Tuesday, April 22, 2008

The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood

Of course my book group chose a book that fit in with the Once Upon a Time 2 challenge that I didn't include on my initial list. Which is fine since I'm going to count it anyway. The Penelopiad looks at the events of The Odyssey from two points of view: Penelope and the twelve maids killed by Odysseus and Telemachus. The portions told by the maids are particulary entertaining because Margaret Atwood uses a Greek chorus type format. The story is told from Hades, which gives the opportunity for some interesting encounters. I love Margaret Atwood and this book is no exception. I really look forward to rereading The Odyssey at some point to see how this interpretation may change my viewpoint.

2 comments:

Carl V. Anderson said...

Between last year's challenge and this one I think this is one of the most read books. I need to pick up a copy!

wonderlandchick said...

It's not my favorite Atwood, but it's an interesting read. I guess it's part of a group of books based on myths. I'd like to check out some of the others.