Sweetbitter Song

“Rosie Hewlett has an unparalleled gift for immersing readers in the ancient world described so vividly in her novels. Sweetbitter Song breathes new life into the story of Penelope, long-suffering wife of Odysseus, seen here through the eyes of her slave Melantho. Melantho is determined, fiery, passionate and oh-so-human, and like Penelope, readers will be unable to help falling in love with her.” – Laura Shepperson“To say Sweetbitter Song is an excellent addition to Hewlett’s already mighty work as a mythologist and writer is an understatement. This book does everything I deeply desire from a sapphic myth retelling, it is elegantly tender and brutally beautiful to the point where the prose is lyrical…The fury, the power, the cadence of this story will stay with me for years to come - this book does what Song of Achilles did with stunning language and I applaud Hewlett for adding such a crucial and powerful book to the reclamation of women’s stories in myth. Sappho herself would be proud.” – Nikita Gill, author of Hekate“Sweetbitter Song is an epic story of love against the odds that gives voice to those often overlooked. In Melantho and Penelope, Rosie Hewlett has created characters who will remain with the reader long after the book is finished. ” – Elizabeth Lee, author of Cunning Women “This book is equal parts visceral and haunting […] A thrilling, gut-wrenching tale of grief, love, womanhood and bravery. Outstanding.” – Hazel McBride, Sunday Times bestselling author of A Fate Forged in Fire“With lyrical writing and deep empathy, Hewlett reimagines the overlooked figures of the Odyssey in a stunning tale of defiance, integrity and enduring love. Crafted with complexity and woven with reverent yearning, this is a story that lingers long after the final page. ” – Kika Hatzopoulou, Sunday Times bestselling author of Threads That Bind“Sweetbitter Song is an extraordinary book. From the very first page the reader is plunged into another world, one that is both riveting and beautifully realized. I fell completely in love with Melantho and Penelope, whose intelligence, ferocity and humanity shine through all their joys and suffering. This is a truly original take on The Odyssey, comparable to Madeline Miller’s reimagining of the Iliad in Song of Achilles - never less than brilliant in its inventive, intelligent conversation with the source.” – Elodie Harper, bestselling author of The Wolf Den“An exquisitely heart-rending novel, lyrically told and utterly addictive. Melantho, a fierce and dazzling protagonist, rises from the shadows of mythology to command her own story - one that is original and beautifully crafted. This is Rosie Hewlett’s masterpiece.” –Jennifer Saint, #1 internationally bestselling author of Ariadne and Hera

Rosie Hewlett holds a First Class Honours degree in Classical Literature and Civilisation from the University of Birmingham. Her academic pursuits focused on a deep study of Greek mythology, fostering a passion for uncovering strong female voices within the classical world. Rosie currently works in the film industry, where she brings stories to life through a different medium. Her debut novel, Medusa, was self-published and received the Rubery Book of the Year award in 2021.