Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark (March 17th, 2026)
Genre: Historical Fiction
Perfect for fans of The Song of Achilles and from the award-winning author of The Witch of Colchis comes 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.
One summer night, within the palace of Sparta, a young slave girl stumbles across a grey-eyed princess. Despite living worlds apart, Melantho and Penelope are instantly drawn to one another, and a powerful friendship blossoms. But the Spartan royals do not approve of this bond, and soon Melantho and Penelope find themselves viciously torn apart, their trust irreparably shattered.
Years later, their paths cross once again upon the rocky shores of Ithaca, where Melantho is sent to serve Princess Penelope and her new husband, Prince Odysseus. Embittered by life as a slave, Melantho is determined to keep her distance. But, once again, the two women find themselves drawn to one other, pulled by the echo of their friendship, and something far stronger they are too afraid to name.
When war blazes across Greece, Odysseus and the men of Ithaca are driven to foreign lands. In their absence, Melantho finds a new world opening up before her – one where women rule, where family can be found, and where a forbidden love is finally given the space to bloom.
A profound tale of love, identity and defiance, Sweetbitter Song tells a story forgotten by history. One of bravery and hope, celebrating two women who fought to protect their love from a world that tried to deny its very existence.
Author's Site
A retelling of the story of Penelope as you've never seen it before. And when I say "never seen it before", I really mean that. Our main character is Melantho, a slave girl at the royal palace who rapidly falls in love with princess Penelope, something which the royal family really doesn't like. The two form a strong bond. But soon, Penelope is wed to Odysseus, and Melantho comes along to be her handmaiden. Then, of course, as the story goes, Helen is taken, the Trojan War begins, Odysseus leaves, and even though for a while all is fine, soon the suitors start to arrive. How will the two balance their hearts with the social norms of their time while dealing with pressures, both external and internal?
This one was a bit of a jolt to my system when I started to read it, but in a good way. Odysseus's depiction in this one, in particular, is far, far darker than in most other works, from the Odyssey itself to modern portrayals in things like Epic the Musical. This makes a lot of sense, though, with balancing the traditional fate of Melantho with her character here. And the writing is so gorgeous: lyrical, effective, unique, telling a story that's really interesting, I mean REALLY interesting, very, very well. Would definitely recommend this one.
Thanks so much to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for the E-ARC!
5 STARS!
Until Next Time,
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