Author: Margaret AtwoodGenre: MythologyPublished: 2005Personal Rating: 1.5/5Yearly Count: 108
The Penelopiad is the retelling of The Odyssey (Homer) from Penelope's perspective. In the Odyssey, Penelope is Odysseus's wife and her cousin is Helen of Troy. Odysseus goes off to war for twenty years, then comes back and kills Penelope's 12 maids and suitors.
Blah. I went on a short road trip and thought this would be perfect (3 CDs). It was perfect - in length, but flawed in story. I like retellings from another character's perspective; however, I do not like mythology at all and this did not convince me otherwise.
I'm glad it wasn't just me. Sadly, I was unimpressed, too. I had been so excited to read it. I keep thinking about trying it again now that I've read The Odyssey and seeing if I feel any differently.
ReplyDeleteLezlie
I'm not a fan of mythology either, Joy. I think I will skip this one.
ReplyDeleteLezlie ~ You are braver than I. :)
ReplyDeleteAmy ~ That would probably be your best bet! It was difficult to get through. I suppose for those that love mythology, it would be a great read. I'm just not one of them.
Oh no Joy, nothing worse than being stuck on a road trip with a not good book to listen to. I will be skipping this one as well-doesn't sound like my cup of tea at all.
ReplyDeleteDar ~ I really think this is a genre that I will never be fond of. Thankfully it was only 3 CDs. :)
ReplyDeleteThis book didn't do much for me either, and I like mythology and re-tellings.
ReplyDeleteOh no! I'm sorry this one didn't work out for you. Do you like Atwood in general? I really like her writing but this is one that I haven't had a huge interest in reading. Hope the next one is better for you!
ReplyDeleteI do like mythology but Atwood's books are a mixed bag for me. They always sound like really fascinating stories but there's only one book of hers that I've actually read all the way through.
ReplyDeleteToo bad it didn't work out more than time-wise.
Well. I'll be skipping this one. A very to-the-point review!
ReplyDeleteWell..I have enjoyed most of the other books in this Myths series but haven't read this one yet. I do have it on request from the library though.
ReplyDeleteTerri B ~ There's comfort in your statement. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteTrish ~ I have only read one other book by Atwood - Oryx and Crake. It took me quite some time to get into the book, but once I did, I enjoyed it. I rated it a 3.5/5 (didn't care for the ending), but my thoughts included: "Atwood's writing finesse", so apparently I liked her writing ability. I truly think my dislike for this one is more of a genre-based problem versus Atwood's writing style.
Carrie K ~ Do you remember which one you read all the way through? Just curious. :)
Charley ~ LOL Ya know, even though I mean everything I post, it often sounds too harsh or too mushy. That's why I NEVER have claimed to be writer of any sort. :) These are just my thoughts - good or bad.
Marg ~ If you've enjoyed others, then you'll probably enjoy this one, too. :) I actually wish I liked all the genres that I don't care for. However, I have enough to keep me busy, so I'm not fretting over it. I'll keep an eye out for your review.
Such a shame you didn't enjoy this. I love mythology and mythical re-tellings and am really excited to get around to this (hopefully later this year). I have really enjoyed what I have read by Atwood in the past and hope I have a better experience than you have!
ReplyDeleteRhinoa ~ If you like mythology, then you will definitely have a better experience than me! :) It's just not for me.
ReplyDeleteJoy--I am with you.
ReplyDeleteMythology = Blech!
*smiles*
Kim
(page after page)
Kim ~ Your equation is quite accurate!
ReplyDelete