We want to tell the story again. For thousands of years, myths have captured imaginations, helping us to make sense of the world. Now, some of the world's leading authors have been... more
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Twelve Maids A'Hanging. Review ofThe Penelopiad: The Myth of Penelope and Odysseus - Margaret Atwoodby
nickyturnill
Advantages: An easy way to gain an understanding of Homer's Odyssey, without having to read it. Disadvantages: None.
In the past six months I have become increasingly impressed by the Canadian author Margaret Atwood. I have read a number of her books including Alias Grace and Oryx and Crake, both of which I enjoyed immensely. It was with eager anticipation, therefore, that I waited to get my hands on her latest literary offering. The Penelopiad: The Myth of Penelope and Odysseus. The Penelopiad is based on Homer's Odyssey. The Odyssey, composed of a substantial ... ...I imagine that reading the Odyssey would require some serious effort and will power. Thus reading Atwood's 150 page light hearted, shortened version definitely seemed like a better deal to me. Atwood retells the Odyssey from the perspectives of both Penelope and her twelve favourite maids in order to explain a number of 'discrepancies'. Penelope, not Odyseseus, is the main narrator and she is able to tell her story honestly and bluntly as at the ...
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28.03.2006
(29.03.2006)
The Penelopiad, Margaret Atwood Review ofThe Penelopiad: The Myth of Penelope and Odysseus - Margaret Atwoodby
RachelBuckley
Advantages: Funny and highly entertaining. Disadvantages: Like all Atwood , is a bit wordy.
The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood is based on Homers Odyssy. This however is not simply the idiots guide to Homer! Its an interesting exploration into the thoughts and feelings of Penelope (wife of Odysseus) written with her as the narrator after her murder. The voice is of a bitter woman who has not forgiven her husband for leaving her for years and years and then later having her killed - which seems understandable to me! Whats also interesting ... ...viewed as a sex symbol and steals men!
A great story, very witty and sarcastic with a decent amount of sex and scandal thrown in for good measure! Another triumph by Atwood and well worth listening to. It comes highly recommended by me and all my friends who borrowed it afterwards. ...
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The Penelopiad: The Myth of Penelope and Odysseus - Margaret Atwood
Main specs
Type: Fiction
Genre: Modern Fiction
Title: The Penelopiad: The Myth of Penelope and Odysseus
Author: Margaret Atwood
ISBN: 014400092X; 1841957259
Ciao
Listed on Ciao since : 28/03/2006
Manufacturer's product description
We want to tell the story again. For thousands of years, myths have captured imaginations, helping us to make sense of the world. Now, some of the world's leading authors have been inspired to reread and retell their favourite myths. It is backed by an international marketing and PR campaign. A national media partner is already lined up in the UK. Margaret Atwood is the bestselling author of "Oryx and Crake", which has sold over 100,000 copies. "Now that all the others have run out of air, it's my turn to do a little story-making." In Homer's account in "The Odyssey", Penelope - wife of Odysseus and cousin of the beautiful Helen of Troy - is portrayed as the quintessential faithful wife, her story a salutary lesson through the ages. Left alone for twenty years when Odysseus goes off to fight in the Trojan war after the abduction of Helen, Penelope manages, in the face of scandalous rumours, to maintain the kingdom of Ithaca, bring up her wayward son, and keep over a hundred suitors at bay, simultaneously. When Odysseus finally comes home after enduring hardships, overcoming monsters and sleeping with goddesses, he kills her suitors and - curiously - twelve of her maids.In a splendid contemporary twist to the ancient story, Margaret Atwood has chosen to give the telling of it to Penelope and to her twelve hanged Maids, asking: 'What led to the hanging of the maids, and what was Penelope really up to?'. In Atwood's' dazzling, playful retelling, the story becomes as wise and compassionate as it is haunting, and as wildly entertaining as it is disturbing. With wit and verve, drawing on the storytelling and poetic talent for which she herself is renowned, she gives Penelope new life and reality - and sets out to provide an answer to an ancient mystery.
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