Ithaka

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is struggling with the emotional weight of a long absence, such as a parent's military deployment or a distant family transition. While the plot follows the classic Greek myth of Odysseus, the heart of the story remains on the island of Ithaka with those left behind. It speaks to the quiet courage required to maintain hope when a loved one is gone and the household feels under siege by outside pressures. Through the perspectives of Penelope, the nurse Eurycleia, and the young Ktimene, Adele Geras explores themes of loyalty, patience, and female agency. For readers aged 12 to 16, this is a sophisticated look at resilience and the way we construct our identities when the traditional pillars of our lives are missing. It is a perfect choice for young adults who enjoy historical fiction and want to see the emotional interior of legendary figures.