The Last Song of Penelope [Paperback]

The final book in multi-award-winning author Claire North's Songs of Penelope Trilogy, a daring reimagining that breathes life into ancient myth and gives voice to the women who stand defiant in a world ruled by ruthless men. Perfect for fans ofThe OdysseyandCirce.

North brings a powerful, fresh, and unflinching voice to ancient myth. Breathtaking. Jennifer Saint, author ofAriadne

Many years ago, Odysseus sailed to war and never returned. For twenty years his wife Penelope and the women of Ithaca have guarded the isle against suitors and rival kings. But peace cannot be kept forever, and the balance of power is about to break ...

A beggar has arrived at the Palace. Salt-crusted and ocean-battered, he is scorned by the suitorsbut Penelope recognises in him something terrible: her husband, Odysseus, returned at last. Yet this Odysseus is no hero. By returning to the island in disguise, he is not merely plotting his revenge against the suitorsvengeance that will spark a civil warbut he's testing the loyalty of his queen. Has she been faithful to him all these years? And how much blood is Odysseus willing to shed to be sure?

The song of Penelope is ending, and the song of Odysseus must ring through Ithaca's halls. But first, Penelope must use all her cunning to win a war for the fate of the island and keep her family alive, whatever the cost ...

Claire Northis a pseudonym for Catherine Webb, who wrote several novels in various genres before publishing her first major work as Claire North,The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August. It was a critically acclaimed success, receiving rave reviews and becoming a word of mouth bestseller. She has since published several hugely popular and critically acclaimed novels, won the World Fantasy Award and the John W. Campbell Memorial Award, and been shortlisted for the Arthur C. Clarke Award and the Philip K. DiclC2