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