A review by kirkw1972
Return to Ithaca by Mary Pope Osborne

4.0

This is the fifth book in the Mary Pope Osborne's translation of Homer’s The Odyssey. Odysseus journey is nearly at an end and this book sees him finally being released from his island prison and making his way home. The story is interwoven with that of a new character Eperitus, not in the original saga but added as a best friend foil to add some more drama to the story. Eperitus blames Odysseus for the death of his wife and child but struggles with his anger towards that and his love of his best friend.

Alongside those stories is the struggle for Penelope to keep hold of the kingdom in Odysseus absence and trying to believe he is still alive and her son who at not yet 21 isn't old enough to rule

It all comes together in a thrilling fight at the end, bad guys being defeated and the promise of one more adventure for all. It's an easy read and a great way of introducing the classics not just to the younger reader but to anyone who may find the original just that bit too challenging