The Odyssey: A Dramatic Retelling of Homer's Epic
by Simon Armitage
On This Page
Description
A high-ranking government minister with a colourful past is sent on a diplomatic mission to Istanbul. When his trip ends up in a bar-room brawl, he becomes Europe's most wanted man overnight. Chased by the authorities, damned by religious leaders, pursued by those looking for vengeance and head-hunted by fanatics, his odyssey begins. Plunged into the ancient past, Odysseus must now contend with all the unworldly beings and unnatural phenomena that stand in his way. The Cyclops, the Sirens, show more witches, whirlpools and flesh-eating armies must all be overcome in the struggle for survival and the long voyage back home. show lessTags
Recommendations
Member Reviews
Armitage's "Odyssey" is funny, exciting, much shorter than Homer's original, but most importantly--it's accessible to anyone, regardless of your exposure to the classic Greek epic poems. Originally written as a radio play, "The Odyssey, A Dramatic Retelling" brings the reader into the wonderful adventure tale of Odysseus's ten year struggle to reach his home, his wife, and his son after a decade fighting in the Trojan war. Filled with humor, kindness, tragedy, passion and reunion, this delightful book will leave any reader with an appreciation of the classic story, and maybe even a desire to read the original poem. Highly recommended!
Absolutely brilliant adaptation. It does leave out the bulk of the Telemachiad, and though I missed it, it didn't feel like a gap at all. Some will scoff at the modern idiomatic phrases, I'm sure, but I think it's just brilliant.
This dramatisation of the Homeric story of the prolonged homeward journey of Odysseus after the seige of Troy was commissioned by the BBC and broadcast in 2004. It is published by Faber as Poetry, which given the author seems fair enough, although, in truth, the reader would hardly notice that it was. The tale is written as dialogue, sometimes with Odysseus relating the story to Nausicaa and the other Phaeacians, sometimes as a dramatisation of a particular part of the adventure. The language is 21st C. British English with a distinct hint of Armitage's Yorkshire roots (e.g. the word ' mithered' is used).
All the familiar episodes from the voyage are covered and the story moves along at a cracking pace. With no descriptive writing, show more someone (Is there anyone?) new to the myth might feel they were missing something but the format works and is well suited to be read aloud.
In his preface, Armitage stated that, although written as a radio script it was always at the back of his mind that it was "Not just something to be performed, but something to read. A book, in fact." show less
All the familiar episodes from the voyage are covered and the story moves along at a cracking pace. With no descriptive writing, show more someone (Is there anyone?) new to the myth might feel they were missing something but the format works and is well suited to be read aloud.
In his preface, Armitage stated that, although written as a radio script it was always at the back of his mind that it was "Not just something to be performed, but something to read. A book, in fact." show less
Ratings
Members
- Recently Added By
Lists
Greatest Books
40 works; 3 members
The wanderings of Odysseus
61 works; 6 members
Author Information
83+ Works 3,647 Members
Simon Armitage has published ten volumes of poetry, including his translation of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. He lives in Yorkshire, England, is a professor of poetry at the University of Sheffield, and in 2010 was awarded the CBE for services to poetry.
All Editions
Awards and Honors
Awards
Work Relationships
Is an adaptation of
The Odyssey by Homer
Common Knowledge
- Canonical title
- The Odyssey: A Dramatic Retelling of Homer's Epic
- Original publication date
- 2004-01-01
- Important events
- Trojan War
- Epigraph
- Remind us, Muse, of that man of many means,
sent spinning the length and breadth of the map
after bringing the towers of Troy to their knees;
of the lessons he learned in the cities of great minds,
and the ... (show all)heartbreak he suffered, roaming the seas
to land his shipmates and salvage his life.
But for all the torture and grief he sustained
his comrades were lost; heedless fools,
they gorged on the flesh of the Cattle of the Sun.
In turn, the God of the Sun made death their domain.
Muse, daughter of Memory and Zeus,
where to start this story is yours to choose. - First words
- Twenty years have passed since Odysseus sailed away to wage war against the Trojans, leaving behind his beloved wife, Penelope, and Telemachus, their infant son. (introduction)
A council of the Gods. A dozen or so voices are chattering amongst themselves. - Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)Thunder reverberates over Ithaca.
- Blurbers
- Collins, Billy; Barnstone, Willis
- Original language
- English
Classifications
Statistics
- Members
- 188
- Popularity
- 173,563
- Reviews
- 3
- Rating
- (3.93)
- Languages
- English
- Media
- Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 9
- ASINs
- 3
