Scan barcode
A review by cophoff
Gilgamesh the Hero by Geraldine McCaughrean
5.0
When studying ancient civilizations with my son I wanted to him to experience oral or written traditions from each. Gilgamesh, from ancient Mesopotamia, is one of the oldest and most intriguing epics and I considered its inclusion very important, but much of the original tale is questionable reading material for young children (mainly for sex and violence). I selected this version for my son because it was a highly recommended adaptation for his reading level and maturity, and neither of us was disappointed. McCaughrean retains enough of the original's clipped style to make it sound like what it is, but adds enough vibrant tone to make it friendly reading for an older child, and the illustrations enliven without detracting.
There will be many ways to record and translate a story as ancient as this one, and rarely will all readers be happy with the product. It's true that a lot of the story has been tweaked in order to make it age appropriate, but I find this a necessary injury, not a death knell. Adults may find this version dry, and if you're looking for an easy-to read adaptation of the full epic, this is not it, but if you're looking for a version that is well adapted for an older child to read, this will do nicely.
There will be many ways to record and translate a story as ancient as this one, and rarely will all readers be happy with the product. It's true that a lot of the story has been tweaked in order to make it age appropriate, but I find this a necessary injury, not a death knell. Adults may find this version dry, and if you're looking for an easy-to read adaptation of the full epic, this is not it, but if you're looking for a version that is well adapted for an older child to read, this will do nicely.