Telemachos
by Michael Köhlmeier
On This Page
Description
Kohlmeier's novel weaves together in highly original fashion two different literary traditions: Homeric epic and the German Bildungsroman or developmental novel. Its action rests on a framework suggested by Books One to Four of the Odyssey, the section called the Telemachy. This is the basis for a novel of universal proportions, spanning Western history from its origins as described in Greek creation myth to the present day.Modern Telemachos, son of Odysseus, is here a normal, intelligent, show more sensitive youth with a girlfriend, an uneasy relationship with his mother Penelope, and the uncomfortable burden of responsibility to the inheritance of a heroic father. The goddess Athene has little success in her efforts to transform him into a warrior hero. They founder on his modern, very human sensibility.We are dealing with a stable, luxuriant fabric composed of stories and history, with a matted flying carpet over time and space. show lessTags
Recommendations
Member Reviews
Members
- Recently Added By
Lists
The wanderings of Odysseus
61 works; 6 members
Author Information
87+ Works 1,390 Members
Awards and Honors
Awards
Work Relationships
Was inspired by
The Odyssey by Homer
Common Knowledge
- Canonical title
- Telemachos
- Original publication date
- 1995
Classifications
Statistics
- Members
- 38
- Popularity
- 762,983
- Rating
- (3.33)
- Languages
- English, German
- Media
- Paper
- ISBNs
- 4
