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A review by rafdee13
The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood
dark
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I'm not sure how I feel about this book.
On the one hand, Atwood clearly illustrates the terrible position of women in Greek society, while also marking the difference class makes in how that misogyny is experienced. Penelope has certain expectations and roles placed on her as a noble woman, while the enslaved girls and maids have absolutely no role. They are nothing. They are the background fodder of Greek society, keeping it running while endlessly suffering under it. The 12 maids may have been killed by Odysseus's order, but it was clear from the beginning that their fate was sealed form the beginning. The chorus was a fantastic way to rebuttal Penelope, and was very effective in the audiobook.
On the other hand, I'm not sure whether to take Penelope's searing resentment of Helen as a character flaw, maybe an analysis of the madonna/whore complex and the way women are pitted against each other when shoved into it. Or instead just what it is on the surface: genuine hatred of Helen, and women like her. The weird interludes talking about the modern world were jarring, especially when taking the first person pov into account. Honestly reminded me of some deviantart fanficiton I've read before. Just...why, sometimes.
On the one hand, Atwood clearly illustrates the terrible position of women in Greek society, while also marking the difference class makes in how that misogyny is experienced. Penelope has certain expectations and roles placed on her as a noble woman, while the enslaved girls and maids have absolutely no role. They are nothing. They are the background fodder of Greek society, keeping it running while endlessly suffering under it. The 12 maids may have been killed by Odysseus's order, but it was clear from the beginning that their fate was sealed form the beginning. The chorus was a fantastic way to rebuttal Penelope, and was very effective in the audiobook.
On the other hand, I'm not sure whether to take Penelope's searing resentment of Helen as a character flaw, maybe an analysis of the madonna/whore complex and the way women are pitted against each other when shoved into it. Or instead just what it is on the surface: genuine hatred of Helen, and women like her. The weird interludes talking about the modern world were jarring, especially when taking the first person pov into account. Honestly reminded me of some deviantart fanficiton I've read before. Just...why, sometimes.