Not Much Going On Here

 

Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati

The characters in this novel come from Greek mythology. They are familiar figures from the Iliad, the Odyssey, and ancient Greek drama, as well as various modern reprises. Author Costanza Casati has recreated this drama as fiction about a family who embody what I see as completely modern self-awareness. Despite their modern outlook, they live in the ancient Greek world that has just suffered through the Trojan War. This treatment has good points, like the way she creates character development. It has weak points, like the excessive detail, which makes it a somewhat tedious read all together. 

The food references are disappointing. Example: “ There are no nobles and warriors tonight, only Clytemnestra’s family, and the servants set out bowls of pears and apples, cheese and nuts.” (p. 112)

From our trip to the Greek islands last summer:
a vase with images that relate to the Trojan War.

A temple from the era of Clytemnestra from our trip last summer: the ancient Greek Temple of Posidon at Soumion. Picky note: the columns of that era, as shown here, are Doric columns. On the cover of the book the columns are Corinthian: an anachronism. But I guess that the book is full of anachronisms.

A Brief Weather Reprieve

What do you do in a Michigan thaw? You try to get the salt and mud off your car.

It’s still a bit cold and messy for outdoor sports, but we have the Olympics.

We drove out into the rather desolate countryside. No signs of spring here.
The town of Dixboro, founded in 1824, has one or two old buildings.

Right now, I’m cooking a stew for this evening. I still love my crockpot, and haven’t replaced it.

Blog post and photos © 2026 mae sander.