The Penelopiad: The Myth of Penelope and Odysseus (Myths)
 

The Penelopiad: The Myth of Penelope and Odysseus (Myths) (Myths)

by Margaret Atwood


“Homer’s Odyssey is not the only version of the story. Mythic material was originally oral, and also local -- a myth would be told one way in one place and quite differently in another. I have drawn on material other than the Odyssey, especially for the details of Penelope’s parentage, her early life and marriage, and the scandalous rumors circulating about her.... (read more)

Top tags: mythologyfictionfeminismliteraturehistorical fiction (all tags)

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Most Helpful Reviews

Liked It

1 of 1 members found this review helpful.
NinaC
  • Rated 4 stars

Pretty much classic Atwood, her dry, mildly sarcastic tone throughout the retelling of the Odyssey. She puts a feminist perspective on a tradionally chauvinisitic tale, almost undermining the famed Greek heros. It's a good, quick read, but by the time you start feeling engrossed in Penelope's character the story is over.

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Didn’t Like It

1 of 1 members found this review helpful.
Chantelle B
  • Rated 2 stars

Intrigued by greek mythology. Light read. Found songs/poems somewhat disjointed from book. Loved how she casually referred to the Gods as if they exist without questions and how your soul lives on forever in many afterlives.

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Community:
  • Rated 3.685185 stars
Amazon:
  • Rated 4.5 stars
 

Newest Comments

  • Melissa R

    melissa r said:

    I quite enjoyed this story. I love the telling of what might have happened to Penelope while she waited for Odysseus to come bac from his 20 year journey. Why did Odysseus kill the 12 maids? It is true, it is quite haunting and disturbing. The suitors you can understand, but the maids?

    posted Sunday, April 20 2008
  • EmilyRuth78

    emilyruth78 said:

    A compelling read. It's an interesting take on The Odyssey, and garners a great deal of sympathy for Penelope, and reimagines her legendary patience into a realistic situation.

    posted Thursday, July 12 2007
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