If you’ve been following my reviews for a little while, you might remember that I mentioned a re-discovered love and appreciation for both Greek mythology and classics. This beautiful and epic story by Homer ticks both these boxes and was such a treat to read alongside some other bookstagrammers/lovers of the ancient world. I did begin The Odyssey with a slight advantage as I studied Greek Mythology briefly at school and am quite familiar with the more famous tales. However, reading it in its full form, with an excellent translation by Rieu and (as a bonus) experiencing the joy of reading the stunning Penguin clothbound classics edition made my bookworm heart even more happy. That’s not to say that you need a good knowledge basis of the story to read and understand it - not at all. I was delighted by how accessible this text was, and reading it with others made the experience even more rewarding. The Odyssey is the story of Odysseus’ ten year journey after the end of the Trojan War back to his wife, Penelope back on Ithaca. Shr meanwhile, is currently being wooed by all and sundry 😂 and finding it increasingly difficult to refuse a proposal, holding out hope that her husband will return. On his journey, Odysseus meets a myriad of characters (and terrifying monsters), is in grave peril most of the time and learns a lot more about himself and his loved ones through his trials. I already want to read this again! Should I even dare to say that I enjoyed it more than The Iliad? Yes, I think I did. I much preferred the sense of adventure and the tense, “great unknown,” to the many, many, MANY fight scenes in The Iliad, interesting though it was. I’d genuinely recommend this to anyone curious and perhaps nervous to read this book. My fears were completely unfounded and it was a thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable read. Four stars 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 #bookstagramuk #readingandreviewtime #theodyssey #homer #ancienttextsformoderntimes #reviewingbooksonthegram #greekmythologylover #tryingbooks #intimidatingbookbutsoworththeread #buddyreadswithfriends #greekmythologynow https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn5AgX0Lwq7/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
