pickThis retell of Homer‘s The Odyssey is a mix of poetry and prose. It‘s not quite a Halloween read, but the story is told by Penelope and the 12 maids after they are dead. They are angry at what happened to them, and they will have their say:
”we are the maids
the ones you killed
the ones you failed
we danced in air
our barre feet twitched
it was not fair …”
Loved this version about Queen Penelope of Ithaca, wife of Odysseus, where the island is really run by women.
I have an interest in mythology and own the 4 books here, someday I‘ll read all of those.
Water does not resist. Water flows. When you plunge your hand into it, all you feel is a caress. Water is not a solid wall, it will not stop you. But water always goes where it wants to go, and nothing in the end can stand against it. Water is patient. Dripping water wears away a stone. Remember that, my child. Remember you are half water. If you can't go through an obstacle, go around it. Water does.
I really like Hera's POV here!
pickI enjoyed this Greek mythology story, this time about Penelope and the island of Ithaca. She is still waiting and hoping Odyssesus is alive and will come back. It started off slow and was even contemplating to DNF it. But decided to stick at it.
so-soAnother myth retelling that made me a little sad; it talks about a woman‘s place in the ancient world as Penelope deals with her suitors. I was just disappointed because the most interesting part - Penelope creating a female army - wasn‘t mentioned as much as I‘d like. We also don‘t see the “end” - when Odysseus comes home, and we don‘t know what happens to the one kind and helpful suitor (created just for this book).
pickI really love Margaret Atwood books. It was a very short story about Penelopeia, wife of Odesseus. She tells her side of the of well known story. It could have been a very long book about Greek women's life and status and all of the history but it was good as it was.
Ps. This book was very very expensive, however it is very short. I don't know what is going on in other countries but here books getting incredible pricy.
pickFinally managed to read this after reading Claire North's Ithaca. I liked The Penelopiad slightly better, because Penelope herself tells the story, rather than Hera, and the telling is much more economical. Adding the 12 hanged maids as the Chorus is also a good addition.
