You've Got Five Pages, Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati, to Tell Me You're Good.

The first chapter can make or break a reader’s engagement with a story. We as writers must craft brilliant opening pages in order to hook those picky readers, so let’s study the stories of others to see how they do it! One of my favorite BBC miniseries of all time is I, Claudius, which is based on two historical fiction novels by Robert Graves. When reading the opening pages of Costanza Casati’s debut novel Clytemnestra, I could not help but recall Claudius’ childhood from the opening chapters of Graves’ novel. The prose is vivid, but not flowery. The action is raw, but not unfeeling. Spartan princess Clytemnestra is determined to prove she can hunt as well as any Spartan boy, and she even goes to a place of death—a ravine where infant and criminal alike are thrown to their deaths—to find her prey. Casati’s choice to begin her novel with only Clytemnestra helps readers not only acquaint themselves with the Spartan mindset about life and death, but to get a clear-cut glimpse at the titular character as well. Considering the large cast list and family tree provided before the novel, this alone time with the protagonist should help readers see her shine all the more clearly when the stage is filled with supporting characters. If you are one who enjoys historical fiction of ancient times, then I feel Clytemnestra may be a worthy queen for you to meet. And what will you find in those first five pages? Let’s find out! Cheers!