The Odyssey: A Graphic Novel by Gareth Hinds
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| --Based on Homer's Epic Poem |
I know what you're thinking...how can a graphic novel version of The Odyssey count as a classic read? It can't. But when I went to the library a few weeks ago every copy of the original version was already checked out. Can you believe that? So, I was debating whether to go buy a cheap copy, or choose a different classic to read this month when I spotted this graphic novel and thought, "Why not? Might be fun."
And it was. Gareth Hinds stays true to the original story, even quoting a few passages from some of his favorite translations. And the illustrations really speed the story along, especially through some of the less exciting parts of the story. I've read The Odyssey once before (in high school), and I still intend to read the real version again (once my hold comes in at the library), but I'm not sure I like Odysseus very much. Sure he has some cool adventures--escaping the cave of Polyphemus is probably my favorite--but he's also arrogant and a little vengeful, and he ends up causing a lot of his own problems, either through his own actions, or his own inaction. And then, while his wife, Penelope, is stuck at home for seventeen years faithfully fending off suitors, he's off hooking up with Calypso and Circe. What a guy. So, I'm not a huge fan of Odysseus at the moment. But maybe he just comes across that way in this particular version. I guess I'll have to wait for the original read to decide for sure. So until my hold comes in at the library...
Happy Reading!
I had the opposite experience! I went looking for a copy of Moby-Dick and my library had five or six versions to choose from. I guess The Odyssey is more popular!
ReplyDeleteI don't find Odysseus a very likable character either. Have you ever read The Penelopiad? It's written by Margaret Atwood and tells the story from Penelope's point of view.
I haven't heard of the Penelopiad--what a great name!-- I'd be interested in reading a book from her POV. Thanks! I'll definitely look for it at the library. Right now I'm halfway through the real version of The Odyssey (and still not liking Odysseus). Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
DeleteDoesn't sound like Odysseus is a hero at all! I am still planning to plow through the original one day...I have never read it, and there are so many references to it, I figure it is worth a read. I may change my mind once I get started! Have you read the Iliad? I haven't read that one yet, either.
ReplyDeleteI have not read the Iliad, and I'm thinking I probably never will. :)
DeleteWhat a great way to read this classic. I finally listened to it a few years ago and thought it really good, but I'm not sure I would go through the whole thing again, but I would read a graphic version.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about Odysseus--clever, arrogant, but a survivor...a hero to the ancients!