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

Penelopiad : The Myth of Penelope and Odysseus (Myths)
Penelopiad The Myth of Penelope and Odysseus - Myths
Author: Margaret Atwood
ISBN-13: 9781841957173
ISBN-10: 1841957178
Publication Date: 10/5/2005
Pages: 192
Rating:
  • Currently 3.6/5 Stars.
 25

3.6 stars, based on 25 ratings
Publisher: Canongate U.S.
Book Type: Hardcover
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

2 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

reviewed Penelopiad : The Myth of Penelope and Odysseus (Myths) on + 186 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Atwood is wonderful in this book, creating a Penelope that scoffs at epic tradition.
duplica123 avatar reviewed Penelopiad : The Myth of Penelope and Odysseus (Myths) on + 150 more book reviews
This is an interesting look at what Penelope's side of the story might have been. I liked her personality and the author's frank way of writing. Using the 12 hanged maidens as the chorus and the variations (burlesque, a courtroom, a lecture, etc.) of how the chorus presents the story was really creative.

I was somewhat disappointed, however, because there really wasn't a well defined reason Atwood gave for the maidens' deaths. I also didn't really see what Penelope means when she says in the very beginning that she believed Odysseus's lies to her - what lies did he tell her that were any different than the ones he told the world?

An interesting, quick read that gives greater life to a woman who has been held up throughout mythology as the ideal wife and balance to a great hero.