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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
The Odyssey was quite the journey! It is definitely easier to read than the Iliad since there is a lot more action. I read the translations by Emily Wilson and Robert Fagles at the same time, book by book, which made for a very interesting reading experience. I got to witness and explore the differences in translation, and I have to say I enjoyed Wilson's a whole lot more than Fagles'. Not only due to the lack of words like bitch and whore, but also because Wilson's translation contains less misogyny and does not shy away from using words like slave to help readers understand the ongoing power dynamics between characters. I can't wait to read Wilson's translation of the Iliad now!! Still, I cannot give this book more than 4 stars in good faith, because it took forever to read and it felt like such a chore at times lmao.
The Odyssey by Homer (translated by Emily Wilson)
I cannot explain how long it has taken me to finish this book. I started earlier this year, put it down for a while because of exams, and then have slowly been reading it over time. Despite how long it has taken me, I am so happy that I read this translation. Emily Wilson is such an excellent writer, and her version of The Odyssey is so vivid and imaginative that it both feels out-of-this-world and simultaneously grounded in Ancient Greece. The language that she uses is both accessible for modern readers whilst also being immersive in the language of the past. It has that balance that historical fiction writers look for. Wilson implements it well into her translation that makes The Odyssey feel more alive than ever.
The characters are very three-dimensional and enjoyable to read about. I really recommend reading Wilson's translation as she manages to capture the essence of The Odyssey without making it difficult to read for those who dislike the heavy language of classics. Don't be put off by how long it took me to read this, it was genuinely just a personal thing. It can definitely be read in a much quicker time. Either way, it is worth the time of day because everything about it was spectacular and beautiful. Not to mention the beauty of the book itself - maps, notes, and a layout that makes it easy to annotate if you'd like to!
I cannot explain how long it has taken me to finish this book. I started earlier this year, put it down for a while because of exams, and then have slowly been reading it over time. Despite how long it has taken me, I am so happy that I read this translation. Emily Wilson is such an excellent writer, and her version of The Odyssey is so vivid and imaginative that it both feels out-of-this-world and simultaneously grounded in Ancient Greece. The language that she uses is both accessible for modern readers whilst also being immersive in the language of the past. It has that balance that historical fiction writers look for. Wilson implements it well into her translation that makes The Odyssey feel more alive than ever.
The characters are very three-dimensional and enjoyable to read about. I really recommend reading Wilson's translation as she manages to capture the essence of The Odyssey without making it difficult to read for those who dislike the heavy language of classics. Don't be put off by how long it took me to read this, it was genuinely just a personal thing. It can definitely be read in a much quicker time. Either way, it is worth the time of day because everything about it was spectacular and beautiful. Not to mention the beauty of the book itself - maps, notes, and a layout that makes it easy to annotate if you'd like to!
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
My first major classic read of the year (major in the sense where the past books I've read are much shorter in terms of pages with less drama) & I am very happy to say that I enjoyed reading this immensely ♡ I was very intimidated to start this book initially because I haven't read any classic book as thick like this one that deals with Greek history like this so it took me a while to get used to the writing & I did get lost a few times because of it but I eventually did understand what was happening hahaha & I really did enjoy this book!! Oh the DRAMAAAAAAAA odysseus deals with from the beginning till the end...my man needs to sleep for a month straight.
One thing I did not like was the fact that there were just too many people in this book with complicated names that did nothing for the plot that I did not care enough to know of & who their father was I'm so sorry I do not give a single fuck 😔 the ending was also a bit of a cop-out? Zeus telling Athena to stop the civil war & everyone just listens? + what's with Zeus not doing anything & Athena doing everything in this book when he's the god of all gods 😭
But overall I did like the book so im excited to get my hands on a copy of The Illiad hopefully soon :3
adventurous
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
adventurous
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Honestly, I don't remember why I like this. Rereading for nostalgia purposes.... You can tell it's from an oral history the movie of this will always be better than the book.
adventurous