Adam Nicolson

Deborah Steiner

W. H. D. Rouse

Όμηρος

The Odyssey

Writing a review of The Odyssey is tricky. It’s of course one of the oldest stories in the world, though it started as an oral story. I think the way it’s presented in this book is not ideal for reading. Much of this book is Odysseus recounting his experiences, instead of the reader seeing them happen firsthand. As an oral story, I think this would be fine and I understand that Odysseus telling his story that way is reminiscent of how the Odyssey would have originally been told. But to make it accessible for modern readers and audiences, I think it’s okay to switch it up if the basic story is untouched. I found myself skimming through most of this book; a lot of the dialogue seemed unnecessary and took away from the heart of the story. Of course, through reading myth retellings and basically just being alive and exposed to a lot of things inspired by the Odyssey, I already knew the basic story, so I felt like I wasn’t missing much from skimming.

So, I wish it was chronological but I understand this pays homage to bards..but as it is Odysseus retelling his story, he could have possibly twisted it a little. I love how myth retellings expand on this idea. I’m not sorry to say I like retellings more. The whole point is that these stories are told over and over again and often get changed.

I was impressed that Athena seems to be the real hero of the story; I didn’t realize how much of a role she played. I guess modern interpretations and books and movies based off the original want you to think the men are the real heroes and victors. She does so much to ensure Odysseus’ homecoming and I like that.

Amanda

Writing a review of The Odyssey is tricky. It’s of course one of the oldest stories in the world, though it started as an oral story. I think the way it’s presented in this book is not ideal for reading. Much of this book is Odysseus recounting his experiences, instead of the reader seeing them happen firsthand. As an oral story, I think this would be fine and I understand that Odysseus telling his story that way is reminiscent of how the Odyssey would have originally been told. But to make it accessible for modern readers and audiences, I think it’s okay to switch it up if the basic story is untouched. I found myself skimming through most of this book; a lot of the dialogue seemed unnecessary and took away from the heart of the story. Of course, through reading myth retellings and basically just being alive and exposed to a lot of things inspired by the Odyssey, I already knew the basic story, so I felt like I wasn’t missing much from skimming.

So, I wish it was chronological but I understand this pays homage to bards..but as it is Odysseus retelling his story, he could have possibly twisted it a little. I love how myth retellings expand on this idea. I’m not sorry to say I like retellings more. The whole point is that these stories are told over and over again and often get changed.

I was impressed that Athena seems to be the real hero of the story; I didn’t realize how much of a role she played. I guess modern interpretations and books and movies based off the original want you to think the men are the real heroes and victors. She does so much to ensure Odysseus’ homecoming and I like that.

The Odyssey

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