An Illustrated Retelling of The Odyssey

 Homer's Odyssey: An Illustrated Retelling by Barry B. Powell; illustrations by 

Homer's Odyssey book cover

Classical scholar and author Barry B. Powell

Artist Joanna Lisowiec

Many thanks to Clarkson Potter/ten Speed Press and NetGalley for sharing an advanced copy of Homer’s Odyssey: An Illustrated Retelling by Barry B. Powell with illustrations by Joanna Lisowiec. Despite being one of the oldest surviving epics from a story that is over 2000 years old, The Odyssey remains one of the most popular tales today. It’s regularly a part of curricula from elementary through college. I’ve not only encountered this epic in grade school but also studied it in college and taught sections of the epic in classrooms. It’s one of those texts that, for me, never grows old and always has something new to offer each time I read a new translation or version of the story. Barry B. Powell has created an accessible and engaging translation with attractive woodcut illustrations by Joanna Lisowiec to highlight the adventures of Ithaca’s wily warrior king, Odysseus, as he looks to return from the Trojan War. It’s great to see a new version like this since it can appeal to younger readers (like adolescents) and others who might want to explore the original story especially as this summer sees the release of an epic big screen adaptation of the classic tale.

I read an e-text version, but I would imagine that having a hardback or paperback version with the color illustrations would be appealing. The chapters aren’t too long, and the prose is clear with enough detail and imagery to stoke readers’ imaginations. It’s not overly poetic, but Odysseus’ adventures are presented in a narrative, novel type form, which is probably more accessible for modern readers who most likely are not as familiar with this epic’s poetic form. Nevertheless, I was a little surprised (in a good way) at some of the violent descriptions of the monsters (notably the Polyphemus, the cyclops) and the battle with the suitors at the end. It’s been a while since I’ve read the entire Odyssey, but this version has some interesting descriptions of the violent battle that ensues once Odysseus reveals himself to the suitors of his wife, Penelope.

In the past, I’ve been drawn to Odysseus’ adventures journeying back from Troy and the challenges and mythical monsters and beings he encounters on his trip. This book includes those parts of the journey, but I was more aware of Telemachus’ journey to find his father and his own struggles with taking on the role of the man of the house (or kingdom in this case). I’m not sure if this book pays more attention to Telemachus’ struggles with the suitors and his own angst and doubts as he misses his father and attempts to be a good son, but it was interesting to see how much Telemachus is challenged by the suitors and their exploitation of Greek hospitality. Despite Odysseus’ 20 year absence in trying to return to Ithaca, it’s good to see that Telemachus has others within his family to fill the void and support him as he grows into his manhood. Mentor (who is actually Athena), Eumaeus, and Kings Nestor and Menelaus all play a role in helping Telemachus navigate this difficult time trying to grow up without a father. Conversely, I also don’t remember a lot about the suitors from prior readings, and this version presented some of the wickedness of the suitors and their plot against Telemachus and attempts to win over Penelope. They are presented as truly bad guys who take advantage of Penelope and Telemachus’ hospitality, only to meet their comeuppance once Odysseus returns and reveals himself.

This is a good version of a classic tale, and I would recommend it for anyone who wants to experience the classic, but in a more modern version. Furthermore, the creative and alluring woodcut illustrations by Lisowiec add to the story and readers’ understanding. Recommended!