A review by contre_qui
The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood

dark funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This is such an interesting take on Penelope's story. It's very irreverent and tongue in cheek, and Penelope's voice is compelling and interesting. It wasn't quite what I expected - it's not like more modern myth retellings like Madeline Miller. This is a retrospective view of events from Penelope's perspective. It's already happened, she's kind of bitter about it, and she discusses what happened and how she felt. Also featured are the twelve maids hanged at the end of the Odyssey, and they make a nontraditional Greek chorus which adds a lot of texture and humor to the novel. Really interesting form overall, and I definitely recommend.
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