting characters who were all compelling and fleshed out. I especially liked Thratta, the Thracian handmaiden who was captured and sold into slavery, who then ended up in Penelope’s palace and performs a vital service during the novel’s climax; and I also liked Melantho’s foolish but achingly endearing brother, Melanthius.
I am a stickler for detail, and this story fits so well with the existing stories and mythology. Rosie Hewlett clearly spent a lot of time researching this book, and it has paid off! Even the smallest details fit with the stories I am familiar with, but previous knowledge of mythology is by no means a requirement to enjoy this novel. There are however, two important differences, understandable and meaningful, that were left out of the history books… and that is all I will say about that!
I look forward to reading more of Rosie Hewlett’s novels, as she is sure to be just starting a brilliant career! Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read this novel before it is published. I look forward to buying my copy when it comes out.
Sweetbitter Song imagines a relationship between Penelope from the Odyssey and her maid, Melantho, and weaves the two characters together as if their story had been left out of history.
Meeting in Sparta as children, Penelope and Melantho at once form an unbreakable bond that survives many challenges and twists of fate and then progresses to something more romantic as they age and their lives move to Odysseus’s island kingdom of Ithaca.
The adventure of the Odyssey serves as a distant backdrop for this tale, and tragically the relationship is doomed from the start because Penelope and Melantho were born into different stations in life: Penelope is a queen and Melantho is a slave. But while Odysseus is away fighting the Trojan War, Penelope and Melantho thrive and set up a perfect and just queendom that abolishes the degradation of slavery in Ithaca. But, everyone knows that Odysseus eventually returns! Knowing the ending of the Odyssey does not spoil the book; it makes it more poignant and tragic!
This quote from Melantho at the height of their relationship says it all about how they felt about each other, and about how the romance plays out:
“Perhaps that was what it meant to truly love someone—not fighting to hold them together but making them feel safe enough to fall apart. And that is what I would do for Penelope. I would let her lie, broken, in my arms for as long as she needed, keeping every sacred piece of her safe until she felt ready to put them back together again.”
The scene of Penelope and Melantho sneaking away to swim in the river Eurotas when they were children is not to be missed and will remind you of young love, and the ending of the novel is truly tragic and will have you crying, but it is truly poetic!
The pacing of the story was excellent – every time the action started to slow, it would take a new turn and everything would become exciting again.
The characters were extremely well developed, and I felt like I knew and was invested in them all. There is a cast of supporting characters who were all compelling and fleshed out. I especially liked Thratta, the Thracian handmaiden who was captured and sold into slavery, who then ended up in Penelope’s palace and performs a vital service during the novel’s climax; and I also liked Melantho’s foolish but achingly endearing brother, Melanthius.
I am a stickler for detail, and this story fits so well with the existing stories and mythology. Rosie Hewlett clearly spent a lot of time researching this book, and it has paid off! Even the smallest details fit with the stories I am familiar with, but previous knowledge of mythology is by no means a requirement to enjoy this novel. There are however, two important differences, understandable and meaningful, that were left out of the history books… and that is all I will say about that!
I look forward to reading more of Rosie Hewlett’s novels, as she is sure to be just starting a brilliant career! Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read this novel before it is published. I look forward to buying my copy when it comes out.
Want to read
October 8, 2025"A profoundly moving story of two women on the shores of Ithaca, in the shadows of a legendary war, who must face their own battle – one of sisterhood, survival, and a forbidden love that could destroy them both."
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
First ARC! I am unwell.
A beautiful story filled with friendship (and more) and love. Even Penelopes journey shocked me! I loved the idea of how stories can get twisted and retold, and only those who are experiencing it, will know of the truth. It gave me a new grasp and thought into the world of Homer, beautiful. The story of Melantho struck me many times especially, with her brother 😿 I hope to read more amazing and thoughtful books like this in the future!
May they never be forgotten.
A beautiful story filled with friendship (and more) and love. Even Penelopes journey shocked me! I loved the idea of how stories can get twisted and retold, and only those who are experiencing it, will know of the truth. It gave me a new grasp and thought into the world of Homer, beautiful. The story of Melantho struck me many times especially, with her brother 😿 I hope to read more amazing and thoughtful books like this in the future!
May they never be forgotten.
Want to read
December 3, 2025RTC
Thank you Netgalley and Bantam, Transworld Publisher from Random House UK for providing copy of this ebook. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Release date : 19 March 2026
Thank you Netgalley and Bantam, Transworld Publisher from Random House UK for providing copy of this ebook. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Release date : 19 March 2026
March 24, 2026
“And the world ceased to exist. It was just her. She was the air, the sky, the ground, the breath in my lungs, the blood in my veins.She was my beginning and my end.”
Sweetbitter Song is a quiet book, but a book that is loud in its silence, because some things are more powerful if whispered —suggested— directly into your ear. It wraps you between its arms, sometimes the soft hug from a kind lover or a mother, sometimes the forced brutal grasp from a violent man.
It is a beautiful love story, and the retelling is so perfect that you feel that it fills every space the poet men left vacant. And that’s ok —that’s good, even— because they needed to be told by a woman.
It’s a book about women, sisterhood, and love. So much love. All kinds of love. In the book Melantho mentions all the words used in Greek to talk about Love, and this book illustrates them all —and more.
It feels like a lingering kiss, just a brush of the lips that yet will remain with you for hours, maybe years. Just like that, this book stays with you, like a second skin, and leaves you with a promise to come back, with the yearning brought by this. Because yes, this book is soft and filled with yearning, the most beautiful and poetic one.
But it is also a deeply feminist book. The fact that it is told through Melantho’s POV —starting from her childhood— is powerful, her evolution, her thoughts, a great counterpart to what we can expect from brilliant Penelope and what is told in the old tales. Nothing is spared to her. She’s a slave, a girl one, and she has to suffer from her condition, her friendship with —and, later, her love for— Penelope feeling more like a mirage than a reality, something too good to be true (and how much Melantho has to say about that! How relevant it is!). Yet, between the brutality of men, of her place in the world and war, Melantho is always brought back to Penelope like pushed by the tide, and together they build some kind of utopical society that you really hope existed, and that gives you hope anyway.
Because beyond everything else it’s also a story about home, finding your place in the world, finding your people, and, finally, be free. A magnificent read that now lives rent free in my mind.
Thank you to the author and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers | Bantam for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
Sweetbitter Song is a quiet book, but a book that is loud in its silence, because some things are more powerful if whispered —suggested— directly into your ear. It wraps you between its arms, sometimes the soft hug from a kind lover or a mother, sometimes the forced brutal grasp from a violent man.
It is a beautiful love story, and the retelling is so perfect that you feel that it fills every space the poet men left vacant. And that’s ok —that’s good, even— because they needed to be told by a woman.
It’s a book about women, sisterhood, and love. So much love. All kinds of love. In the book Melantho mentions all the words used in Greek to talk about Love, and this book illustrates them all —and more.
It feels like a lingering kiss, just a brush of the lips that yet will remain with you for hours, maybe years. Just like that, this book stays with you, like a second skin, and leaves you with a promise to come back, with the yearning brought by this. Because yes, this book is soft and filled with yearning, the most beautiful and poetic one.
But it is also a deeply feminist book. The fact that it is told through Melantho’s POV —starting from her childhood— is powerful, her evolution, her thoughts, a great counterpart to what we can expect from brilliant Penelope and what is told in the old tales. Nothing is spared to her. She’s a slave, a girl one, and she has to suffer from her condition, her friendship with —and, later, her love for— Penelope feeling more like a mirage than a reality, something too good to be true (and how much Melantho has to say about that! How relevant it is!). Yet, between the brutality of men, of her place in the world and war, Melantho is always brought back to Penelope like pushed by the tide, and together they build some kind of utopical society that you really hope existed, and that gives you hope anyway.
Because beyond everything else it’s also a story about home, finding your place in the world, finding your people, and, finally, be free. A magnificent read that now lives rent free in my mind.
Thank you to the author and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers | Bantam for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
March 5, 2026
Wow…
Okay so, I really enjoyed this book. It sent me through an emotional whirlwind that I can’t even begin to explain but I’ll try my best. The premise follows Melantho, a young slave girl who befriends Princess Penelope. Together we follow their lives through heartbreak, tragedy, and love.
My heart started physically aching from the beginning. We’re thrust into the grim but very notable reality of young girls and women during Ancient Greece (and even now, who are we kidding?) I just wanted to hold Melantho and hug her.
I won’t lie, I was annoyed with both Melantho and Penelope throughout times during the book because I just couldn’t fathom why they kept doing the things they were doing. I felt like at times, Penelope was a bit shallow or calm when it came to the wrongdoings she’s enacted. I also don’t know how Melantho kept her cool, but I think this is the tragedy and love of it all.
Personally, I found their love story a beautiful one. I wish I got to see more yearning, but it’s definitely there. I’d say that they’re the definition of years passing by and wanting something that’s so close and yet you can’t do anything about it.
I enjoyed the progression of the plot. I just wish it didn’t come with so much misogyny but that’s literally how it IS, so I can’t be too mad. To be clear, I’m not mad at the author, I’m mad at the story if that makes sense. At times I had to pause and collect myself because of how angry I was on behalf of Melantho and Penelope.
Going on, Melantho was strong than me because if my brother acted the way hers did it’s be over. I think there was a lesson there, but I disliked how she kept going back to him. I understand it’s family, he was all she had left, and I do have to admire how even after all this time, she didn’t let go. It shows her true resilience and strength. I wish she didn’t have to suffer so.
Overall, I enjoyed this book at lot and finished it so fast. I was shaking towards the end, I won’t even lie, because I was so nervous. I love you lesbians and bi women and sapphics. Thank you to Rosie Hewlett, NetGalley, and Sourcebooks Landmark for an arc review of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Okay so, I really enjoyed this book. It sent me through an emotional whirlwind that I can’t even begin to explain but I’ll try my best. The premise follows Melantho, a young slave girl who befriends Princess Penelope. Together we follow their lives through heartbreak, tragedy, and love.
My heart started physically aching from the beginning. We’re thrust into the grim but very notable reality of young girls and women during Ancient Greece (and even now, who are we kidding?) I just wanted to hold Melantho and hug her.
I won’t lie, I was annoyed with both Melantho and Penelope throughout times during the book because I just couldn’t fathom why they kept doing the things they were doing. I felt like at times, Penelope was a bit shallow or calm when it came to the wrongdoings she’s enacted. I also don’t know how Melantho kept her cool, but I think this is the tragedy and love of it all.
Personally, I found their love story a beautiful one. I wish I got to see more yearning, but it’s definitely there. I’d say that they’re the definition of years passing by and wanting something that’s so close and yet you can’t do anything about it.
I enjoyed the progression of the plot. I just wish it didn’t come with so much misogyny but that’s literally how it IS, so I can’t be too mad. To be clear, I’m not mad at the author, I’m mad at the story if that makes sense. At times I had to pause and collect myself because of how angry I was on behalf of Melantho and Penelope.
Going on, Melantho was strong than me because if my brother acted the way hers did it’s be over. I think there was a lesson there, but I disliked how she kept going back to him. I understand it’s family, he was all she had left, and I do have to admire how even after all this time, she didn’t let go. It shows her true resilience and strength. I wish she didn’t have to suffer so.
Overall, I enjoyed this book at lot and finished it so fast. I was shaking towards the end, I won’t even lie, because I was so nervous. I love you lesbians and bi women and sapphics. Thank you to Rosie Hewlett, NetGalley, and Sourcebooks Landmark for an arc review of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 17, 2026
Actual rating: 4.25 stars
.
Hewlett had me sobbing by the end of Medusa, so I was so ready to be hurt in the best way by Sweetbitter Song - which sets the stage for a tragic and long tortured sapphic relationship between Penelope and one of her doomed handmaidens. While it does get off to a dark and heavy start, I was never quite sure how to hold this story. The relationship between a slave/handmaiden and a Princess turned Queen is difficult enough to approach and I think that choice brought an uneven playing field that could never quite be surmounted to make it believable to myself, regardless of Melantho’s rebellion against her status as a slave and Penelope’s status as property of her father and then Odysseus.
.
I know other readers have found the moderness of Hewlett’s retellings to allow them to be more approachable, and while Medusa still has a special place in my heart, I think the attempt to romanticize the relationship as it was fell flat. And there were several instances that felt too modern that I completely lost my immersion - Melantho asking if she was being delusional was one that sticks out sharply.
.
I did enjoy the setting and the goal of reflecting sapphic stories lost to antiquity. I also enjoyed Hewlett's discussion on the focus men have on themselves, war, and general violence. It's a distinct view that I really enjoy being unpacked by contemporary female characters. But because of how much I enjoyed and was affected by Medusa, I just had much higher hopes in having it from a more classical lens. I recognize this may not be marketable to modern audiences though. Simply put, it was good and I was entertained and devasted at the appropriate moments, but I had wanted this to be better than it was. I might not be Hewlett’s target audience anymore if this is the lens she will continue to write with. But, it’s possible she could be yours!
.
*I received an eARC from Sourcebooks Landmark & NetGalley. All opinions are my own*
.
Hisses & Kisses 🐍
.
Hewlett had me sobbing by the end of Medusa, so I was so ready to be hurt in the best way by Sweetbitter Song - which sets the stage for a tragic and long tortured sapphic relationship between Penelope and one of her doomed handmaidens. While it does get off to a dark and heavy start, I was never quite sure how to hold this story. The relationship between a slave/handmaiden and a Princess turned Queen is difficult enough to approach and I think that choice brought an uneven playing field that could never quite be surmounted to make it believable to myself, regardless of Melantho’s rebellion against her status as a slave and Penelope’s status as property of her father and then Odysseus.
.
I know other readers have found the moderness of Hewlett’s retellings to allow them to be more approachable, and while Medusa still has a special place in my heart, I think the attempt to romanticize the relationship as it was fell flat. And there were several instances that felt too modern that I completely lost my immersion - Melantho asking if she was being delusional was one that sticks out sharply.
.
I did enjoy the setting and the goal of reflecting sapphic stories lost to antiquity. I also enjoyed Hewlett's discussion on the focus men have on themselves, war, and general violence. It's a distinct view that I really enjoy being unpacked by contemporary female characters. But because of how much I enjoyed and was affected by Medusa, I just had much higher hopes in having it from a more classical lens. I recognize this may not be marketable to modern audiences though. Simply put, it was good and I was entertained and devasted at the appropriate moments, but I had wanted this to be better than it was. I might not be Hewlett’s target audience anymore if this is the lens she will continue to write with. But, it’s possible she could be yours!
.
*I received an eARC from Sourcebooks Landmark & NetGalley. All opinions are my own*
.
Hisses & Kisses 🐍
November 27, 2025
It's no secret I love Rosie’s writing but this is next level. A stunning reimagining with raw emotion, heart and hope. I am broken, moved and want to read it all over again.
Firstly I love how arguably the most famous Greek myth, a story about men and their egos, is playing out in the background as a passing reference while the real story is one of love, sacrifice, endurance and the best kind of found family in the most unlikely place. I got echoes of The Wolf Den trilogy by Elodie Harper in the way the handmaidens formed their bonds and loyalties, protecting each other and rebelling against their ownership by surviving and daring to thrive.
Also, thinking I knew how it would end, my heart was breaking for Melantho over and over again as the years went on and we drew closer to the return of Odysseus and the end of tale.
I wanted to scream at her every time she tried to save her brother from his own undoing. I wanted to protect her every time she put herself in danger. I did cry for her every time she and Penelope walked away from each other.
Rosie took Penelope’s story but by showing us through Melantho’s eyes made it more real and more ‘true’. This is the version I will forever choose to believe is the real version, sadness, heartbreak and all.
This book destroyed me and had me crying ugly tears, on a plane, on my birthday, which is the highest possible praise I can give.
The purest and most tender story of love, bitter, sweet and a whole other kind of epic. I cannot wait for a finished copy.
Thanks to NetGalley for the arc of this much anticipated book.
Firstly I love how arguably the most famous Greek myth, a story about men and their egos, is playing out in the background as a passing reference while the real story is one of love, sacrifice, endurance and the best kind of found family in the most unlikely place. I got echoes of The Wolf Den trilogy by Elodie Harper in the way the handmaidens formed their bonds and loyalties, protecting each other and rebelling against their ownership by surviving and daring to thrive.
Also, thinking I knew how it would end, my heart was breaking for Melantho over and over again as the years went on and we drew closer to the return of Odysseus and the end of tale.
I wanted to scream at her every time she tried to save her brother from his own undoing. I wanted to protect her every time she put herself in danger. I did cry for her every time she and Penelope walked away from each other.
Rosie took Penelope’s story but by showing us through Melantho’s eyes made it more real and more ‘true’. This is the version I will forever choose to believe is the real version, sadness, heartbreak and all.
This book destroyed me and had me crying ugly tears, on a plane, on my birthday, which is the highest possible praise I can give.
The purest and most tender story of love, bitter, sweet and a whole other kind of epic. I cannot wait for a finished copy.
Thanks to NetGalley for the arc of this much anticipated book.
March 13, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Transworld, Penguin Random House for sending me this ARC in return for my review. All opinions are my own.
Having read and enjoyed both of Rosie Hewlett’s Greek mythology retellings, I was very excited to read this one. It did not disappoint!
Sweetbitter Song is a retelling of The Odyssey in which Melantho and Penelope are reimagined as childhood companions. I’m not too familiar with the original story but after reading this I would love to read it.
The story was beautiful and devastating and I really found myself to be rooting for our characters. The story was told from Melantho’s POV (a character I didn’t know much about) which sometimes made Penelope feel a little bit distant but suppose that makes sense with the lines of master and slave being blurred. The forbidden love between these two made my heart ache and they both really went through it. It was beautifully written.
Honestly I hated the men in this story as well but I think they are supposed to be hated anyway.
I am looking forward to what Rosie writes next and looking forward to reading some more Greek mythology retellings this year!!
(Just wanted to add the formatting of this ARC made it a little difficult to read, there were a lot of random numbers inbetween the words)
Thank you again to NetGalley and Transworld, Penguin Random House!
Having read and enjoyed both of Rosie Hewlett’s Greek mythology retellings, I was very excited to read this one. It did not disappoint!
Sweetbitter Song is a retelling of The Odyssey in which Melantho and Penelope are reimagined as childhood companions. I’m not too familiar with the original story but after reading this I would love to read it.
The story was beautiful and devastating and I really found myself to be rooting for our characters. The story was told from Melantho’s POV (a character I didn’t know much about) which sometimes made Penelope feel a little bit distant but suppose that makes sense with the lines of master and slave being blurred. The forbidden love between these two made my heart ache and they both really went through it. It was beautifully written.
Honestly I hated the men in this story as well but I think they are supposed to be hated anyway.
I am looking forward to what Rosie writes next and looking forward to reading some more Greek mythology retellings this year!!
(Just wanted to add the formatting of this ARC made it a little difficult to read, there were a lot of random numbers inbetween the words)
Thank you again to NetGalley and Transworld, Penguin Random House!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2025
This is my second book by this author and I have to say so far Rosie’s writing is beautiful. After reading and loving Medusa recently I was so excited when this appeared in my emails.
We follow Princess Penelope and slave Melantho. After becoming friends as children they are punished for sneaking out one day to go swim in the river. Melantho feels betrayed and the girls go their separate ways. Fast forward to the future and they become reacquainted whilst Melantho is a slave in the palace and Penelope has arrived to find a man to become betrothed to. Queue a painful experience as the girls struggle with their true feelings for one another and knowing their different status’s in society means they cannot act upon those feelings.
I loved the Greek mythology inspiration in this story, it made for beautiful world building and highlighting the issues around slavery and how women were treated as lesser individuals than their male counterparts.
This is a beautifully written sapphic love story that explores pain, loss and love. There was tension, yearning and lust between our two fmcs, which pulled me in as a reader. I highly recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honey review.
We follow Princess Penelope and slave Melantho. After becoming friends as children they are punished for sneaking out one day to go swim in the river. Melantho feels betrayed and the girls go their separate ways. Fast forward to the future and they become reacquainted whilst Melantho is a slave in the palace and Penelope has arrived to find a man to become betrothed to. Queue a painful experience as the girls struggle with their true feelings for one another and knowing their different status’s in society means they cannot act upon those feelings.
I loved the Greek mythology inspiration in this story, it made for beautiful world building and highlighting the issues around slavery and how women were treated as lesser individuals than their male counterparts.
This is a beautifully written sapphic love story that explores pain, loss and love. There was tension, yearning and lust between our two fmcs, which pulled me in as a reader. I highly recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honey review.
November 20, 2025
Thank you Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC.
One of my favourite type of retellings is Greek Mythology retellings so when I saw this Sapphic retelling about Penelope and Melantho I was just hoping I get approved because this is my jam. This is told through the perspective of Melantho and how she becomes Penelope’s handmaiden. This is a slowburn sapphic love story that I think worked in a lot of ways. Nothing only do you get this really deep relationship between Penelope and Melantho but also the rest of Penelope’s handmaiden’s . Which made the lead up to the ending all the more stressful.
This is also a retelling in a similar vein to Greek Mythology retellings where the Gods were mentioned in passion but they play no active role in the story, so I would recommend being prepared for that. I do like how Melantho very much makes this her story, Odysseus be damned. There are certain plot points that where you know where he is in his journey but it’s no the focal point, it’s a passing thought and I liked that. Overall, I really enjoyed this, and know I need to read Rosie’s other book about Medea.
Sidenote: If you are a die hard EPIC: The Musical Ride or die PenelopexOdysseus tread with caution as you might not like this one.
One of my favourite type of retellings is Greek Mythology retellings so when I saw this Sapphic retelling about Penelope and Melantho I was just hoping I get approved because this is my jam. This is told through the perspective of Melantho and how she becomes Penelope’s handmaiden. This is a slowburn sapphic love story that I think worked in a lot of ways. Nothing only do you get this really deep relationship between Penelope and Melantho but also the rest of Penelope’s handmaiden’s . Which made the lead up to the ending all the more stressful.
This is also a retelling in a similar vein to Greek Mythology retellings where the Gods were mentioned in passion but they play no active role in the story, so I would recommend being prepared for that. I do like how Melantho very much makes this her story, Odysseus be damned. There are certain plot points that where you know where he is in his journey but it’s no the focal point, it’s a passing thought and I liked that. Overall, I really enjoyed this, and know I need to read Rosie’s other book about Medea.
Sidenote: If you are a die hard EPIC: The Musical Ride or die PenelopexOdysseus tread with caution as you might not like this one.
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