booksofbrookes 's review for:

The Odyssey by Homer

5.0

adventurous

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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Mary Wilson’s translation of The Odyssey was incredibly impressive. What stood out most was her use of 21st-century English to retell Homer’s epic. This choice made the text so much more accessible and digestible while staying faithful to the spirit of the original. I especially appreciated her note that keeping the poem in an artificially “old-sounding” English doesn’t add value, since both Old English and Modern English are just as far removed from the ancient Greek. I’m curious how it will withstand the test of time as more people read and critique it. 

Wilson’s translation is consistent yet alive with small variations in repeated imagery. For example, the recurring description of Dawn arriving with her rose-colored fingers always carried the same tone but was worded slightly differently each time. These subtle shifts kept the language fresh while honoring the rhythmic feel of Homer’s style.

As for the story itself, I was struck by how strange Odysseus is as a hero. In many ways he feels like an anti-hero—often cruel, frequently called “the city sacker,” and shockingly violent—yet the narrative still compels us to cheer for him. Penelope, however, was my favorite character. Her wit shines through, particularly in the famous weaving ruse where she unraveled her loom to outsmart the suitors. What seems like such a simple trick in hindsight highlights how easily they were deceived, and it adds a humorous edge to her intelligence.

Overall, Wilson’s translation breathes new life into The Odyssey, balancing readability with poetic resonance. It’s a version that makes the ancient story feel immediate and relevant, without losing the depth and complexity of Homer’s epic.