What I read in January 2011

[John]

Madrano wrote: "John wrote: "My January reads were:
[i snipped...]
2.The Odyssey
..."

One of the best books, if for no other reason than it is referenced so often in literature! I hope you enjoyed ..."

I sort of cheated on The Odyssey. What I read was the graphic novel that I gave my son for Christmas. I have not read The Iliad, I'm not one for reading the classics.

[Susan (aka Just My Op)]

I haven't read either The Iliad or The Odyssey, sad but true. I have a feeling they would be way over my head. Still, I should give them a try.

[Sherry (sethurner)]

I'm a big fan of The Odyssey - all that adventure, temptations, monsters, love. I love Odysseus - so strong, clever, and full of himself. Then there are the subplots, of his son Telemachus going out to find his father, and the wife Penelope, waiting so long under such awful circumstances. I think if you get started, the poetry won't be hard at all, and you'll get caught up in the story. Maybe find a good audio version.

[Susan (aka Just My Op)]

Thanks! I really should give it a try.

[Madrano]

You might also want to look closer at the translations. Newer ones sometimes seem clearer than those from the early 20th or late 19th century. At least that's been my experience. If your library (or book store) has more than one edition, find a passage & read it in all the editions, then decide.

When i first read it my daughter was studying it (& getting lost) in high school, so i joined her. She bought the Cliff Notes, which i sometimes checked, just to make sure i read what i thought i did. lol

deborah

[Susan (aka Just My Op)]

Thanks! I was looking at some of the different translations on Amazon, but if anyone has a favorite or a recommendation, I'd love to hear it.

[Sherry (sethurner)]

I like the Robt. Fitzgerald translation - that always seemed clear to me.

[Susan (aka Just My Op)]

Great! Choosing among all the translations is a little overwhelming.

[Madrano]

I'm with Sherry, when i find a Fitzgerald translation, i go for it. Once i tried reading his version side-by-side with Pope and another time with Butler. After reading Fitz, i understood the others better, but his is my go-to.

deb