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A review by theportalmaster
The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood
medium-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
3.0
I’m torn and unsure of how I feel or what to say. Firstly it’s important to note that I really enjoyed the writing style and pace. It went smoothly. Secondly, while I love original Penelope for her smart thinking and willpower, I’m not sure how I feel about her in this book. Frankly I never saw Penelope as being faithful to her husband as most seem to rather than a woman trying to not get married again and live in peace on her own. The faithfulness was just a farce and more believable excuse for the time, imo. I thought this book would take the same path. It wasn’t the case.
Despite that, in this book we don’t see any of Penelope’s wit and wisdom (shown in the original Odyssey and claimed by this Penelope to have), but maybe that’s the point. Idk. She is the main character who acts as a side kick if that makes any sense. She just takes every order and rolls with it, even by some people she has supposed power/title-given authority on. Like letting others raise her son as they please, even when she disagrees. She never seemed to put up even the most minimalistic of fights. She always disagrees in silence, in her own head, and harbors negatives feelings about it (obviously). Oh and also, the women in this book are so belittling and hateful towards each other, sometimes for no reason whatsoever, which is why I’m not sure of my feelings. There’s not a single female cousin that you don’t hate Penelope, we get it! Same for you Helene, Odyssey’s mom, Odyssey’s nurse, all of you girls, we get it. None of you likes each other.
Last but not least, Odyssey. I have always loved his adventures but never understood why the fuck he left again so soon? Couldn’t you chill a little longer after the massacres that happened in the palace and the trauma everyone endured waiting for you? Yea yea, adventurous spirit and all that, but you got responsibilities too. Feels like this author also has some very negative feelings towards him because this book? Oh my, this book doesn’t spare him at all. Quick. Think of a bad trait. Yea, whatever crossed your mind, this book’s Odyssey probably got that LOL
Now I know this review is all over the place but I’m not submitting an assignment so be nice. Maybe I’ll rephrase it better in the near future.
Despite that, in this book we don’t see any of Penelope’s wit and wisdom (shown in the original Odyssey and claimed by this Penelope to have), but maybe that’s the point. Idk. She is the main character who acts as a side kick if that makes any sense. She just takes every order and rolls with it, even by some people she has supposed power/title-given authority on. Like letting others raise her son as they please, even when she disagrees. She never seemed to put up even the most minimalistic of fights. She always disagrees in silence, in her own head, and harbors negatives feelings about it (obviously). Oh and also, the women in this book are so belittling and hateful towards each other, sometimes for no reason whatsoever, which is why I’m not sure of my feelings. There’s not a single female cousin that you don’t hate Penelope, we get it! Same for you Helene, Odyssey’s mom, Odyssey’s nurse, all of you girls, we get it. None of you likes each other.
Last but not least, Odyssey. I have always loved his adventures but never understood why the fuck he left again so soon? Couldn’t you chill a little longer after the massacres that happened in the palace and the trauma everyone endured waiting for you? Yea yea, adventurous spirit and all that, but you got responsibilities too. Feels like this author also has some very negative feelings towards him because this book? Oh my, this book doesn’t spare him at all. Quick. Think of a bad trait. Yea, whatever crossed your mind, this book’s Odyssey probably got that LOL
Now I know this review is all over the place but I’m not submitting an assignment so be nice. Maybe I’ll rephrase it better in the near future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Murder, Slavery, Rape, Sexism, and Death