Welcome to Litsy!

I started 2025 with Emily Wilson's translation of The Iliad and it just felt right to close it out with her take on The Odyssey. Sparse and precise, I love her considered choice to render the story in iambic pentameter for a modern, English-speaking audience. Her work has its fair share of detractors (rooted primarily in misogyny, let's be so for real), but I love it. New interpretations get an emphatic YES from me, and I really enjoyed this one.

It's hard to review a work with an oral tradition like The Iliad - an ancient epic poem that was once the domain of rhapsodes. My modern sensibilities considered it a slog at times, but the rage of Achilles & the ransom of Hektor still rang true after thousands of years. The glossary was very welcome & helpful with more opaque or contradictory passages, in addition to providing a good reference. It is the first epic, and it still feels that way.

👀

#classics #coffeeandabook

Like most classics I would imagine, sometimes the best way to adjust your mind to a story's setting & language is just to keep reading. An ancient work such as the Iliad demands it, I think. I'm starting to straighten a little when Homer describes Paris donning armor, or Pandaros preparing an arrow for flight. Glory and honor for sure, if it wasn't for the fickle, petty & meddling gods prolonging the conflict.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️the original hero‘s journey. I loved the beautiful language and seeing what lengths we go through to get back to home and those we love. Always loved mythology and nice to read the origin story.

With my recent acquisition of the Lombardo translations of the Iliad and Odyssey, I now have six and seven copies of each, respectively (including graphic novels). None of them are prose, either, which is my sticking point.

“Sell your house fast in Ontario! We buy homes in any condition for cash — no repairs, no realtor fees, and no waiting. Get a fair offer and close on your schedule.“

https://capitalhomebuyers.ca/sell-my-house-fast/

“We specialize in buying homes quickly for cash, providing homeowners with a fast, hassle-free way to sell. No repairs, no delays, no hidden fees—just a fair cash offer and a smooth closing process. Whether you‘re facing financial difficulties, relocating, or simply ready to move on, we make selling your property simple and stress-free.”

https://capitalhomebuyers.ca/

#WhereAreYouMonday

@Cupcake12