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scorpioangel's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
Like what other have said this would be five stars if it wasn't for the portrayal of Helen in this retelling. Loved so much of this, so really disappointed with the way Helen's story was done.
lilymj's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
the_sunken_library's review against another edition
5.0
An ingenious deconstruction of the original myth of Odysseus told from the point of view of Penelope, his long suffering and presumably faithful wife.
This amusing, sardonic and utterly modern narrative is interspersed with angry outbursts from the 12 hanged maids. The maids, like a modern Greek Chorus, interrupt Penelope's jaunt down memory lane (offering an alternative interpretation of Odysseus's adventures after the Trojan war) to suggest that Penelope is not being quite so honest. That perhaps she did sleep with those 112 suitors. That perhaps she threw the unsuspecting and devoted maids under the bus to protect her own skin. That after using and allowing the suitors to abuse them, she sacrificed them to the moon Goddess and now lives in perpetual denial of her part in their demise.
Witty, clever and utterly enthralling.
This amusing, sardonic and utterly modern narrative is interspersed with angry outbursts from the 12 hanged maids. The maids, like a modern Greek Chorus, interrupt Penelope's jaunt down memory lane (offering an alternative interpretation of Odysseus's adventures after the Trojan war) to suggest that Penelope is not being quite so honest. That perhaps she did sleep with those 112 suitors. That perhaps she threw the unsuspecting and devoted maids under the bus to protect her own skin. That after using and allowing the suitors to abuse them, she sacrificed them to the moon Goddess and now lives in perpetual denial of her part in their demise.
Witty, clever and utterly enthralling.
mulby's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Very well written and interesting to hear the events of the Odyssey from Penelope's perspective. The parts from the maids' point of view were very inventive.
rqnee's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.5
Women hating on women doesn't scream 'feminist retelling' to me..
ashley_heuser's review against another edition
3.0
After reading Circe by Margaret Miller, I felt let down by Penelopiad. I prefer a more narrative novel and this felt a little too thinky for my taste. I didn’t like how Penelope constantly slut shamed every other woman, but especially Helen. I think Atwood could have made a stronger statement by being sympathetic to Helen instead of playing into the dichotomy of the harlot or Madonna. I don’t think this book is for me, but I’m sure others will love it!
larichu's review against another edition
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I found it boring. There is a reason why we tell the stories of heroes, and that it is because people crying at their home do not make interesting stories, even if you have singing.
erinalbion's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. I liked the idea of seeing The Odyssey from Penelope's point of view, but this novel felt a little thin to me. Atwood does work in a few good points, but overall I was left wanting something more.
elsa_lectora's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
It's interesting to have a real retelling every now and then. Margaret writes beautifully and, once I put my mind into it, I finished the book in two sittings. I am a bit sad because I like the characters less in this version than in the original. The story is too short to deep into the maidens' personality and motivations. But it sparks your imagination for more.