Picture a Texas-born storyteller who weaves ancient myths into modern masterpieces—meet Costanza Casati! With her gripping novels like Clytemnestra and Babylonia, Casati has taken the literary world by storm, blending her love for ancient cultures with fierce, feminist narratives. Her unique journey from a small Italian village to global acclaim makes her a rising star in fantasy and historical fiction.
Raised in Northern Italy after her Texas childhood, Casati’s work pulses with the vibrancy of her diverse roots. Her novels don’t just retell myths—they reimagine them, giving voice to complex women often sidelined in history. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore how this dynamic author became a literary force.
The Making of Costanza Casati
Born in Texas in 1995, Costanza Casati grew up in a quaint village in Northern Italy, where her passion for storytelling took root. Surrounded by books, she was captivated by ancient Greek literature, studying it rigorously at a classical Liceo in Italy. Her academic journey continued at Queen Mary University in London, where she earned a BA in English and Film, followed by a distinguished Warwick Writing MA. These experiences shaped her ability to craft vivid, culturally rich narratives.
Before her novels, Casati honed her skills as a freelance journalist and screenwriter, even contributing to a documentary on Tintoretto that reached over a million viewers. Her early self-published work, The President Show, hinted at her bold, satirical voice, but it was her deep dive into mythology that truly defined her career.
Costanza Casati’s Unforgettable Stories
Casati’s debut novel, Clytemnestra (2023), is a fiery feminist retelling of the Spartan queen’s life. Far from the villain of ancient texts, Casati’s Clytemnestra is a fierce, multifaceted woman seeking justice in a brutal world. The novel’s lush prose and nuanced characters earned it the Glass Bell Award and a spot as an Indie Next Pick, selling into 20 territories worldwide.
Her second novel, Babylonia, transports readers to the Assyrian Empire, following Queen Semiramis in a tale of ambition and prophecy. An instant Sunday Times bestseller, it showcases Casati’s knack for blending historical depth with thrilling drama. Her earlier work, The President Show (2021), a dystopian satire, reflects her versatility, tackling modern issues like media manipulation with sharp wit.
Casati’s style is a tapestry of vivid imagery, emotional depth, and cultural authenticity. Drawing on her academic background, she reimagines ancient settings with meticulous detail, while her contemporary themes—female agency, power, and resilience—resonate with modern readers. Her stories don’t just entertain; they challenge and inspire.
Why Costanza Casati Matters
Costanza Casati is redefining mythological retellings, giving voice to women like Clytemnestra and Semiramis who history often maligned. Her feminist perspective, rooted in rigorous research, bridges ancient and modern worlds, making her work both timeless and timely. By centering complex female characters, she’s carved a niche in fantasy and historical fiction, earning praise from readers and critics alike.
Her global impact—seen in translations across 20 territories and bestseller status—signals a bright future. Casati’s ability to make ancient stories feel fresh and relevant ensures her place as a trailblazer in literature, inspiring a new generation to explore mythology through a modern lens.
- Born: 1995, Texas, USA
- Key Works: The President Show (2021), Clytemnestra (2023), Babylonia (2024)
- Awards: Glass Bell Award for Clytemnestra
- Education: Warwick Writing MA, Queen Mary University BA
Snag Clytemnestra or Babylonia and dive into Costanza Casati’s spellbinding blend of myth and modernity!