The greatest long poem of the past 100 years. This book is a masterpiece, a Caribbean epic poem that follows classical models. A fine, fine poem that reads surprisingly quickly. ( )

An English language epic poem that retells the Iliad as set in twentieth century St. Lucia.

Omeros is an epic poem, loosely modeled on The Odyssey. Set in the Caribbean, its main characters are a collection of fishermen, a mysteriously beautiful woman named Helen, and a retired English major and his wife. The book jacket described a scene where one of the fishermen is transported to his ancestral African village. The led me to believe his journey was a central element of the story, but this was just one of many vignettes in this book.

Having enjoyed The Odyssey, I really wanted to like Omeros, too. However, the story didn't "flow"; it seemed to dart all over the place, with some sections set in the Caribbean, and others in London and America. I couldn't find the "glue" that made it all hang together. Significant events, like the death of an important character, were told in such a way that I had to re-read the passage to "get it." However, the story of the major and his wife, living out their final years on the island, was most poignant. Some passages in this work were quite lyrical, and I enjoyed the rhythmic language. However, my overall impression was less than positive. ( )

I read this quickly and didn't really understand what was going on. I appreciated the music of the language. I'm sure if I had put more into it I would have got more out of it. ( )

This is a rich and wonderful epic journey into the history and psyche of the Caribbean and American experience. The poetry weaves its way into the soul of anyone who is willing to listen to its music. http://faculty.mccfl.edu/jonesj/lit20... ( )