Bullet Point Book Review: The Odyssey by Homer, Translated by Stephen Mitchell

Need to leave for work in five minutes
It’s a classic, v. famous book and for a reason
exciting and fun adventures
very bloody
scene nr end where Odysseus kills all Penelope’s suitors very reminiscent of We Need To Talk About Kevin – man w/ bow and arrow in a locked room killing ppl
lots of famous scenes recounted in a strange way
structure odd – starts years after the beginning and earlier events are anecdotalised flashbacks performed as epic poems w/in the text
lots of references to poetry
great to see these famous myths and characters in original setting
cannot comment on Mitchell’s translation as haven’t read any others
liked violence. gory details
bit where, after massacre of suitors, his old nursemaid enters room and sees Odysseus covered from head to foot in thick black blood and she weeps w/ happiness at his return. Funny.
even tho aware of most events, most events SO FAMOUS, still a reasonably gripping read
despite much repetition and most characters not developed at all, enjoyable
would recommend? if you’re interested in idea of reading it, I wouldn’t give up
Odysseus as trickster, charmer, vocalised hero. good for a weakling like me. even tho he is also strong.

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