The Wanderings of Odysseus (1995)

Homer's Odyssey adapted for children. With the end of the Trojan War, Odysseus and his 12-boat crew head back to Ithaca. But they end up well off course for a good 10 years or so, encountering as the go along the one-eyed Cyclops; Aeolus, Lord of the Winds; Circe, the enchanted island; the irresistible call of the Sirens; the sea-monsters Scylla and Charybdis. When hi men slaughter and roast the cattle of Hyperion the Sun Lord, a storm wreaks havoc and destruction upon the entire crew except Odyseeues. He recovers on the island of Calypso and eventually returns to Ithaca, where, disguised as a beggar he wins back his wife Penelope in an archer contest and slays every one of the suitors who had been trying to press themselves upon Penelope during Odysseus' long absence. Twenty years total before he fianlly made it home???And those gods are sometimes too convenient and at others so unavailable.

(unknown)

Rosemary Sutcliff's retelling of the Odyssey is, like her retelling of the Iliad, illustrated by Alan Lee. It's gorgeous, just like the first book -- I love the illustration of the Sirens, and Calypso comforting Odysseus, and Ino saving him from the storm... It's lovely.

The story itself is very simple, given that it's aimed at children. It's quite lovely in its simplicity, though; it works very well alongside Alan Lee's illustrations. ( )

Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature)
As they did in their last collaboration, Black Ships Before Troy, this team has created a sumptuous version of the Odyssey. The story is all there in 100 plus pages, with illustrations on nearly every one. Readers follow Odysseus as he heads back to Ithaca and marvel at his escape from the Cyclops, Circe, and Calypso. Then when he finally returns home, he must slay his wife's suitors and prove that he really is her long awaited husband. It is a story that has thrilled thousands for many generations. It lacks nothing and is filled with intrigue, enchantment, the follies and nobility of gods, goddess, and mere mortals, and an enduring love for ones home and family. The soft watercolor illustrations bring the people and forces that stood in Odysseus' path to light and enhance the telling of the story. Added features include a pronunciation guide and a map of Odysseus' travels. 1996, Delacorte, $22.50. Ages 10 up.

I bought this because it was illustrated by Alan Lee and I had heard good things of Rosemary Sutcliff. It was thoroughly enjoyable. Especially after watching the movie, "Troy". The pictures alone would make it worth reading, since Alan Lee was so involved in the LOTR trilogy. The story was captivating, and fun to make sense of the many myths and stories I've read. ( )